Happy Birthday Rocky...

Did you know that goldfish can live between 10-30 years? This is a little known fact that I wish that I had known 3 years ago when Abe picked out our pet goldfish, Rocky. We let Abe pick any fish that he wanted from Walmart (we guided him to the $1.94 kind) and a small one gallon filter tank. When we asked Abe what we should name the fish, he proclaimed "rock" (one of his few words and in reference to the small ones on the bottom of the tank as well as one from outside that made it in the aquarium decor) and thus we added Rocky to our family.

I was not a proponent of fish tank, so Steve agreed that he would take care of the it's maintenance. Now that Abe is old enough to understand the idea of caring for a pet, this is Abe's new responsibility. He makes sure that he is fed before he eats and lets me know when the water is not clean enough.

We have yet to decide what we are going to do with out beloved goldfish when we move. If it were up to Steve, we would smuggle him into our baggage and if it were up to me, he would meet the fish in the ocean on a direct route out through the plumbing in our house.

Today's Project

Today was absolutely beautiful outside! The hot and humid summer weather finally let up just enough to allow us to refinish our patio. We refinished the 20 year old concrete with epoxy garage floor paint. We are really excited about the result.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

On Thursday, I took the kids downtown to get a glimpse of the sights and to the Air and Space Museum. There is no better museum to take a 12 and 3 year old. Old planes, rockets, astronaut suits and plenty of other exhibits to keep everyone busy for hours. Abe and Arne really loved it. As some of you have visited recently might remember, I had taken a long needed break from this museum because we would go EVERYTIME that we would have visitors. There are so many historical sights in DC and Northern Virginia that it seem silly to take guests to the same sights over and over (minus the monuments, as they are a must-see). It was nice to go back. I had forgotten how many interesting exhibits there are and since they recently closed the American History Museum for renovation, they moved the most interesting exhibits right next door to the A&S. It took on new life this time... it may have been my own 3-year-old's interest. And for those of you who will visit before we leave, I will gladly take you back.

A Pirate's Duel

My little brother Arne came to visit us for a couple of days this weekend from Ottawa Canada. He is such a wonderful boy. He was polite, kind and extremely helpful. Abe immediately took to him. They were wrestling within hours and spent most of the first night "Battling". They found edges from a picture frame that turned into swords (it seems that just about everything in our house has been turned into one type of weapon or another) and began dashing around the housing making pirate calls. The next thing that I know, Abe runs to me wearing Arne's motorcycle cap. It was hysterical! I think that they really enjoyed each others' company. It is too bad that we live so far away. Arne really is a great kid. We miss him already!

Mitt Romney '08

I just can't help but feel better about the state of the nation when I listen to Mitt Romney talk about the issues. Is it my shared opinion on the importance of family values? I would like to say that it has nothing to do with our religion, as he is accomplished, prepared and charismatic. It is hard to tell. The historic Straw Poll in Ames, Iowa is on Saturday. If my own life was not so busy at the moment, I might even consider helping in the campaign effort. In my opinion, I don't think that any other candidate is even a close second...