Where have we been???!!

Sorry for the lack of posts -- we have had a BUSY last few weeks and there has not been time. In mid-February we were beseiged by ice storms, which made getting around very tricky! Nonetheless, school was open on Valentine's Day and Mom was able to help decorate and run the Moo's Valentine's Day Friendship party at her school. The pictures above show the kids helping their teacher to make Friendship Fizz -- within seconds of drinking it the kids all declared themselves to feel much more friendly than they did before!

Most exciting, though, we had a visit from Granpa D and Grandma L!! Grandpa D had his official retirement ceremony on Wed, 20 Feb, and mom got to attend (Dad wanted to but the Moo was too sick to go to school so he very graciously stayed home with her). It was a wonderful ceremony filled with an astounding number of people saying wonderful things about Grandpa and Grandma, who although she officially had to resign was treated as a retiree as well. Grandpa also received a coveted distinguished service medal, which made Grandma cry!!

After the ceremony we came home and prepared for Grandpa and Grandma's retirement dinner at Lightfoot restaurant. The highlight of the night was when Aunts T and B surprised Grandpa by showing up (thanks to weeks of plotting by mom, Grandma, and the two aunts in question). It seemed to make Grandpa's night, and it was GREAT to see all of the people who came out to wish them both well in their retirement!

Immediately on the heels of that excitement I was off to Syracuse on a recruiting trip. I just got back last night, and although it was a fun experience, if they want me to recruit in Syracuse again it will NOT be in February--brrrrrr. The campus was beautiful though and I really enjoyed meeting some eager and enthusiastic young grad students (although it made me feel very old). I am hoping that one or two of the more promising ones will end up coming on board!

That's all for now as the Bean and I have to go and cover lunch for the Moo's teacher. Dad is going to spend soem time with Grandpa S tonight -- Grandpa S is not feeling too well and we hope that things get better soon. The girls have been saying special prayers for his recovery. Thanks to all for their well wishes on my 37th birthday (yikes -- 40 is staring me right in the face!!)