Squaaaaat

My girls both do this and say, "Squaaaat" and then laugh.

I don't know why. 

We're back from the hospital

That's right, none of you actually knew we were at the hospital. And as we always hope these things will end, everything is fine now and we're home.

After 60 hours of vomitting, we decided we had to take Aspen to the doctor today and Dr. Rauth decided we ought to head down to the ER. 6 hours later Vanderbilt Children's Hospital had taken fantastic care of us, Aspen was rehydrated, and the doctors agreed that it was time to head home.

Aspen was phenomenal throughout. We're greatful to the hospital and the doctors, and we're happy to be home!

Sick Family, Good Game

OK. My family has been sick in general, and it's hit Aspen in particular. The poor girl started throwing up fully 50 hours ago and has yet to stop. (Yes, we've called the doctor.)

Tonight, I was at the Predators' first playoff game. Jenn, Oakley, and Aspen were watching the game at home. It was time for Oakley to go to bed, so Jenn said to Aspen, "If you need anything or if something happens, you call for me." Well, moments after Jenn went upstairs, Aspen started calling out... "Mommy! Mommy!". On Jenn's speedy return, Aspen said, "Mommy, the Predators scored!"

So, thanks to the Preds for a solid victory and thanks to Aspen for being tough and committed!

3 trees

OK, so Oakley is right smack in the midst of teh ever popular fake smile stage. But they're still cute. 

Happy Easter!

It's not a perfect picture, but at least we were all able to find some nice clothes for Easter Sunday. Happy Easter! 

5 pieces of money

Yes. We shelter our children. The Reg gave the girls 5 dollars when he was here. The girls know so little about money that these are referred to simply as "five pieces of money". 

Aspen and Ryan

Aspen and Ryan, pictured at their preschool Easter Egg hunt. Even this year, Aspen absolutely adored hiding and searching for eggs. 

"Try out"

Aspen and Jenn were riding to church tonight in the car by themselves. Aspen allowed as how she was really looking forward to her dance show that's coming in a couple of weeks. Jenn asked why.

Well, it turns out that Aspen really likes "shows". When asked why, she explained that she really likes to be on stage. Jenn and then talked about the different ways you can be on stage... dancing, singing, or plays. Lindsay, who has babysat for the girls, was recently in Into the Woods at the local high school and Aspen got to see the show. Aspen, of course, wanted to know how Lindsay got to be Little Red Riding Hood. Jenn explained that she tried out. Aspen then wanted to know, "Does that mean she tried on the costume and whoever it fit the best got to be Little Red?"

Yes, Aspen, yes it does.

Convertibles

Jenn and the girls were at the grocery store and saw one of their frequent topics of conversation... a convertible.

Aspen: I'm gonna have a convertible when I'm 16.
Jenn: Why?
Aspen: So I don't have to ride with you anymore.
Oakley: I'm gonna have one too.
Jenn: What color, Oakley?
Oakley: Dark pink. (Note: This is not her favorite color.)
Jenn: Why?
Aspen: So that I'll like it and ride with her. (Note: She's right, that is why. How cool is that?)
Jenn: I'll ride with you, Oakley.
Aspen: OK, I'll ride with you, too, Oakley.

Quotes and moments from the visit

• Oakley: "Good night, the Reg..."
• Dan: "You don't have to clean urinals."
• Marne: "I'll pay you back when..."
• Reg (paraphrased): "I've got Lindy. Dong, you may have Oakley. It's all going to come down to Aspen."
• The first ever delivery of Kopp's to the Martin household. 10 pints nonetheless.
• Bans institutued based on the assumed powerball victory included... Gambling with people who did not win the lottery; Hunting equipment; Sushi; New Vehicles
• Dan requiring Reg to sign a waiver preventing him from the use of pictures of my daughters on MySpace.
  
  Feel free to post your own additions, participants...

Swings...

Here's a look at the quality of swing found this year. 

The Visitors

And here's the whole crew from the Nashville visit in 2006. From left to right:

Tim (a rare appearance here by me), Aspen, Andy Benes (known as The Reg), Marne & Dan Stuck, Viet Dong, Lindy, Jenn, and Oakley. 

The Nashville Masters

And the Nashville Masters 2006 concludes on this hole. Featured here, Marne Stuck finished second overall. The winner, Dan Stuck, is not pictured. 

We've moved!

It's official. The Martin family has moved. While we haven't cleaned out the old house completely, we are defitintely sleeping in the new one. I will be happy to share pictures once I find the card reader in all these boxes.

Saturday night, following a day of heavy lifting, we spent the night here. Now we're starting to feel a bit more settled (as evidenced by the internet access). So, without further adieu, the address is:

9305 Old Smyrna Road
Brentwood, TN 37027

The new phone number is: 615.661.6633 (but voicemail has yet to be setup)