Smelling the Roses

Every 12-18 months Pixar releases a new movie, we wait for each with great anticipation. (They are the only movie studio I would even dream about taking the family to without previewing the movie myself.) And their newest, Ratatouille, is every bit as fine a film as their previous six.

But, every attempt to stop all of our busyness and do something together seems to be assaulted. It's all well and good to spout sayings like "stop and smell the roses", but doing it actually involves some determination.

And as if to test that determination, we turned into the Theater lot and went through one of the many, nasty construction zones in Bluffton. The front left tire grazed something that pierced the sidewall. We could all hear it hissing, and it was only about 100 feet before we were on the rims. So what to do?

Well, we had come to see a movie and that's what we were going to do. The tire wasn't getting any flatter. So we left it, forgot all about it and plunged into the darkened theater for one of the greatest cinematic experiences ever.

Each child had his or her own seat, and Molly and Andrew snuggled together next to me for most of the picture. Wonderful for the kids, wonderful for the adults, we still don't have the confidence to take the dog.

And, after the flickering masterpiece was complete, Emily took the kids home in the other car (which, we happened to have with us) while I stayed to install the "donut" (which we also happened to have with us). And it was with great joy that I changed tire and drove home reflecting on how a flat had completely failed to ruin our evening. Even changing the tire itself felt like stopping and smelling the roses. And the movie...? Delicious!

Jonathan and Rachel's Wedding

Jonathan Fraser Sadd married Rachel Lynn Snyder on June 23rd... and it was AWESOME! We wept, danced, ate and danced some more. The boys in their tuxes were absolutely stunning, and Elaina looked so grown up in all white. Even Molly was happy partying until 10:30 at night. Andrew heard the words, "Come and dance with me because you are my prince," and danced with the princess for song after song! The newlyweds are now lying on a beach in Costa Rica, and we are back safely in the South. (gallery)

Dog Blog

What a great dog! Here are some shots of Molly playing on, around and with Beah. This is very typical of how our magnificent animal integrates into the family.

In related news. . . Beah had her first trip to Wal-Mart Monday and spent 2 hours with us in the store. The store folks would ask us at regular intervals which of us was the blind one, and I would explain the there were a lot more functions for service dogs than just for the blind. But, Beah continues to amaze us with both her abilities and willingness to be the dog that Noah needs.

Backyard Pool

As much fun as the community pool is, there is nothing like getting wet in the back yard. The kids have spent most of every day out back. Luckily the sun has been covered.

Vampire Children

Our children grow so fast, doesn't it seem like yesterday when they couldn't even see in the dark or fly? I remember what it was like when they got their first kill. And, even though it seems like they are up all night now, it will be no time at all before they start to avoid the sun. Before we know it they will be sleeping upside down, lurking in dark alleys and some day finding a castle of their own. How time flies. (sigh)

It's a Girl!

The whole family (minus Noah who was completing his last day in school) went to meet the baby this morning via sonogram. We saw a beautiful baby girl who, like Mary Poppins, is "practically perfect in every way." Due date is still end of October and everything looks to be in good order. Her warrior princess mother still very sick and tired though; it's not without cost that the baby is healthy and growing.
Andrew is not sure what to do with the news as he had already christened her "Baby Jacob", which is not as suitable as some other names given her newly revealed gender. So he's back to square one, and we are all thinking of names. Here are some of our favorite suggestions...

Hortense - suggested for each of the children in turn regardless of gender by dear Uncle Jonathan

Susan Miley Sadd - suggested by Jay Slocum, who thought she might be a writer who goes by first initial and middle name: S. Miley Sadd (I'll give you a minute... )

Happy Sadd - apparently it's happened before more than once on our family tree

Hilda, Lois or Lael - after her wonderful grandmothers, although the names have... passed out of generational use due to... hmmmm

There have also been plenty of rhyming or alliterative names not to mention a real outpouring of creativity from the community determined to see our last name used as an adjective. Poor Emily having to finally escape Savage only to become Sadd. . . (sigh)