Amalia's new ride

For Amalia's birthday she got a tricycle. Not just any tricycle but a tough, off-road tricycle. Needless to say, she loves it. Unfortunately, her legs are still a little too short so she doesn't go very well but that will soon change. You bicycle people might notice a little modification I made to improve it... a little titanium only makes things better!

one year anniversary

Today was an odd day, it is the one year anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings. There was a ceremony on campus which was nice but the whole day was odd. It was sunny and beautiful and it felt really odd that exactly one year ago we were in shock as we found out what was happening. One of my students, Derek O'Dell was shot but survived. I will never forget him nor the faces of any of the victims. As I was leaving school this afternoon, I rode by the memorial and there were dozens of people there mourning and hundreds of others playing soccer, frisbee, etc. on the drill field... surreal is the only way to describe it.

Amalia's birthday

So last Monday was Amalia's birthday, she turned two! We had a party for her on Sunday and many of her best friends came by to celebrate. She loves to follow Simone and Chloe around and is desperate to be a big girl!

Lisa's mom was visiting and was a big help in preparation for the party. They made cakes, snacks, punch, etc. It was quite a spread and I have been eating leftovers all week.

Unfortunately, Amalia's birthday was accompanied by disease. Amalia got sick Monday mornign and spent most the week at home with a fever. Lisa's mom was sick for much of her visit. And today Lisa got sick. All three had fevers and were generally miserable. Hopefully this is the end of it for a while.