There is good news, too!

It isn't all bad news around here. My sister had her third child, Evan, on my Dad's 55th birthday a few weeks ago. He is her biggest child, born at 9 pounds, 1 ounce. He is just so precious!

Congratulations to Sara and Tian!

Sad News

Yesterday, my Grandpa Garl Miller had a heart attack and passed away. I am very sad and this was unexpected. We saw him in July, and he seemed fine and healthy. His funeral will be in Idaho on Friday, and unfortunately, we can't make it. I am just too pregnant at this point.

Grandpa was a man's man. He was great with horses and he was an amazing hunter. I was really proud earlier this year when I heard he went to a special place to hunt buffalo and took down the buffalo with one shot. I don't think he even had to get out of the vehicle to do this! My dad was going to go in November to witness a repeat performance. I am sure they would have had a great time.

The picture above was taken in July of 2006 when Lex was six months old.

Animal Kingdom

In addition to going to Magic Kingdom (see post below), we also went to Disney Studios and Jer and Lex went to Epcot while I rested in the hotel. I don't have any photos fron Disney Studios, but Lex quite enjoyed the Playhouse Disney show there and cried when everyone left.

We went to Animal Kingdom and finally caught the Nemo Musical. We always miss it, so it was good to finally catch it. It is a 40 minute show, so I was quite impressed that it kept Lex's attention for that long. We also went to the dinosar dig area and let Lex run around a bit. That boy loves to jump!

Labor Day Disney -- Magic Kingdom

We went to Disney World for Labor Day weekend. It was surprisingly not crowded. I guess most people were gearing up to go back to school and unable to make it. We had a great time. Lex LOVED the carousel. We were on our way to It's a Small World and Jer and I hadn't really noticed the carousel as we passed it. Lex sure did. He stood up in his stroller and would have jumped out of it while it was moving if he had to! Since there was not a long line, we were able to ride it four times in a row. It was fun to see him enjoy something so much. We also spent a long time on the train that day.

We finally did make it to It's a Small World, and Lex did like it. The fuzzy almost black photo above was taken in Mickey's Philharmagic. Lex wore his 3D glasses for the first time ever. He always really enjoys this show, but I think wearing the glasses made it even cooler for him!

I was so nervous for Lex to go on the Barnstormer roller coaster. He is now 36 inches, so he is okay to go on it, but I wasn't sure if he would be too scared. Jer went on it with him since pregnant people aren't allowed on it. Lex seemed to do well on it! Notice the binky in this photo. Lex's acid reflux has been acting up lately, and I thought sucking on a binky would help, so we gave it to him for a few days. Don't worry, he isn't an addict again. He hasn't had it in days, and he doesn't miss it at all.

We went back later that night for the Spectramagic Parade. Jer thought the first guys going through the parade were super creepy, so of course he took photos of them! Lex really enjoyed this parade. I've never been a parade person, but I am glad he liked it!

Luggage is so fun!

Jer was getting ready to go to Orlando for a few days this week for work, and Lex decided to help him by getting into his suitcase. Lex loved being wheeled around the room while peeking his head out of the suitcase!

Jer is back from China (wayyyyy belated)

Inside one of the watchtowers at The Great Wall of China. You have to climb instead of walk.
Right after this photo I got bit by this mosquito with tiger stripes. Good thing I didn't get the Yellow Fever shot, right?
I had to pay these two dudes 2 bucks for posing with them.
Take me down to the Forbidden City where the grass is green...
Members of the Redeem/Dream Team. Dwight Howard is in the white tank top.

Authentic Terracotta Warriors that I saw.
Beach Volleyball meets China's youth.
Beach Volleyball was a very fun event that was fast paced and full of action. There was even a DJ and game show type announcer.
Our next kid's hairstyle inspiration.
Inappropriate statues that I had to get a picture of.

My humble abode for a week.
My humble commode for a week
My first experience of the Olympics was walking back and forth on this sidewalk waiting for the ceremonies to begin. It was hotter than infierno there and I was constantly coralled with thousands of others, mostly Chinese along this sidewalk. Here are the fireworks outside The Bird's Nest from my vantage point. It was chaotic and I bolted back for the subway once 25 or so military cargo trucks pulled up and out poured hundreds of soldiers that started putting on riot gear.
The exterior of my hotel. It was about 40 minutes to get to the Olympic Green.
My first meal in China was KFC. (It was right next to the hotel) It was not finger licking good!

My mom has been wondering when I would update this blog. I've been bad, I know. Anyway, Jer has been back for weeks now, and he had a fantastic time in China! He commented on a photos above. He also had the opportunity to be one of those goofballs in the background of the Today Show. The quality is bad since I recorded it on the old tv in our bedroom, but you can see it on the video clip below. Jer is wearing a red shirt.

Jer went to many events while in Beijing including Beach Volleyball, Women's Gymnastics, Women's Basketball, Judo, Handball, Tennis (he saw Venus), and Soccer. He also got to see the Great Wall.