January 29, 2011 Update

It's been a wonderful couple of weeks, the highlight of which was a visit from Hannah who brought her parents along with her.  Arriving on Friday afternoon of last week and staying through Sunday evening we had a good amount of time to have a good time all around.  Hannah was an absolute joy in all regards.  Friday evening it was out to dinner and then just some good conversation and enjoying the company.  Saturday morning David and Samantha took off early in the morning to go participate in a run.  It was a cold day and it was probably in the upper 20's when the kids left before 7:00 AM.  They had a good time and also found a Trader Joe's that Samantha wanted to visit... so they did.  I personally have absolutely no idea why people participate in these runs.  Why do people pay for the privilege of running?  Even those that just run around the neighborhood.  Ever seen a jogger smiling?  Of course not.  Anyway, I guess one of the benefits is the extra energy it brings to you as evidenced by the activities of David and Samantha later that afternoon... see below:

Is that added energy or what?!?  David's even got on his official shirt from the run!  Quite impressive.

Hannah, being the wonderful daughter she is just couldn't get herself to emulate Mom and Dad and spent some time out of the house with me when we went over to Lowe's to look around for a few odds and ends.  Again, she was just a delight to be with and I got a kick out her fascination with all the hinges on display in one particular row.  She would go back and forth moving them all one way, then going back to have them moved over the other way.  It really reminded me of some of the enjoyment I had taking David out as a youngster and just letting him be a youngster.  But... then she pooped out as well and fell asleep cuddling on the love seat.  Couldn't resist getting a shot of her:

She even sleeps nicely :)  Shortly after taking this we had to get her up to go to one of those Hibachi places where they throw your found around, and at you.  With all my sarcasm, it was a very good restaurant, the food was very, very good, and Hannah had a ball as did we all.  Hannah just stared at the activities the whole time and it was fun to watch her watching the cook who, of course, took a shine to her.

The visit also was a time of sharing the wonderful gifts that Hannah and Samantha had put together including a wonderful drawing that Hannah had done along with this very nice apron that she colored. 

See?  Quite beautiful.  You can't see it but even the strings are decorated!!

Hannah always seems to have a book with her... it's fun to watch her.  On Sunday we put some new batteries in her 'reading' thingie and she sat down to enjoy her Leap Frog books.  I'd never seen one being used and must admit the technology is really something.  Hannah obviously enjoyed just having some reading time for herself, except when grandpa Bob interrupted her with his wanting to take some photos.

Oh but I kind of love this kid :)

Follow up to the Atlanta Beach post:  We had some rain this week and it did get some of the sand off the sidewalks and streets.  It's still rather sandy and dusty but eventually I guess it will go away... maybe by July or so.  Anyway, I was out for my noon walk around the office area and noticed where all the sand had gone... into the drains of course.  This just cracked me up and I had to take a picture.  Wait until the real rains come.  You'll have white-water rafting downtown since all the drains are full of sand!  And I mean FULL.