Im back... :)

So now I realized it has been two months and i thought perhaps I should write a few things. I thank you again for those who actually visit this site and read my nonsense. And honestly, most of what I say is silly, however, at times a few good things happen.

I will start off with the children.

**Emma** is 4 1/2 and now is acting like my little girlfriend. She is very interested in my life, what I used to like as a child and how did I grow to be so tall. She feels that if she eats her fruits she will grow and hopefully be as tall as me. So on a daily basis she comes up to me and stands on her tip toes to measure her nightly progress. I constantly remind her to not worry of such things but for some reason she wants to hurry up the process. She loves placing flowers in her hair, she must have her Dora sunglasses and she tends to carry a purse that generally has a stuffed animal squeezed into it. Every animal has a name or two since she cannot make up her mind at times. But they all have "feelings" and they express them when she sees fit. Emma, as stated this weekend, is a "traveller" and she will happily describe her past travels to you. She tells me that she does not enjoy the airport but that on the plane if you ask nicely the flight attendant will always give you chocolate. And they did! She asked every single one while tilting her head and batting her eyes. She scored chocolate.. but would not share. While in Mexico, Emma was quite popular at Club Med. Generally the girl receives a lot of attention, and this vacation was no different. The boy's that work at CB called GO's would see Emma and would run up and kiss her. She just laughed and said.. fine.. ok.. I will give you a Beso. She was busy the entire day since they plan out fun activities. Her favorites on the trip would be the Circus School, Pinata Party, the three pools, dance class, face painting and her strawberry margarita's by the pool. Oh yes.. she thought she was drinking alcohol. And for me, my proudest moment of Emma was watching her sing "My little Pony" to a crowd of 200 people at the talent show night! She sang in a microphone and did her best.

**Andrew** is quickly creeping upon his 3rd birthday and is my sweet little love. He has truly blossomed this year and continues to amaze me at his transformation of toddler to little boy. Andy is very sensitive and loving. His manners (for a 2 year old) are amazing and everything is always please and thank you. He doesn't say "yea" he will say "yes momma" and will do his best to describe to you what he needs. I believe his vocabulary is above average for his age and I am thankful for his wonderful preschool for aiding in this while I am not there. Another benefit is both of the children speak Spanish. At their preschool they do not speak English. So while in Mexico the children comprehend what was being said, even if they could not always reply in Spanish. At times Emma would translate for me. Andrew is very into his toys now. He chooses anything item that has to do with a boat, cars, trucks or animals. Perhaps a biting Snake, or a boat that would run over a shark. Anything destructive such as this is his favorite thing. He loved Mexico as well and befriended 3 other boys his age. They were very cute and bonded that whole week. My proud moment of Andy was when it was his turn at the talent show and he bopped up and down to some hip hop song. The GO's placed a bandanna on his head and wrote the words "hip hop" on his cheeks. He was a tiny Mexican gangster and it was hilarious!

On a personal level both Sam and I are doing wonderful. We just love each others company and that truly goes a long way for us. We both have our own hobbies, but our fundamental ideas are very similar and we are enjoying this on a daily basis.

About three weeks ago I had taken a women's sailing seminar that last the entire weekend. It was quite fun going out on the bay but actually taking control of the sails and truly doing the grunt work. Im so used to just sitting at the back of Sam's boat and soaking in the sun while all the boys pull in lines, etc. now I have no reason to not help.. well in moderation. :)

So besides going to Mexico for 8 days, 5 days upon our return I was off to Washington DC to attend the Jefferson Awards national award ceremony. My girlfriend Gina joined me (thank you!!) as we had a very long itinerary for the Awards and trying to squeeze in sightseeing, sleeping and drinking. Not quite in that order.. but there was a lot to do in 4 days. Since the ceremonies were amazing and long in detail I will not write about them. But as I am sure you already know.. I was presented a National Jefferson Award. I was very surprised by this honor! It was a very moving and touching event that has given me a great honor in the name of Cole.

Take care,

brandy