so I have barely blogged this whole summer and now it is over! I figure it is better late than never. I have been busy, busy, busy….my Mom is doing really well - she is walking around…sometimes with a cane and sometimes without. A little over two weeks after a double knee replacement surgery, and she is impressively well. Her little buddy (little as a term of endearment - he is a 60ish year old man) from the rehab facility even called her today to swap recovery stories. How awesome. She is already talking about having me take her to Costco next week. In the meantime, Lieutenant Gram (as we are calling her - think Lieutenant Dan and his ‘magic legs’ from Forrest Gump) has been busy doing some light cleaning and laundry. I am so excited for her. Once all the awkwardness and discomfort wears off, she should be able to keep up with all the grandkids!

Erik & I have some “secret projects” in the works. Can’t say too much about it right now, but I can tell you that the past two years have been super challenging for both of us personally, and we haven’t given up. It has really only made us stronger in the long run, and despite the occasional downs, we are continually striving for the ups! Attitude really is everything. I need to remember that on a daily basis. The simple fact being (and my personal motto) it can ALWAYS be worse.

Now before I get sidetracked into the morbid state of affairs in the world, I wanted to share a few images from my niece’s 12th birthday from a little while ago.

My not-so-little-anymore nephew tuned 13 years old last week. Wow. I can’t believe that much time has passed since he was singing (and dancing) along to The Lion King and doing his funny little inverted hand clap. On to a new and exciting phase!

We started the celebration by watching Nick at his baseball game. Here he is in the last inning, with a tie score, getting a base hit. **As you can see, I am in need of a longer lens….

Ichiro Japanese Restaurant was next, which had really good food, surprisingly. Well, I have always loved the experience of Benihana although their food is just ok. This place had the same fun chefs with good food to boot!

*** Before I get into my usual stuff here I wanted to announce that I recently redid my website and created a logo. I would love for everyone to check it out, and any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!*** www.victoriasouzaphotography.com

Wow. I can’t believe this is real. My father just turned 65 years old. This freaks me out on so many levels! I used to hate when I was growing up and adults would say things like “you are growing up so fast…” “Before you know if you will be an adult…” “Time goes by so quickly…” You all know what I am talking about. In the past few years I have been wavering in and out of denial of my age (and everyone else’s) - turning 30 hit me like a ton of bricks…and now this. The good news is my Dad is healthy and happy (and really doesn’t looked like he’s 65). We had our normal dinner (with me gorging on pasta and my Mom’s awesome meatballs, sausage, and braciole), followed by 2 cakes. Yes, I said 2…we need choices! Anyway, I will stop my narration here, I personally find the photos more interesting and descriptive than my ramblings.

So I will start with my Dad and his cake and candles.