Operation 2: Master's Exam and NYC

New York, Here we come!

We flew from Roswell to LaGuardia, NY...another full day with hands full, even though there was two of us.  This time we didn't have much time in Dallas (a necessity when traveling with a busy busy boy to break up the two 3 hour flights) and got to the gate just in time to board.  Poor baby didn't get to play in the cool play area they have there and we paid for it on this next leg.  It was probably the hardest flight I've had yet...and it wasn't that bad.  Xavi just wanted to play and yell and throw things...Debbie took turns so that I could study a little bit (boy did I need every minute I had at this point).    

Upon arrival, we made our way to our rental car and then to our hotel using the GPS.  Debbie sat in back and kept Xavi from losing his mind in a full on meltdown.  We got settled in our room, got Xavi undressed so he could be happy, and ordered room service (usually a special treat, but this time it was kind of icky...oh well, live and learn).  I got organized for an early morning and left to go study in the lobby while they went to bed.  Last minute look through of my notes,  a few hours of restless sleep, and I was off on another adventure to get to the test on time.  I arrived in plenty of time and completed the five booklets...awwww, now that's a HUGE load off.  I felt like I passed 4/5 with some confidence, not sure on good ol Dr. Lord (don't get  me started), but of course we won't know for sure for a month...WHAT?!  Anyway, it was a beautiful, blue sky New York day and I headed back to my lil man and friend. 

I was so proud of myself for making it there (on time), being done with the test, AND making it back to our hotel that I felt like I was walking on air.  The only sad part that was building in the background was that our time with Debbie was coming to an end...we would have to head to WI, leaving her in NY for a whole night on her own, and then to travel all by her lonesome the long way back to OC. 

At the entrance to Central Park

On the phone with Liz, getting an update on my other "babies", the dogs

Playing in Central Park on a beautiful fall day

Of course, we had to stop by Fox News for a photo op

Radio City Music Hall...

Times Square...

She was so mad at me for making her go stand there for a photo...hee hee

Statue of Liberty...

Nap time in busy Times Square...right after we took this and walked down half a block, this huge group of motorcycles went roaring down that street.  We both held our breath and shook the stroller...but he stayed sound asleep.

The next day we had some time to explore a bit more before our flight, so we headed to Ground Zero to see the new memorial.  There was a special event AND we hadn't registered for passes;UGH!  We didn't get to go in...but it's first on my list when Mario goes to take his test.  We saw the new WTC buildings going up...they are about halfway done!!!  It will be amazing to see when it's completed.  I felt very proud to see the spirit and the rebuilding after that terrible day.  I tried to envision the horror of that day, but think it's something you can't fathom unless you were in fact there.  I pray that we never have to know what that feels like again, and I'm again and always thankful for the men and women protecting us from that constant threat. 

Meep at Ground Zero

Miss Debbie was a lifesaver.  I could NOT have done it without her help AND we had so much fun together on top of it all. I have been praying for a friend like her for a long time...and I am so thankful to have her in our family.  THANK YOU DEBBIE!  We love you!  

Tired little boy..heading to WI...here we come Granna and Grampa!

Operation 1: Roswell, NM and NMMI Hall of Fame Induction

The night before we left, I put him in this ridiculous outfit...it was so cute online and it seemed like a good idea (keeps his legs AND feet warm while he scoot scoot boogies all over) PLUS it's "organic", which means it MUST be essential, right?  I took pictures because it may be the last time I put it on him and that way, someday when he gets married, we'll have some photos to share with his bride.  Evil, I know. 
Mario didn't come with us as planned.  Too much sh-tuff was pouring into his already very full buckets, so we decided to save the plane ticket for next spring when he could properly balance the Master's test AND we could enjoy some family time in the big city.  It was a hard decision, but one made easier by the grace of our angel, Debbie, who dropped everything she had arranged for the week AND family to help me with a most challenging endeavor.

Transport me, Xavi, a car seat, a stroller, two suitcases, one briefcase, and one diaper bag that contains all essentials for an almost two week adventure that includes 4 ops:
Operation ONE:  Travel to Roswell, NM to be inducted into the NMMI Hall of Fame AND continue last minute preparation for the upcoming Master's of Nutrition examination
Operation TWO:  Travel to NYC and CT to take said Master's comprehensive exam (PASS all 5 sections) while negotiating NY traffic in a car.  YIKES. 
Operation THREE:  Travel to WI for a week of work at the home office where Xavi would be in "school" for a full week as well.
Operation FOUR:  Get home safely, in good health and good spirits. 

Xavi met his first kittty at Perry and Sherry's home....thanks for the hospitality and furry experience!

Front row, on the stage...listening to "This is Your Life"...beginning to squirm as they get closer to discussing Esquire magazine's America's "sexiest athletes" article and the corps' reaction.  I'm probably blushing...

Receiving my medal and plaque

Beginning my unscripted speech...and upon hearing my voice, Xavi began to scream

I may be a young Hall of Fame inductee, but that was just my first life.  My second life is there walking out the door. 

Exchanging congratulations...

Very honored and proud indeed

Even prouder still with my lil man in my arms...he wouldn't let me go.

Class of 2011

This might be another reason Xavi wouldn't let go of me..."too many gray haired men trying to poke me"

My family drove from El Paso to see me receive the honor...and sat front row.  I was honored to be inducted and felt very blessed to have family there to support me...and squeeze Xavi for a short visit.

Trying to distract him with a balloon...

But even the forks, spoons, weren't going to distract him from wanting momma back

Aunt Lucy and the balloon trick worked for awhile

All I wanted was a photo of Xavi with Grampa

Enter balloon and some time to check him out close up from the safety of mom's arms

OK...I'll let him kiss me on the lips.  He seems like a good enough guy. 

Happy Family Photo

Making up with Gramma...

and giving her hair a quick fix...

MUCH better Gramma Nina!  I guess you are ok too. 

Old Post.  My cadet home is just behind us.  We listened to Silver Taps, saw the changing of the guards, and then got the lil man to bed...just in time for him to catch a second wind. 

Party like a rock star...note rock star jammies!

Always wish there was more time together...but I am so thankful for the time you all took to come be with us on this special day.  Thank you so much.  Lots of love...keep doing squats AJ. 

Mission Aliens Amongst us:  Accomplished!  On to the big city...

Happy First Halloween

We didn't go trick or treating...but we did dress up in a quickly becoming too small costume and drive over to Miss Debbie's house for some treats and fun.  Mostly we practiced going up the stairs and pushing our new train and cars on the floor.

stair intervals

Miss Debbie and her Halloween deely bobbers

Punkin lantern

winding down for the night...yawwwnnnn...sleepy time in the car after good times.

 I can't help but think of where we were last Halloween...just a few days before our little Xavi arrived. We certainly didn't go trick or treating or party like rockstars...but I did dress up (in the privacy of our home).  My sister Lori is queen of dressing up and costumes...she even had a handmade Xena costume one year in college.  For once, I FINALLY had a good costume ...ah well.  The irony of it all. 

ahhh, the classic Catholic school girl outfit with a hilarious (to me) twist

 Next year, we'll ring a few doorbells and say "Trick or Treat", please, and thank you.  Maybe I can think of another good costume between now and then...for all of us.