Back in business!

Okay, not totally. The power is still off at the office, so it's another snow day.

So you know how as soon as you shell out for a $600 generator (plus accessories and fuel) and snuggle up in the basement for the long haul, the power comes back on? Yup. So we spent about $200 an hour for those 4 hours of not-quite-freezing-our-tails-off. 

But hey, who's in for some awesome tailgaters next season? I predict Guitar Hero becomes a new tradition.

And in case you're disappointed that you won't get to hear more tales of how we were roughing it after The Great Ice Storm of 2009, know that we still have a "boil water" advisory for the next 3-5 days. Don't want y'all to think we have it too easy. 

I'll leave you with one of my favorite movie quotes:

"There is no charge for awesomeness...or attractiveness."

--Po, in Kung Fu Panda

Baby, it's cold outside!

And inside. 

We had the winter storm from hell this week--freezing rain for more than 24 hours, then 2-3 inches of snow on top of that. Most of our county and several of the surrounding counties are out of power. We lost power on Tuesday afternoon. The first night wasn't too bad. Yesterday we went to Jacob and Kelly's. Tonight I'm on call, so we're back. 

Still no power, and still about 24 degrees outside. Thus about 40 degrees inside. 

How am I blogging? you might ask. We bought a generator at Home Depot in Lexington, and we're snuggled up in the basement. We've got the essentials: an electric heater, blankets, TV and internet! 

Not sure when the power will be back--last night it was said they hoped to get it 80% restored in 3 days. So in two more days, if we're lucky. 

Here's to a long weekend...

Sorry, no pictures--the battery needs charging. Maybe that will make the list eventually!

A snowy Tuesday afternoon

Everyone's wearing their mama-made hats!

Gipper had to disrupt the snow angel-making.

Henry had so much fun, we literally had to drag him inside kicking and screaming. Some of us don't like cold, wet feet after a while, you know!

E-A-G-L-E-S!

Go Eagles!

Henry is 2!

Time flies when you're having fun, I guess.

The Birthday Hat fits much better this year than last.

Henry also likes it a lot more now.

Chocolate SpongeBob cake courtesy of Daddy, approved.

Wooden rocking horse from Grandma and Grandpop, also approved.

If you're wondering what Dennis and I gave him, well, it's a potty chair. He definitely likes to sit on it, but nothing more exciting than that yet. We'll keep you posted, ew.

Christmas morning!

We had a pretty quiet Christmas this year, just the three (okay, four, with Gipper) of us. Even though we don't think Henry knew what was going on, he managed to wake up at 4:45 a.m.! I never realized before how exhausting Christmas can be for parents.

The big reveal of the tricycle--

thanks, Mere and Doodah!

Henry loves all of his gifts, but this ball from Grandmom and Grandpop is a favorite. He definitely loves to say "bwall!"

Henry's gift from Daddy was Dennis, the lazy diesel engine.

You didn't think Santa forgot the Gipper, did you?

Henry still isn't quite sure enough about Elmo Live to touch him, but he will watch him, mesmerized, from a few feet away. He also is learning to dance along.

Didja miss us?

Hey, we've been busy!

New PJs!

Mere, Doodah, Uncle Michael, and Aunt Marie all came to visit last month.

The Gipper and his new cousin Theo made friends...sort of.

"I'll wash. You dry."

'Sup?

Fall is here!

Henry loves the leaves in fall.

Henry also loves chocolate.

I just love those eyes!

Here's Henry's Halloween getup. As you can tell, he did NOT love the hood. Special thanks to Mere, who helped sew the costume during her last visit!

If you've happened to check out my links and have read my friend Jenn's blog, Notes to self, consider voting for her in the blogger's choice awards. She's a great writer and an awesome chick!

Also, you may have notice my new little button in the sidebar. Just a warning, you'll likely get something handmade this Christmas!

Comings and goings

We recently visited the Louisville Zoo. Apparently it was a bit disappointing. 

Have you figured out what Henry's gonna wear for Halloween yet?

Parain Jacob has some new doggy neighbors. Henry immediately befriended them. He speaks fluent doggy.

Fall is lots of fun!

Not a happy day.

We love you, Ma.

Halloween is coming!

Time to brainstorm for our costumes!

Missed us?

Yup, we've been busy. 

We're just a couple of slave-drivers, forcing Henry to help with the housework.

We've had to do some serious thinking.

But there's been time for some fun, too.

And Gipper's working hard at training all of the Little People to sit still in their spots.

The Answer: Two Days.

The Question: How long does it take for Henry to get sick after starting Mom's Morning Out (part-time daycare M/T/T/F mornings)?

Yep, exactly 2 days. More like 6 total hours, to be precise. Henry began MMO this week (well, for us it's technically DMO) so that Dennis can start working part-time at the office. Today at lunch I noticed he was super hot and trying to get a head start on his nap. Temp=101.2. Dr. R. took a look at him and ordered a rapid strep test--bingo! So now he has to miss tomorrow for sure (contagious for 24 hrs after starting antibiotics). And daddy has to call in on his second day of work. Hopefully his boss will cut him some slack!

What I find hilarious is that this child walked/crawled/slid around my office every day for over a year, put every nasty thing he could find in his mouth (including my stethoscope when he can get it), practically licked the floor, and not once has he been really sick. 2 days with other kids his age and bam, he's down for the count. 

Hats off!

Or on, really. Henry really loves to run around wearing my old baseball cap. As in, once he has the hat perched on his head, he runs back and forth across the living room giggling his butt off like it's the most hilarious thing he's done all year. It is pretty funny actually.

Michael and Marie's Wedding

My brother Michael married his sweetheart Marie on July 12, 2008. They're already back from the honeymoon in California and moved in to their home in Charlottesville.

The complete Perry clan at the rehearsal dinner

Henry and Aunt Kelly shared a glass of wine.

"I'm pretty much adorable."

The Perry ladies at the reception--aren't we well-coordinated?

From left to right: me, Mom, Marie, Kelly

After all the festivities ended, Mom modeled her wedding dress for us.

It was a long and busy weekend.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Perry!

The Great American Balloon Race

On the Sunday of The Great American Brass Band Festival, (site here)

we attended the hot-air balloon race. 

We were really close to the balloons as they took off!

Henry was duly impressed.

He even brought his Bee-bo along for the fun.

Brusha brusha brusha

Don't be fooled, there's more chewing the toothbrush

than tooth-cleaning getting done.