Torlis had her school picture taken. For comparison, I’ve also posted last year’s. She’s grown a little.

Torlis was also feeling self conscious about the scar at the top of her nose (the result of a mis-timed jump), because her schoolmates kept asking questions about it. We told her teacher, Mrs. Walker, about this, and Mrs. W. had the bright idea of hosting a class discussion of their notable owies, scars, and mishaps. Torlis got to answer all her friends’ questions all at once, and also learned that she’s one of many kids with a story to tell.

But she’s still one of a kind.

Grandma Tiny took us all to the train museum in Golden for a special birthday present for Ronan. It was a special “Thomas the Tank Engine” day, so it was chock full of kids and fun activities, including getting to ride an old train all done up to look like Thomas, as well as fire trucks (weeoo weeoo!) and a petting zoo. Ronan was in heaven, and we all had lots of fun.

Our little Ronan Bubba Doodlebug Bubbles just doubled his age! Presents included a plethora of trains, a fire dump truck, another dump truck, a conductors outfit, two wind up doggies from Sissy (arf arf arf!) and an AMAZING train banner built by Big Sissy!

Rest in peace, you giant plecostomus. You were one of the first fish we got when we founded our love nest, and survived throughout the birth of two children. You will be missed.

A quick update on a great many happenings (photos will follow, I promise):

Ronan turned 1 year old. We had two parties, one at Grandma’s & Papaw’s house, and another in a beautiful park with lots of guests. Ronan enjoyed his cake and the attention very much. He is walking like a champ, his vocabulary continues to grow, as does his ability to act on verbal instructions. (Example: The other day, I asked Sunda if she could unplug my laptop’s power cord, since Ronan wanted to play with it… Ronan quickly dashed over to the socket, and tugged out the power cord with plug-bending force. Very impressive!)

Ronan’s most recent checkup put him at a weight of One Pippin (19 lbs), and I’m afraid I can’t recall the height. This is apparently somewhere in the 6th percentile for weight and 50th for height. The low weight is no cause for concern, a pound here or there changes the ranking dramatically.

Sleeping remains a challenge for him, and therefore for me and Sunda as well. He wakes up frequently, needs rocking to sleep, and often needs a few attempts before he beds down for any period of time. (Not long, typically)

Torlis has her own big news: She lost a baby tooth! The tooth fairy dutifully exchanged the tooth for a a few bucks, and Torlis felt quite grown up about the whole thing. She later became a bit distressed at the thought of losing ALL her baby teeth, even over a period of years. I recall feeling the same way about mine.

Torlis’ karate school hosted its semi-annual tournament in Denver, and Torlis joined up both for the kata (demonstration) and sparring competitions. She did both with a great attitude, and while she did not place, she did get a pair of participation medals, and felt very good about her performance. Sunda and I are both extremely impressed that she’s so eager to compete and has no embarrassment about performing in front of a crowd.

Ronan joined in with frequent cheers (he throws his arms over his head and gives a squealing “whoo hoo!”) and clapping. He also threw a few karate moves of his own, and was intent on charging into the ring to participate.

All in all, the family is well, if tired. Sunda’s continues to can and otherwise preserve huge quantities of veggies and fruits. Delicious stuff, but boy is it a lot of work!

The Grandparents Friedman set up a house trade is Ramond, Maine, on the banks of Rattlesnake Pond (aka Crescent Lake). We had an amazing time kyaking, swimming, and eating. Notable events include Ronan learning to walk straight and true; Ronan’s first airplane trip (he was a very good sport); visiting the ocean in Portland; a wild animal rescue park; seeing Steve and True (and Nik dumped True and Ronan in the lake — he’s not so good at getting into a Canoe); and as an extra treat, we got to spend some quality time with Randy, Chandle and Bodin — Friends late of Ft. Collins, whom we haven’t seen in years.

The only two problems we had on the trip was that we couldn’t find Gate C28 in the Washington-Dulles airport (see the photos as to why), and Torlis and Ronan seem to have a genetic abnormality that makes them NOT LIKE EATING LOBSTER! (Or “lobstah”, as it’s called in Maine)

Maine is a gorgeous area, provided you come during the brief pleasant season. Amazing towering trees, water, and adorable small towns (each with three houses and a 100+ year-old church). We had the good luck to be more or less in the boonies, so there wasn’t a McDonalds or Starbucks in sight. Really felt like a proper vacation.

Many thanks to Susan and Dan for arranging the vacation and getting us out there. If only Benj and Rocio had been able to join us so that we could celebrate their engagement together!

Congratulations, Benj and Rocio! Hooray!

Here is Rocio’s account of the proposal (reprinted without permission):

On Saturday, we moved the last of Benj’s things from his apartment
into my place. After hauling everything over, I went to see a movie
with my friend Hillary while Benj began unpacking. When I returned
that night, I started getting ready for bed. Benj hung out in the
bedroom and I went into the bathroom. After taking out my contacts, I
went to dry my hands and noticed that my name was written in black
marker on the toilet paper. I stopped, asked what was going on, and
opened the bathroom door to find Benj in the doorway smiling
mischievously.  I went back to the toilet paper and started unrolling
 it.

The following message appeared, one panel at a time:

Rocio

I didn’t give you a card on our anniversary

So I’m writing you in a medium I’m all too familiar with

Baby, I am in a state of unfathomable happiness

I am so excited there is no more “my place” and “your place”

Only “our place”

Sounds nice.

Feels even better.

I love you so much, baby

And I want it to be “Rocio and Benj” forever.

‘Til death do us part.

I’m pretty sure you feel the same way.

I’ll know for certain after you answer this next question:

(Please turn around and look at me, my sweet darling)

Ever obedient, I turned towards Benj, leaning coolly in the doorway.

He said, “Rocio?”

I said, “Yes?” (already in tears, of course.)

“Will you marry me?”

I nodded, said, “Yes, of course,” and we hugged. In the bathroom. He
then presented me with a beautiful pin that belonged to his
grandmother as a “welcome to the family” gift. We’ll go ring shopping
at some point, but I’m already so flattered that he wants to be my
husband, anything on top of that is just gravy.

We’re keeping the toilet paper for posterity.