Hi.

Power Wheels a Go Go

On any given sunny afternoon, the sounds of plastic wheels on pavement and tiny battery-powered engines echo through the cul de sac as the Power Wheels come out to play. Erik attached his GoPro one afternoon while the boys were riding around and I think it's a cute capture of shenanigans. Our friend Vivian makes a guest appearance at the wheel towards the end, cheerfully taunting Landon while he chases the car.

Anders looks like he's going to lose his lunch any moment over the passenger side, but rest-assured: he loves the sound of his voice reverberating so it's just him going "eeeeeeehhhhhh" the whole time.

Holla for a Hinge!

Coming soon to a navy exchange to spend an absurd amount of money on updated uniforms and stripes: my Lieutenant COMMANDER hubby! Congrats on being selected for the O4 promotion! Who wants to be an LT when you can be an LCDR?! What what?

"Hinge" is admittedly a negative term amongst junior officers. It's kind of an odd spot to be in since you are no longer a part of the junior officers posse but you're not really part of the front office. So the junior officers call you a "dirty hinge" as you break away from their group and gain a bit more authority in matters. Does Erik care about that? You'll have to ask him, but I personally think he's pleased as punch to move onwards and upwards at this point. I'm proud that he continues to hold strong in his career path and I expect great things from him as the years progress.

Congrats, you (almost) dirty hinge.

Olive Garden Fan

In an atypical maneuver this weekend, Erik and I ended up eating at Olive Garden for lunch. It was one of those situations where we realized we were all hungry and didn't want to drive to another location from the current shopping center and our eyes settled on soup, salad and breadsticks. It had been a couple years since the last time I ate at an Olive Garden; I believe my ending statement at the previous visit was "I don't know why people love Olive Garden so much." No surprise to anyone, I muttered the same exact phrase at the end of this weekend's meal, as well. 

Well if Anders could talk more, he would present debate points concerning refreshing raspberry lemonade, well buttered pasta shells, neverending breadsticks and a delightful ratio of cheese vs sauce on the mini pizza. A fan was born.

Anders, the happy camper. [Landon was on the opposite side of the table, hoarding the Andes mints.]