Wahoowa

Charlottesville in the fall is truly magical.

Source

Especially when it's football season.

Source

Russell and I try to get to one UVA football game a season, but last year we didn't make it. That made this year's trip all the more anticipated. Plus, it was my Dad's fraternity's 100 year anniversary on grounds. Why do I care about that, you might wonder?

Because my dad has been an integral part of my UVA experience. I grew up going to football games and tailgates (back when you didn't have to donate a bazillion dollars a year to get a parking space), basketball, lacrosse, and other sports games with him. I used to visit him at the law school where he worked sometimes, or run around the Lawn with him on sunny days after eating a picnic. I think I was in high school before I realized that the UVA fight song, sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, wasn't an original composition. (Just ask my kids, it's one of the few songs I know all the words to and has lulled them to sleep in their beds many a time.)

Source

But back to the fraternity. Most of my dad's best friends, who were then our best family friends, came from his fraternity. For years and years, I've gone to the party at his fraternity house before football games to be with my dad and his Theta Chi family, even though I don't know a single brother my age there. Yes, there have been many a strange glance directed our way from the brothers, wondering what those "young girls" were doing hanging with the" old guys" every year.

Thank you to Diane Lewis for several of the photos at the party below.

So it was with a happy and proud heart that we headed to his house for the festivities this year. The house just completed an amazing renovation (and if you've ever been in a UVA frat house, you will be amazed). I mean, hooks for coats and women's rooms in the party space? Heaven.

The pre-game party was cold and early (9 AM). The kids ran around a bit, but their favorite spot was the pool table or the buffet.

I caught up with old friends. Below are Margaret and Charlie Faulkner, Grady Lewis, and my Dad.

Anson took a break to guard the kegs. Very important job.

Here's a shot of my Dad talking to Bill Sullivan in the new Willie Alexander Room.

This room is particularly special, because it commemorates a man my father has long supported and loved. He was an African-American man who worked at the fraternity for years, and was like a father to many of the men. My Dad wrote the following words that are now hanging in the room:

On another note, we then headed to the game to watch UVA get crushed. Superbly crushed. Needless to say, we didn't stay to the end of the game. Little did we know, Charlotte was in the beginnings of a terrible flu. Must be why she was so mellow. :)

This was the kids at halftime. Ah, the joys of technology.

Later that night, Dad's friends the Johnstons hosted a wonderful buffet dinner at their house. It was like going home, literally. They live not far from where I grew up (Dad lives in a different part of town now), so being in their house and looking out at the backyard was like being a kid again. Speaking of kids, I got to meet up with Kerry Lewis, the daughter of one of Dad's fraternity brothers, whom I hadn't seen in ages.

We also took a quick jaunt to Oakhurst Circle, the site of our first home together (sort of). During Russell's last year of medical school, we lived together for the first time in the house you see below. I do believe it hasn't been painted since. We planned our wedding there, had a party to celebrate Russell becoming an American citizen, and enjoyed his graduation from medical school and our wedding before jetting off on our honeymoon.

I hope I've turned my tarheel-born children into Wahoos. What do you think? Now on to my 20th reunion plans. Yep, Russell and I graduated UVA in 1994, so it's coming up. Can't wait.

Ford Family Feud

The other night we headed to another Carolina Hurricanes game with a new friend of Anson's he met in middle school. As we entered the arena, a young lady came up and asked us if we'd like to participate in one of the games they hold during breaks.

Russell's immediate reaction was, NO WAY. Hmmm, not surprising. I convinced Anson to do it with me, although in the end all four of us ended up participating.

We were tagged for a Family Feud game. The question was, "What are you most likely to find under your couch cushions?"

Anson and I immediately came up with Coins and Food. Russell piped in with Remote Control. Then we were stumped. After a few wrong answers, we went to the crowd for help, and pulled out the win in the end with Keys.

The whole thing was projected onto the Jumbotron between the first and second periods. We won a gift card to Golden Corral, so watch out, we are ready for some all-you-can-eat!

Happy Halloween!

I'm getting a hard time from some people about why I haven't posted in a long time, so...I'm back!

I love doing this, but sometimes life gets in the way. Like Halloween, for instance.

Usually we carve pumpkins, roast the seeds, get crafty, and so on. This year, not so much. Rather, we went to a few parties, so focused our efforts on trying to imitate the best food offerings on Pinterest.

I started with trying to find something that wasn't junk food, because I know most of the people at the parties are little ones. This plate of clementines with celery was a huge hit. I can't tell you how many people came up to me and told me what an amazing job I'd done. Really? People, anyone can do this; it's all about presentation. Sure, I might have a bit of citrus under my nails a week later from peeling them, a blind eye from juice squirting in it, and a whole lot of celery left over, but it was worth it.

Speaking of presentation, I couldn't bring just the "healthful" option to a Halloween party, now could I? Charlotte helped me make these caramel apples. That girl peeled all the wrappers off two bags of caramels. She deserves a medal for that!

When we were done, they looked pretty pathetic at the bottom where the caramel drips down and creates a nasty looking pool. I couldn't let all that hard work go to waste. Candy corn and harvest M&Ms to the rescue. An added benefit--the candy sticks to the apples when you pick them up, enhancing their appeal. Voila! Another Martha Stewart dish to amaze your friends.

The first party was specifically for kids, and was the night before Halloween. I brought my handsome other half. Just a cute shot to show you what he looks like these days, since we rarely get our photos taken.

Later in the night, Charlotte showed off her artistry by "face painting" Russell's arms. (He vetoed the face.)

You might remember that Charlotte is the reigning Bobbing for Apples champ. Let's just pretend she wasn't on the tail end of a stomach virus, shall we? This year, she didn't disappoint. She went in for the kill (5 times actually), and every time in, grabbed an apple. She ate almost all of them, too.  Thank goodness, because I think it kept her from overdosing on candy.

Anson tried, but wasn't as successful.

Now, on to the most important part, the costumes. Charlotte was a Greek Goddess, which fit her to a T.

I mean, look at that gorgeous hair! It only took a few bottles of hairspray and a gallon of whiny tears.

Anson's too old to go for cute; he went straight to the grim reaper costume in the store. The grim reaper with neon orange shoes.

Like last year, we went to a party and trick or treating in a friend's neighborhood on the actual Halloween night. I got this cute shot of Charlotte and her friend Sofia, who was Cleopatra. They looked perfect together.

That is, until the night ended. Then Charlotte looked like this.

That's Charlotte for "take me home." They were home, candy sorted and traded, showered, and in bed by 9. I call that a successful night! Oh, the bag of chocolate Anson gave me didn't hurt, either.

It's All About the Shoes

I'm back in business with a first day of school post. It's second grade for Charlotte, and sixth grade for Anson.

Charlotte was happy to see that a very popular kindergarten teacher has moved to second grade, and she has her! Also very happy that her friend Leah from last year is in her class. This shot is from Meet the Teacher day (the week before school starts).

Charlotte was the first one to head out in the morning today, freshly showered and in her first-day-of-school Justice outfit. I relented and allowed her to shop at this hideous preteen store. The shirt she chose is covered in glitter and jewels, even though it's hard to tell in this picture.

Her favorite part is that the hood pops up and has ears, just like a fox.

She hopped on the bus, and then Anson and I headed out in the car to 6th grade, his first year in middle school. He does not get bus service (we live too close), so I drove him. Hopefully he will start riding his bike or walking soon, but he wanted to get acclimated a bit first.

The carpool line was backed up several blocks down the street, so Russell jumped out with Anson and walked him (almost) to school so we wouldn't have to wait, and he wouldn't be late.

Two things I always allow the kids to get each year are new backpacks and a first day of school outfit or two. Even if they don't need them.

Charlotte's head was spinning around trying to keep from grabbing everything she saw with sparkles, but had a keen eye for what she wanted that was worth the price. In the end, these shoes were her only "must have."

Anson only wanted one thing, Adidas Springblade shoes, and was willing to work for them (they were pricey so I came up with a list of chores he had to do to "earn them"). He insists he can jump higher than ever before, and there is more bounce in his step. There better be!

Both kiddos had great days today. Anson didn't know a single person in his homeroom, but saw a few familiar faces throughout the day and liked what he saw of his classes and teachers. He's taking science, social studies, math, language arts (reading), beginning Spanish, and beginning computers.

Charlotte was happy with her teacher and had fun at recess seeing old friends. She said they didn't really do any "real" work today, but things are looking good.

Most importantly, LOTS of people noticed and commented on their cool new kicks.

Hairs Cut

Do you know this old joke?

"Did you get your haircut?"

"Yes."

"No you didn't, you got yours HAIRS cut!"

Well it could not have been more appropriate last week.

*Disclaimer: "Before" photo hairdo crazified for effect.

Almost Home

Charlotte comes home to us on Friday. These past two weeks I have missed her more than ever. Her photo has not cropped up as much on the website, although we were lucky enough to receive several in depth letters from her.

Such as the first one I so eagerly ripped open:

To: Mom & Dad
Love: Charlotte

I am having so much fun!
I got stung by a bee.

Let's just say that this letter was the one with the most detail. We have received many since, all of which say, "I am having so much fun" with varying degrees of exclamation points and messy handwriting. Sometimes we get an "I love you" or "I miss you." I guess I'm just glad that her letters are positive, if not wordy.

Here are the shots from the web site over the past few weeks.

Glad she's wearing her rash guard, though who knows about the sunscreen.

More arts and crafts, no surprise there.

Sailing, cool! That's her in the back.

Celebrating Independence Day with her cabinmates looks like fun! Though Charlotte seems to have missed the "red, white, and blue" memo.

Heading out for the long cruise, where they take a large ferry to the (real) beach and camp there. I can see she got the temporary tattoos I sent in a letter. She went right for the face, which I never allow at home. :)

Just chillin' with her mates.

Riflery practice. Can't tell how she did, but she looks proud.

Here she is channeling her inner Katniss.

Just two more days until we see her!