44th president of the United States of America

Today, we see a better day. Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States (also one of my lucky numbers), the 4th youngest president in our history. I am here in Australia visiting my new niece Harper, Liisa and Tom. Watching on television, I see millions of people cheering, full of hope, as am I. 40,000 secret service agents surround the new president as he makes his way down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the White House. Will he get out of "the beast"? A couple ton bullet proof Cadillac that has 5" tires incapable of getting a flat. Yes, he does, and the crowd goes wild.

It is momentous for those even in the mix. Ted Kennedy collapsed at lunch. He has not been well but the sheer magnitude of this moment I'm sure contributed.

Today is a good day. Barack said in his speech today, remember "who we are and how far we have traveled." We do, and we will. He will carry us even further though and I'm looking forward to the road ahead. Bumps and victories.

Hello Airlie Beach, Australia

I have arrived. I flew into Hamilton Island (which has a fabulous resort if anyone is looking for a vacation) and caught the ferry over to Airlie. Little Harper greeted me with open arms. Literally. She was sleeping in her little carseat with her arms sticking straight up. Cute as a button. I'm not sure she could say the same about me as was evidenced later when she woke up.

We were sitting in Liisa's apartment and I was admiring her cuteness when she woke up. Oh boy was I NOT the person she was expecting to see and gave me a look to reinforce that point. Then, I swear, I wouldn't lie to you, she played dead. Yes, she played dead. She closed one eye and then the other and if I could have read her mind it would have said "maybe if I close my eyes, this person will go away." It all happened in a blink but it was the funniest thing ever. I'm happy to say, she has since learned to love me and affectionately burps for me, passes gas for me and proves that auties are best when changing diapers. Ah yes....babies......

Oh, and she does love it when I bounce her on the yoga ball. In fact often this is the only thing that calms Ms. Fussypants down. Yes, a bit fussy. Must run in the family....

Slideshow of Kiira's pony party

....for all that are interested. Each year we put together a CD for her. This year's theme was ponies/horses/cowgirls...you get the point. Here's an excerpt.

Benihana virgin

Yes, I am a Benihana virgin. So, we loaded the kids into the car and drive into the city to Japan Center. Also a very fun place that we never go. Benihana completely exceeded my expectations. For those of you who have never been, it is basically a colorful chef that chops and cooks in front of you. Complete with make a chicken out of a cracked egg, flip an uncooked egg on a spatula numerous times in a row before previous said show, and even flipping prawn tails into the top of your chef hat. The kids loved it. Yes, about 10 kids and 10 adults in all. I would definitely go back.

New Year's Eve

We actually made it up till midnight. And not just East Coast midnight. We watched the ball drop (again) west coast time. We went to our neighbor's house, Belinda and Dave Wood. Their daughter Samantha and Kiira go to school together. It was really nice to be forging these new friendships. They are great people. Happy New Year everyone!

Incidentally, we will be sending out New Year's cards vs holiday cards. One of these days.....but then, if most of you are seeing this, most of you know what is going on in our lives anyway. :-)