Visiting Uncle Frank

On Memorial Day, we drove to the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California to visit Uncle Frank.

"Elektra, this is your Great-Uncle Frank. He served in the military just like Grandpa Lou and like your daddy is doing now. Today we remember him and all the other soldiers who died for our country."

"He is Grandma Ann's son and the brother of Momma Linda and Uncle Bruce. He died a long time ago, before you or I were born. But we never forget him and how much he is loved and missed by the family."

"You know what, Elektra? I think if Uncle Frank was alive today he would be tickled pink to have you as a Great-Niece."

"It's time for us to go now. But we'll be back again to visit him. Say goodbye to Uncle Frank, Elektra."

It's All About The Hair

Sometimes Ray and I feel like we are already living with a teenager. Elektra is sooooo into her hair. She goes through the glossy magazines pointing out different looks that she wants to try. We told her that she is not allowed to dye her hair until kindergarten, but that hasn't stopped her from trying other styles:

The 'Pebbles' look. Inspired by the character with the same name from the Flintstones.

The Afrocentric Hair wrap

Why we no longer let her listen to Blondie and Sex Pistols.

Yup, already into stealing her dad's hats

The Sleek flapper-girl look

Girl Meets Swing

So, the weather is finally warm enough to enjoy days at the nearby park. On a recent trip there Elektra had her first experience with a swing:

"Okay, this is not so bad. The seat is kinda big, it feels a little strange not feeling the ground, but it's okay. Hey wait a minute, I'm moving and no one is holding me. Hold on..."

"Oh my God! I'm flying. Nooooooo! Mommy!? Daddy!? Someone come save me. Get me off this crazy thing, NOW!"

Next week we'll try the slide.

A Stranger Calls

On an ordinary day at the Mattingly's, a stranger arrived in our mailbox tucked between a Macy's bill and a Domino's Pizza flyer. His name is Stanley and he had just flew in from Washington state. He was here on a mission- to eat our food, trash our house and party like an animal. (I won't even began to tell you the stuff he did in Washington with Mike's family. Let's just say there was alcohol and strippers involved.)

Anyway, we were told by the note that came attached to Stanley that we had to show him a good time here in California and in a few days kick him out of our house so he could freeload on the next family member. We were then told to send pictures to Florida as proof of his wild behavior. 'Supposedly',these pictures were going to an elementary school as a class project, but my sources tell me that the address we sent the pictures to was actually the Florida Bureau of Investigation where they have been building a case against Stanley for some time now. He is wanted in several states which now include Washington, California and Arizona.

Hopefully the pictures we took will help the authorities catch this crazy freeloader and make him do some community service to pay back for all the trouble he has caused. If you ever see this guy in your mailbox, do not let him in your house! I'm still pulling pieces of toilet tissue out of our trees and gutter.

See, I've Got Proof!

For those of you who still can't believe I actually went to Florida, here are some pictures that prove my travel to the other side of the United States:

A Blurry Picture of Corinna snapping a shot of me at Chucky Cheese

The boys fast asleep. (the only time they look innocent!)

A very laid back Christina chillin' at the nearby pond.

Look, more blurry people. This time it's a blurry Mikey, a blurry Zack and a blurry Corinna boob.