Team Dunlap

We're still alive!

2011-07-25T23:51:00.004-05:00

Ahhh, having twins is fun but tough. Trying to find the time to do everything you want like update blogs (7 months ago), write letters and/or visit with friends/relatives, and in general sitting down to read a magazine or book is almost impossible. But, I have to say, most days I love it.

Max and Vivi are now a few days shy of 10 months and are doing so well. They are pulling up and 'cruising' around the room from the couch to the chair back to me, etc. Right now we are sequestered to the rug on the floor in the living room due to the sea of concrete flooring surrounding us (rookie mistake for two people who love modern design but have no clue what having babies is like). At the end of the week, we will be moving into our more family friendly apartment just a little south of where we are now. And by the looks of it, we are getting out just in the nick of time.

Rudy thinks we will have walkers by their birthday (10/5). Either way, walking or not, we'll be busy running after our two crazy almost to be toddlers.

We're in love.....

Aunt Emily visits Austin

2010-12-16T00:59:00.008-06:00

We've been so lucky to have my parents come visit over Thanksgiving for a week. We definitely need to get some of those photos up!

This week, Aunt Emily came to visit. She's had so much fun with "her twin" aka Baby A Dunlap aka Max. Emily is also a twin (in case you didn't know - Rudy's sisters Emily and Rachel are twins) and they have each 'adopted' the twin that corresponds with their birth order. I.e, Emily was baby A and her twin is Max who is also baby A. We'll have to get Rachel to taken pics with her twin when we meet up for Christmas.

This week things have changed significantly with the babes - they are MUCH more awake and alert. They both smile ALOT. Max, who was Mr. fussy pants and had colic, is now as chill as could be and so happy. Vivi has officially found her 'voice' and talks and yells at us in a cute way to tell us what she likes and doesn't. Vivi has officially slept through the night (1 time from 10:30pm until 6:30am)! Other than that, they are only getting up once per night so we are getting at least 5 hours of sleep a night (up from 1-2) and we feel like rockstars!

Here are some shots from our week:

enjoying the farmer's market with the babies

Max sleeping with Aunt Emily amongst the laundry

Vivi wearing the hat Aunt Emily made

Vivi's sleeping style

Max is in love with Aunt Emily

Max and Vivi (L-R) singing angry Christmas carols

We're twins ya know....

Baby Bender

2010-12-16T00:44:00.003-06:00

Rudy and I were running around the other day looking for pacifiers - two babies and no pacifiers. Are you kidding?!? WHERE were they? Under the bed of course....

Naptime and Pacifiers

2010-12-09T21:08:00.005-06:00

Back in September I was napping with the little ones in my belly. We would take two naps a day - one on my lunch break and the other as soon as we got home from work.

I couldn't help myself today to take them both and snuggle like old times. They both slept longer and more soundly than usual. I wonder if being back together had something to do with it. Note, Max and his pacifier and Vivi sucking on her hand. I love learning who they are and their differences.

Somethings this week - Vivi mimicked Rudy raising her arms up in the air several times in a row. So cool. And she also slept 8.5 hours through the night without waking. Max is learning to calm himself down and not relying on us as much to do that for him. He gets EXTREMELY upset when hungry and will have a little freak out. We've notice that subside a bit this week. He also is full of smiles for Mommy. That, my friends, makes this all worth it.

Weight Update: Max is now 10.3 lbs and Vivi is 9 even! Officially, they are off the preemie scale and now are between the 10 and 25th percentile for weight. Their height is still on the preemie scale.

We've come up with creative ways to hold Max's paci in. And no, we don't leave the room with him like this but it comes in handy not having to place it back in his mouth every 2 seconds.

Want to babysit?

2010-12-04T10:14:00.002-06:00

Rudy and I woke up to this....is it bad that we laughed? I guess we would be joining them if not for the laughter. Have a relaxing Saturday and think of us!

Making up for lost time!

2010-12-01T17:04:00.005-06:00

Since Vivi has come home, its been chaos. We love it though. Wouldn't have it any other way!

Here are some shots of her and her brother....

our little babushka

she sleeps with her arms in the air for an hour sometimes.

Looks like she is putting a curse on us.

Another shot...

Reading a book with Daddy

sharing a bed with brother...

sharing Mommy with brother

doing pullups

Sally Struthers called and wants to know how much per day a cup of coffee is now.

Vivi breaks out of the big house

2010-11-02T16:54:00.006-05:00

Today while Rudy went to work, Oma and Opa Dunlap and I and Max had a rendevous with Ms. Vivi to get her out of the big house. Here are a few shots of our breakout....

First time holding her without wires!

Opa riding in back to make sure all was well....

Ok, we laughed at this one....three things on her head and no socks?

Waiting on their ride...

Cheeks Dunlap wins the prize

2010-10-31T19:58:00.008-05:00

We are so very proud of our Vivi! She officially has become the largest baby in the NICU (we're kidding)! Weighing in at a whopping 6lbs. 6 oz! She eats 100 ml (3.25 oz) now at her feedings which is shocking since we began with 5 ml just 3 weeks ago. We always knew she was a winner....now to enter her in pageants.

Rudy's parents are back visiting and we are crossing our fingers that she is released while they are here. She may want to stick around for the 7lb. mark - but we hope not! Here are some shots from the past two days....

sideline burping NICU style

eating groceries

relaxing with Opa

Gossiping

"you have to get me out of here..."

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Back at the home front....Max is enjoying his last few days as an only child...

Oma and Opa

Happy Birthday to Aunt Emily & Aunt Rachel!

2010-10-26T20:20:00.004-05:00

Max and Vivi asked us to pass along these birthday wishes.

Hope you each had a nice birthday Aunt Emily & Aunt Rachel.

Come visit soon!

And we were three....

2010-10-25T10:51:00.004-05:00

YEAH! We brought Max home on 10-2o-10. The hospital NICU staff recommended a 'sleep-in' or a night where we stayed at the hospital with Max and they would monitor us taking care of him. They want all parents of preemies to do this if possible.

Max also went on his first trip to see the pediatrician, Dr. Norton. All went well and was complete with peeing on the attendant when we first arrived. Max weighed in at 5 lbs, 5 oz but we are pretty sure he's grown some even since Friday!

Our first feeding without wires and monitors. So nice...

Mr. Max (cheeks a bit chunkier)

DD and Max get their rest

First car ride (going home!)

The pacifier is as big as he is!

AAHHHH...in my own bed....

Vivi is still working on breathing while she eats. She likes to chug, chug, chug and then cannot breathe. We hope soon she can join us three at home. The doctors say this is just an immaturity issue and will go away with age. Its been really hard to have her @ the hospital while he is here at home. We all miss her so much. We just knew she wasn't ready to come out. We'll give her the time she needs....we love you Vivi! She's up to 5lbs, 10 oz!

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Rudy's co-worker, our great friend, Aunt Amanda and her boyfriend Joe came on Sunday to visit with Max. Amanda is in love.

Making Progress

2010-10-15T17:53:00.014-05:00

After a long day in College Station, it was nice to be back with the kiddos today. We visited Max and Vivi for their 11am and 2pm feedings today with a short break in between for some work.

They both consumed 40 ml. from the bottle at 11am--way to go! They're now being fed via the feeding tube on every third feeding instead of every other, so we're making progress. Vivi is up to 4 lbs 13.6 oz and Max slid back a little to 4 lbs 11 oz, probably due to having to regulate more of his own temp.

Goofy shot of Vivi - note that is the tape from the feeding tube and not boogers.

Note that Mr. Max likes to sleep with his arms up, just like his Daddy.

Got some great pics today, including ones of the whole family and M & V together. Enjoy.

Rudy and Vivi

DD and Vivi

L-R: Max, Vivi

Max and Vivi - reunited and it feels so good. First shot ever together since womb.

And he sleeps....Day 9

2010-10-14T13:12:00.007-05:00

Today's my first day going alone to the NICU. I definitely missed Rudy there but understand he has to bring home the bacon. And I know he sorely misses the little monkeys.

After a night of missing them tremendously, it felt great to get up and go directly to them. Its a gorgeous Fall day in Austin. I realized I hadn't driven in almost 4 weeks and it felt good to be independent again.

When I walked in to the NICU to greet M&V, I peeked into Vivi's isolette to see her looking back at me. She never is awake it seems so it was nice to see her alert. Her eyes looked directly into mine and she opened her mouth wide open. It was probably due to hunger, but was adorable nonetheless.

Going over to peek into Max's isolette, I found him asleep and with his feeding tube out. Usually Max, around feeding time, is alert and waiting. Not today. It was as if the tube was out and he was happy and sleepy. Unfortunately, he had to have it put back in, something I am sure he had forgotten when he reached in to pull it out in the first place. He sleeps with his hands above his head, just like Rudy. Also, he sucks on his fingers which inevitably means he pulls the darn thing out. One day they won't have all these wires and tubes and velcro....

Stats - Vivi is now 4 lb, 13 oz. Max is catching up and weighs in at a whopping 4lb, 12 oz. They continue to have 4 feedings on the bottle and 4 via a feeding tube. They are learning to breathe, suck and swallow - slow but steady....

Day 7 NICU

2010-10-12T23:43:00.005-05:00

Babies are doing well today. Both have their IVs out now and are on manual temperature regulation - basically, they are regulating their own temperatures with clothes on and being swaddled instead of having the isolette control the temperature for them. We will see how they do and hope they won't spend all their energy keeping their bodies warm.

They both are still on some lighting for a slight case of jaundice, but they are looking better each day. Max's skin is definitely more fair than his sisters. It definitely looks as if we have a redhead/strawberry blonde (Max) and a brunette (Vivi) on our hands!

Max has had several 'blowouts' when Rudy is feeding and/or handling him and it is quite funny. I fed him in our morning shift and he waited to 'blow it out' as soon as I handed him to Rudy.

We helped bathe him for the first time tonight - Max was not a huge fan of that. It was quick and over in about 4-5 mins but he made his opinion of it known. Max is fairly quiet and so I must say it was nice to hear him cry a bit (I am sure I will live to regret that statement).

Hard to believe its already been a week....

"You Wanna Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name."

2010-10-11T22:26:00.006-05:00

Similar to a good bar, we've become regulars at the North Austin Medical Center's NICU. We typically get in to see and feed the kiddos twice a day. By now, the front desk staff and nurses know us on sight and we've settled into our routines. Fortunately, we have not been at the NICU as long as some families, and for that we are grateful.

Grandparents have been the featured attraction this week and below are a few pics of Oma & Opa Dunlap and Pop-pop Sarine. Nana Sarine was not allowed into to the NICU due to a cold--sorry, Nana.

In addition to grandparents, Uncle Greg Sarine came to town for ACL and got a niece and nephew instead! Way to be a good sport, Uncle Greg!

Entertaining yourself at a hospital

2010-10-08T18:12:00.002-05:00

Rudy having fun racing me around the hospital....

Almost Home

2010-10-06T16:18:00.008-05:00

Hello from the Post-partem Unit in our new home, the North Austin Medical Center. This is no longer news for most people, but we welcomed the newest members of our family into the world yesterday. Max Sarine Dunlap (4 lbs. 8 oz., 17.5 inches) was born the 'old fashioned way' at 11:53am. Vivienne "Vivi" (pronounced "Viv-ee) Jewell Dunlap (4 lbs. 11 oz., 18.75 inches) was born via Cesaerian Section at 9:18pm.

Danielle's induction process began on 9:30am on Monday and progressed throughout the day, all night, and all morning Tuesday. Consistent with out goals, our OB allowed Danielle to return to our room after delivering Max in order to continue laboring with Vivi. Danielle rested for an hour and then began pushing with Vivi for three hours. Unfortunately, in the wake of her marathon effort, Danielle's uterus was simply too exhausted to assist in the pushing process. We also learned that when babies are premature, the women's body may or may not be 'ready' to labor despite the babies' water breaking. We all (DD, Rudy, nurses, and OB) decided that in our particular situation, at that moment it was safest to bring Vivi into the world via C-section, which she did.

Mom, babies, Dad and Dunlap grandparents all enjoyed a night of restful sleep. Today brought multiple visits to the NICU to see Max and Vivi, pictures below.

We appreciate everyone's concern and enthusiasm related to this experience. DD will be in North Austin Medical Center until Friday and the kiddos will be in the NICU for an undetermined amount of time, most likely 7-14 days. They're both breathing well on their own and as you can see below, have begun bottle feeding. Some folks have asked about the need for them to be in the NICU and essentially it is in case they were to develop any problems during the next couple weeks. We've been assured that they are very healthy for 34-week twins and that we have nothing to worry about. So, we're almost home, but not quite.

Vivi - a few mins after birth...

Max, also a few minutes after going into NICU

Max fresh from the oven!

Halfway Home

2010-10-05T15:19:00.002-05:00

Hi Folks - As you've gathered, we've come a long way, but we're only 'halfway home.' Max Sarine Dunlap was born at 11:53am CST, weighed 4 lbs. 8 oz., and measured 17.5 inches long. It is a little difficult to tell, but the concensus is that he has red hair! I've just returned from visiting Max (just Max, not Maxwell or Maximilian) in the NICU and he's doing really well. He is not using supplemental oxygen and was sleeping soundly.

As you may have seen from the comments, Danielle has been napping for the last hour to gather her strength for the 'final push' which will bring our little girl into the world. It's been so fun to meet Max, but now we're ready for his sister to join us.

Related to the topic of laboring, I realize that many of you may have been frustrated with the sparse information received from us after ~10pm last night. All I can say is that my services were needed for a much more important task, that of helping Danielle through her labor. She began a Pitocin drip ay 930am yesterday and it continued until Max's birth this morning, save one hour. Danielle and I worked all yesterday and throughout the entire night to help her body bring these babies out. Obviously, Danielle did the real work, and I can honestly say that I have never seen any physical or athletic achievement to rival her labor and delivery.

So now, we're back in a holding pattern as we wait for Danielle's uterus to get 'back on board' with the birthing process. I'll do my best to provide you with info, but please be patient.

Rudy

Gettin' Down To It

2010-10-04T16:17:00.008-05:00

16:15 - Just had a check with the midwife: 3cm dilated, 90% effaced, and still a 1.5 on the pain scale! Way to go DD!

(sorry no more pics; paparazzi have been ejected by the mother from the birthing suite)

17:00 - The IV with antibiotics hurts a lot more than the contractions, which have intensified slightly. Still only a 2 out of 10. Oma & Opa headed out to grab some grub.

19:15 - First visit and check from the OB! 5cm dilated, 90% effaced, and zero station! Halfway home! Contractions still a 2 out of 10. Switched to the birthing ball for a little while. Dr. S predicts a 1am delivery.

20:00 - Birthing ball is the ticket. Danielle even allowed a picture--enjoy!

21:00 - Just truckin along here. Contractions a little more intense (2 out of 10), but still no pain to speak of. Side note, a little one was born in the suite next door about a half hour ago and boy did s/he have a pair of lungs!

22:15 - Our little girl is refusing to stay on the fetal heart rate monitor, which is a typical Dunlap response to authority. The contractions keep coming, but DD is unphased. Hooray for hypnobirthing.

Warming Up

2010-10-04T07:53:00.012-05:00

07:30 - Please note the cheery disposition of the 'Before' picture above.

Those of you who are birthers know how important it is to 'get your mind right' and your body loose. So we (me & DD) started early this morning with some calisthenics and some cheers to get up pumped up.

09:30 - We've moved over into the Labor & Delivery Unit. Danielle is situated comfortably in bed and has begun a very slow drip of Pitocin. Apparently, Danielle has had a few contractions, even though she can't feel them. "Am I in labor?" she asked the nurse. "No," the nurse answered. "You can't be in labor and smiling."

10:30 - Arrival of Opa & Oma! Randy and Mary Helen are on the scene and have checked in with their respective brokers.

11:30 - D is having contractions, but still not feeling them (1 out of 10). Despite the fact that she's not feeling contractions, she's requested that the thermostat be turned down. It now reads 67 (Fahrenheit).

12:45 - Like a Pro! Look at DD as she experiences a contraction--cool, calm, collected.

15:00 - Not a whole lot goin' on here. Contractions still in the 1.5 (out of 10) range. Watching the Food Network (mmm...pork belly). Pitocin still dripping...any suggestions from the other birthers out there?

Fall Happy Hour 2009, College Station, TX

2009-10-04T22:16:00.012-05:00

First off, I would like to say 'Hi my name is Danielle and I am a slacker.' I hope you can forgive me, I have been busy/lazy/too 'over' taking pictures/without a home/traveling/no internet connection/crappy internet connection/ for the past several months. I will try to take it day by day and post pictures as they are taken from this post forward!

Here are some of the latest from Friday's Happy Hour. Those who know Athens know Friday Happy Hour is important and hardly ever missed. When Rudy and I arrived in College Station, this was not the case. College Station, being the land of strip malls and no downtown, has no place to meet-up and socialize that is unique like in Athens. So Rudy and I began to invite people out every Friday from 4pm until 6pm at O'Bannons - the best chain bar around that we could find. And twice a year, we have a Happy Hour of our own. Here are some of last week's pics.

Some of the faculty in Rudy's dept -

L-R: Amanda, Ulli, Rudy

Background - Jerry, the crazy grad student

They say everyone always goes to the kitchen.

Need a bigger kitchen!

We like wine - can you tell?

How many glasses?

Bea & the Shafers (more faculty) -

the cutest couple ever!

Rudy and Bill yacking it up...yo yo.

Bea and I -

Beatriz is a grad student who came to Fiji with us.

Sunset on the balcony

Hugh, Christy, Ted and Andrew -

probably 'community organizing' something!

Fiji Me!

2009-05-25T02:01:00.002-05:00

Hey guys. No pictures this time - just a small update to let you know we are alive and well.

Just arrived in Brisbane, Australia today and headed to Townsville tomorrow (just an overnight stopover). There is so much to tell, I really have no idea where to begin.

Day 1:

Well, we picked our group of 18 students up at Nadi airport about a week ago and we headed across the large island of Fiji to a resort like backpacker accomodation. The first day (after arriving) was largely free so students could get to know one another and to sleep off the jet lag. The next day was a trip to USP - the University of the South Pacific for 5 lectures about Tourism and life in Fiji - socially, economically, environmentally, politically - customs, etc.....this is where the students got to know what is happening on the trip and what to expect. Since this is technically a study abroad group - they have academic responsibilities.

On our way home from USP, we stopped by the Fijian President's house to mess with the guards and the House of Parliment. Technically, the government has been in a coup recently (and they technically have a dictatorship), nothing was really going on but it was interesting to see. USP was in Suva - the largest city in Fiji and its capital. Again, once pictures are downloaded, you will see - it is a developing nation - so it looks more like India (in my head) then what one would traditionally call 'Fiji.' We were all exhausted still from jet lag so we headed back and crashed early.

I will write more later....

Bula!

2009-05-16T17:41:00.007-05:00

Bula from Nadi, Fiji!

Rudy and I have arrived in Fiji a little over a day ago. After a 24 hour journey here (which was uneventful thank god!), we waited for our shuttle from the airport as the sun was rising. We both were and are still a bit jet-lagged, however it has not been nearly as bad as when we have traveled to Europe. I guess because the time difference is so great (17 hours) we have felt it less than a 6 or 7 hour time change.

So after we arrived at our hotel, we cat napped and ate some breakfast. Afterwards we took a taxi to another side of Nadi - where there are more beaches and scenery. On the way to and from though, the scene was more like what I would have pictured in India or Bangladesh - cars zipping through crowds, dogs running randomly, and people of indian and native Fijian decent walking to and from market. Afros are very popular here and men wearing sulus/skirts is common. All in all, very different from anywhere I have ever been!

Here are a few pictures of our hotel, beach, etc. We head off tomorrow to another area of Fiji with the students arriving from Texas A&M. Rudy, myself and a gentlemen named Lee are in charge of keeping them alive while on their trip abroad. Some of the students have never been outside of Texas, so needless to say, we are going to keep an eye on them.

Until next time....

Our hotel and view from our room:

The beach:

Milo Loves Salsa

2009-05-03T00:11:00.006-05:00

Our friends, David and Alley, had a nice get together tonight. We had fun cooking out, salsa dancing and talking with many folks from RPTS (Rudy's Department) and outside. Here are a few shots:

What I brought - Greek salad on a skewer

Milo (he is a spanish speaking dog from Costa) trying to keep David and Alley from salsa dancing. He was quite funny. He kept on going between them breaking them up. Can you say 'jealous'?

Milo gets his turn

Milo taking a breather after dancing the night away

Richard and Ashley were having fun looking at the doggy dancing. (Richard is the IT genius in RPTS and has been very valuable to Rudy with all his computer woes).

Goodwill Gucci

2009-05-01T17:48:00.011-05:00

I was so excited I found this set of 12 highball glasses at Goodwill. I just had to share! $3.00 + tax for the whole set. They were perfect for our dinner party a few nights ago!

Rudy and I break things almost daily - the drawback to concrete floors. Victims this week included a butter dish and a votive candle holder. So Goodwill Gucci it will be until we stop with the butter fingers.

Our New Home!

2009-04-27T19:33:00.008-05:00

We are moving (urg) again this summer. Although, We love our current flat, its a bit small. Rudy is now working from home about two days per week and in one room, we are definitely cramped.

These are the townhomes we are moving into - they are right across from a park/walking trails, outdoor concert arena, and we will be right on the bus line to the university. Rudy can also bike to work (about a mile) safely - which has been impossible where we currently live. The apartment/townhouses will have two pools, a huge 24 hour workout facility, a restaurant, a bakery, shops, a wine store...you name it....its here. We are so excited!

We will move in sometime this August - once construction is complete. Here are some pics we took while checking out the progress the construction crews were making....

The one on the end is ours. We lucked out because being on the end, we are the only ones with a wrap around balcony. These are two bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1500 sq. ft townhomes.

This is not our kitchen but it will look something like this one.

In the park across the street

The hills are alive....with the sound of Rudeman.

Austin is....Our Kind of Town

2009-04-27T19:11:00.005-05:00

As Rudy and I "adjust" to living in rural Texas, we find it is very therapeutic to run to Austin about once or twice a month. We love eating at unique restaurants, going to farmer's markets, listening to music - all are things that Austin can provide! Here are photos from our recent trip.

Whisk! - a relatively new restaurant in Austin. More of a cool take out, locally sourced lunch place. Great atmosphere, even better food. You can eat in the kitchen with the chef or dine al fresco.

Barton Springs: Natural, Spring fed swimming hole + park near downtown Austin. It was already packed since it is quite hot here in Texas.

Austin Botanical Gardens:

Austin Farmer's Market (AMAZING!) - you could find everything you need - fresh bread, pastry, local organic veggies, fresh fruit, fish - all while listening to bluegrass. I was in heaven!

Remember the Alamo!

2009-04-27T18:59:00.003-05:00

Its been quite awhile...I've been a bad, bad blogger!

My parent's came over Rudy's Spring Break and we had so much fun! This was their first trip to Texas since we moved here. We went to Austin and visited the Texas Capital and then went on to San Antonio to see some of the sights there. The Alamo, the Riverwalk and the missions (Catholic Diocese) in the area were quite facinating. We tried to convince Dad to ask if there was a basement in the Alamo and he wouldn't (Google Pee Wee's Big Adventure). I didn't take many pictures (Dad took most of them) but here are a few shots!

The Riverwalk

Welcome to Beautiful Texas!

Mom and Dad's view from their hotel room.

The Alamo

Far From Home

2009-04-08T20:02:00.010-05:00

I've given it a lot of thought and this move to Texas from Georgia has been as culturally different for me as New York is to North Carolina. It is coming to me in thoughts here and there - life is different here in Texas. We live in Texas (I am still in shock)! Rudy and I sometimes cannot grasp it. Why? I am not quite sure. In our almost 11 years of marriage we have moved about 5 times to different cities and towns - so moving is not new to us. I realize what made Athens different the second time around. We purchased our first home in 2004 in Athens. It was our home. I have not felt an attachment to a house since I first met Rudy in 1993 when my family lived on Lake Bend Way in Greensboro, NC. We still miss that house. And although we still own our Athens house, we miss it as well.

Ironically, we are now craving stability and somehow we dislike the idea of settling here. The job is excellent, the friendships have begun and seem sincere, my health is continuing to improve - why not settle here? Something tells us both, this is not "it." Only time will tell. There are many adventures ahead - for that we are certain!

For now, trips to Austin will have to do - we love Austin! And this weekend we are headed there AGAIN to relax and enjoy. We may even consider living there at some point - but for now, we will commit to another year in College Station.

Pull ups Potty Dance

2009-02-13T11:15:00.005-06:00

Commercial that is so hysterical/bizarre/slightly disturbing:

Potty Dance:

Leisure Work

2009-01-31T18:08:00.009-06:00

Rudy was at a conference for Leisure Educators in Salt Lake City. As you can see, 10 years of schooling in Leisure does definitely have its perks! The Dr. of Fun AKA Rudy, apparently is having lots of leisure!

Rudy and several other professors went to Park City for an afternoon of cross country skiing. Apparently they saw a moose across the canyon and all were asked to keep quiet since Moose kill more humans in North America than any other animal (or so Rudy tells me).

Rudy is set to return on Sunday night. Come home soon smoopy!

Knit-Wit

2009-01-31T17:30:00.007-06:00

Here's my man - knitting a hat for his brother's girl, Stephanie. It turned out great! BTW, we do use the lights. Not sure why Rudy has his headlamp on!?!

Stephanie was kind enought to take a

picture for me with it on! Thanks Steph!

Field Trip

2009-01-31T17:07:00.006-06:00

Rudy and I took a trip a few weeks ago to Austin. We had a great day - a picnic, a trip to a museum and great 70 degree January weather. We are adapting to Texas and our proximity to Austin makes that a much easier. We love Austin!

A few cool shots from our day:

eyes that follow you throughout the room

spaghetti like sculpture outside of the museum

Ancient Athenian coins (circa 120-190 AD)

Another Athenian coin

Our House..... is a very, very, very nice house

2009-01-05T09:34:00.012-06:00

Every other year, Rudy and I head to Cincinnati for the holidays. And I started a tradition of making a gingerbread house. Rudy and his brother Joshua have created their own tradition of destroying the house at the end of the week. Here is this year's house:

The before

The after

Happy New Year From Dudy!

2009-01-01T10:50:00.003-06:00

What's For Dinner?

2008-12-16T22:07:00.009-06:00

Just being silly...and we were bored (it is Texas afterall) so here is what we ate....Cajun Scallops with Succatash

Rudy cleaned his plate!

It was vest night at the Dunlaps...

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And the next day...for a holiday party....Peppermint Bark!

Rudy's favorite!

Snow! Seriously, it snowed in Texas!

2008-12-16T21:47:00.008-06:00

So we got snow...unbelieveable. It's a Christmas miracle for Texas! I spoke to people in their 20's who had never seen snow in their lives (and have always lived in this region). It was fun while it lasted and made us all think it felt a little more like the holidays. Of course, the next day was in the 70's but ....hey....it snowed!

Snowball to prove it snowed here.

Come and visit and see the snowball, in person.

Sleigh Riding, Texas Style

2008-12-05T11:31:00.004-06:00

So as most of you know, I traveled several places over the last few months (Canada, Baltimore, DC, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia and soon to be in Ohio) and I got it out of my system! I decided until we have children, I wanted to go back to work. We both realized I was driving myself nuts at home (there is only so much one can do) and I had an opportunity to go back into special events planning. I began my career a long time ago with Marriott in DC area and I loved planning events. Unfortunately, it is not a high salary so when Rudy went to grad school, I went into Human Resources.

Two weeks ago, I took a position working with Bryan Parks and Recreation and I love it! I was hired specifically for our large event in June called Texas Reds Wine Festival - but, I also work other events such as the holiday themed events we have in our local parks. These are pictures from my first night on the job. Our office hired a snow-maker from Colorado (12 hours away) to come and make snow for the kiddies. I must say, although I thought it was a little lame when I heard about it, it turned out to be a really cool thing for the Texas kids to experience. My memories growing up were of sleigh riding with all the kids in the neighborhood - Joe, Nancy, etc. and it was magical. For one night, Bryan Parks and Rec was able to bring that to the kids here. How cool.

My Nieces @ Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T19:38:00.003-06:00

Olivia staring at her Aunt DD wondering why she (I) takes so many pics

Kira

Foot-Fights on Nana's couch

Travelin' Woman

2008-11-04T17:02:00.012-06:00

A week or so ago, I was able to go to St. Augustine to pug-sit for my cousin Amy's 'babies' - Henry and Isabelle. They were headed to Ireland for a week and a half and I went to their beautiful home to rest, read and relax on my own. Solitude was nice. Here are a few photos of my trip.

Henry waiting for mom and dad to return.

Quebec City Part Two

2008-10-20T11:40:00.010-05:00

More pics from our trip to Quebec. We met some awesome folks from all over the world (hence, the name World Leisure Congress) and we went out for some biere (beer) and poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curd) one night. We saw some hippies dancing and I am happy to report, hippies do drum and dance the same in Quebec as they do in Boone, NC.

The next day, Rudy was free to sightsee - so here are some of those pics of the old harbor in Quebec City:

10 Ans

2008-10-07T14:12:00.005-05:00

We finally are celebrating our 10th anniversary!

les portes de Quebec

2008-10-07T08:10:00.007-05:00

As I am walking around Quebec, I am wondering when we decided to design things differently. By different, I mean less detailed, plain, without character in my opinion. It seems in America as in Quebec, houses and buildings had more detail 100 years ago. Why are these amazing doors still being created? Or maybe they are and we just choose the standard door from Home Depot.

I took photos of doors throughout Quebec; it seems that life feels richer here. There is more beauty in the details. People seem to live with less - less square footage, less clothing (people often wear the same clothing several times in one week), less cars, even less food at the restaurants. What I see more of is socialization in common places - bars and cafes are packed on Sunday and Monday nights with families, neighbors, co-workers. They seem genuinely happy with less things and more community.

Quebec City

2008-10-06T14:30:00.015-05:00

Rudy and I excitedly left Bryan on Sunday morning for Quebec City. Rudy was asked to present a piece he had written at the World Leisure Congress held this year in Quebec City. For those who are not familiar, Quebec City is the oldest section of Quebec and Montreal. They actually just celebrated their 400th anniversary. Similar to Montreal, the preferred language is French but the majority of people know a bit of English.

The city is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been. Here are some photos from my many walks on my first day (click the pic to view more detail):

Ketchup

2008-10-03T23:28:00.035-05:00

Ketchup....from not blogging in forever! Here's our life for the past several weeks!

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Flowers for my birthday! Tulips are my favorite!

Thanks Cincy Dunlaps!

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Unfortunately, Ike came my birthday weekend, so we stayed inside all weekend. We rented movies and watched them on our new TV (we joined the flat screen HD TV team and we looooove it!)

I took this photo from our parking lot. A local lawyer's office had a sense of humor about the storm. The eye of Ike came within 20 miles of Bryan but we were fortunate that there was little to no damage and no power outages in our area.

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Our first bbq in Texas was with some new friends. We all have moved to Bryan in the last few weeks so we have bonded for sure! Michel and his wife Shoham just finished up @ Yale in Connecticut, David and Alley just left Penn State in State College, PA.

Michel grillin' away

David and Alley (newlyweds!)

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Rudy's parents came last weekend for a visit and we had a great time in Austin on Friday and then in Bryan the rest of the weekend.

We went to the A&M vs. Army (Rudy's dad graduated from West Point so he is an Army fan). It was very hot and sunny and as you can tell from the picture we were very high up in the stands. It was Armed Forces recognition weekend and I could not believe the size of this flag they brought out at half time. As usual, I had to take my camera out....

Rudy's Dad ran into an fellow West Point grad whom he knew when in school. We all had a great time.

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The next day we decided to head to Messina Hof - Bryan's local winery which is about 4 miles from our apartment. Apparently, TX is now in the top five states that produce wine. Because of its climate (HOT and no rain) it is perfect for grapes.

dorks in the vines

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Just a cool sign I found downtown....

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peepin out the window

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Got signs this week and now we are Representin on 'Main Street'

(seriously, we do live on Main Street)

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Our first shindig we threw in our new home - happy hour for friends and some with Rudy's department on 10/3. It was so much fun!

TX has the most beautiful sunsets

live music right out the window!

Rudy is diggin the music!

Cullin, Jenna and Torinto our neighbors

Fighting Aggies!

2008-09-08T21:32:00.011-05:00

So Rude and I were able to go to our first ever A&M football game against Arkansas State. It was quite different in many ways from the UGA football games. First, they have this large procession of horse and buggy and the corp of cadets (2nd largest corp after West Point). Also, the students are all required to know several 'calls' or cheers that are given throughout the game which was facinating to watch.

Thanks to Rudy's department, we were lucky enough to sit in box seats which were air conditioned and catered!

The highlight of the entire night (since we are not really football people) was the band. They were incredible. Check out the video below of one of their formations.

Reveille, the mascot.

Our view of the 50....

Taco Flavored Keeses from Texas

2008-08-22T20:48:00.009-05:00

HOWDY! Tejas is good. Rudy had several days of new faculty orientation and I must say they treat their faculty and staff well here @ A&M. We went to two different family oriented dinners this week - one where they brought about 15 different local restaurants and bakeries so we call could sample the College Station/Bryan flavor; the second was more formal and it was held in the George Bush Sr. Presidential Library. Although I am not partial to the Bush legacy, it is a beautiful building. The statue out front was made from some of the actual Berlin Wall. Horses trampling over itsymbolizing the fall of Communism.

Rudy's classes being on Monday and he is so ready to get this semester started. This weekend he is taking a trip to Wichita Falls, TX (on the Oklahoma border) for a bike ride titled 'The Hotter than Hell 100' - 100 miles in northern TX. Sounds like fun huh? This is their logo...

I am doing well and still adjusting to the 'stay at home' wife lifestyle....it is nice! For now, I am trying to get the apartment painted, unpack (almost done) and get my thyroid issues solved. This week I went to see an acupuncturist which was amazing. I should have gone all along.

Saturday night we have dinner with some new friends in the department so I will try and take pics of that.

Until then....taco kisses from Texas! Check out this video (hilarious!)....

Our New Address:

201 South Main Street

Apt#205

Bryan, TX 77803

Dudy Goes West

2008-08-13T16:55:00.015-05:00

So Rudy's graduation (pics to come) went wonderful. We left our friends and family on Sunday the 3rd of August to head 14.5 hours West towards Bryan, TX. We had a tearful goodbye at Big City Bread 11am EST and our plan was to drive 10 hours to Shreveport, LA to spend the night.

After stopping in Vicksburg, MS for dinner, we realized very quickly that there was no where to eat. So we continued on to Louisiana where we found a good ole Olive Garden. We pressed on to arrive at 11pm CST in Shreveport. We were exhausted but we made it. The next day was about four hours of driving and we entered Bryan/College Station, our new home.

Overall, in my opinion, the trip went well. Rudy is not a fan of being in the car more than 3 hours so he was a bit restless. He and I split the drive and here are some pics we took:

Rudy so happy driving :)

crossing the Mississippi

(I had never done that by car!)

the Louisiana Bayou at sunset

downtown shreveport

we're home...

front window looking out at dusk

our stuff

another front window view looking out

our side window views

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Rudy now wears earplugs to bed because these trains are loud and run twice an hour! Luckily, they run only three times per night. I grew up right next to a train so I have no problems sleeping (thanks to the Sarine tendency to be heavy sleepers).

St. Augustine

2008-08-08T13:46:00.018-05:00

Before graduation and the move, Rudy and I decided to take some much needed R&R in St. Augustine, FL. My cousin, Amy, and her husband, Marshall, were gracious enough to let us stay. Their home is a block off the beach and has unbelievable views of the intercoastal waterway. We even spent a few days with them on Marshall's new catamaran which is docked currently near Tampa area. Here are the pics from our trip:

Happy Hour on the dock is nice

L-R: Cuz Amy, Me, Aunt Kathi (Amy's Mom) and Rude

Izzy, my godpug (Amy said that if she and Marshall

die in a "fiery" plane crash, Izzy and Henry are mine).

Sunset on the dock

Izzy @ Happy Hour

Henry always looks so concerned

- life is hard for a pug

Rudy and Amy shootin it

Amy and Marshall's house

Aunt Kathi & Amy

Dinner with friends of Amy and Marshall

L-R: Amy, Tom, Vicky, Marshall, Me, Rudy and Uncle Keith.

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Video of Amy's reaction to a shot of jagermeister:

Pinky & the Brain

2008-07-10T23:26:00.008-05:00

6 long years of graduate school have come to an end this week. On Wednesday, July 9th, Rudy defended his dissertation and was finally awarded the distinction of 'Doctor!' Emily, Doug, Rachel, Lisbeth (Rudy's work wife), Roz (Rudy's work Mother in Law) and I all went to watch Rudy present and 'defend' his research. Surprisingly, the defense was interesting and kept our attention for 2 hours! After the defense, we all went out for a bite to eat @ Mirko (a new pasta place in town...excellent) and later on a dip in Emily and Doug's pool (thanks guys!). Overall, an incredible day.

Friday, was officially my last day of work after a little over four years of working @ Ameliorate. When my boss, Louie, the small frenchman, mentioned there may be tears, I quickly responded that i would not be crying any of them! I have a feeling I will likely receive several calls in the weeks to come....

Here's a photo of Rudy post-defense. Dr. Smarty-Pants! Will his head ever return to normal?

Slim Shady

2008-07-10T23:12:00.010-05:00

We have recently been adopted by a kitty named 'Slim Shady.' He began to appear several months ago lounging on our porch on sunny afternoons. He has been a regular @ Forest Heights for about the last two weeks. We just do not know how to break it to him that we are moving!?!

Elvis has left the building

2008-06-27T23:17:00.015-05:00

Words cannot describe how excited we were this week when Rudy turned in his dissertation! So we will let the pictures of "The King" and his peeps @ Trappeze speak for themselves. Thanks to those who came out....the Dr. Dunlap defense party coming soon.....

The 'red-fox', with the 'white man's overbite.'

Carlton is not touching Emily

Caleb just has those crazy eyes, ya know?

You know what I mean.

Dave, this may be a bad time,
but can I borrow your pressure-washer?

Peace, Lila...

Rudy and Mango

Ironically (or is it?) John Kirby, one of our bestest friends from High School (he introduced Rudy and I) came down to Athens for some lame workshop. Bonus for him he knew someone else in town... Thanks John for a fun week. You and Carrie look like Texas-lovers. Come for a visit.

Hotlanta

2008-06-27T22:47:00.013-05:00

We went to Atlanta for our last hoorah with Corey, Yancey and Laurel before heading out West. Walking around town, shopping @ the new H&M and other wild and crazy things made the weekend more than memorable.

I wish I could pack them all in my boxes and have Mayflower (movers) drive them to Bryan. But that would be bad (for them). Guys, we will miss ya! Thanks for showing us a grand time.

Downtown view from Piedmont Park

Laurel studies bathrooms of the future

and there was one in Piedmont Park

Not sure why I have my hand like this....watch out for my claw!

Rudy likes his smothered, covered, chunked and with peppers. Seriously, why are you eating dog food?

Rudy obsesses about Corey's I-phone

and I caught it live on camera.

Rudy does not like his
picture 'being made'....can you tell?

Ok, this guy was a hoot with the helmet. He had quite a few cocktails and was enjoying the lovely ATL weather. With a helmet on.

No Corey, I did not loose your glasses. I did see that guy with the tats standing behind you @ Heretic wearing them when we left.....heh heh.

Corey and Yancey...awwww....

Randyfest 2008

2008-06-17T12:51:00.022-05:00

Operation surprise Randy, aka "Randyfest 2008", went off without a hitch. We flew up on Friday to celebrate Randy's 30th year with Proctor and Gamble, his 57th birthday, Father's Day and the Dunlaps on their 35th wedding anniversary. Friends and family all had a blast.

The back of the T-shirt Danielle made for everyone

Randy taking it all in (check out the

front of the T's that say 'RandyStrong')

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Later on that weekend, we headed to the Hofbrauhaus (the one of few located outside of Munich, Germany - as a result of the large German heritage in Cincinnati). They drink like Germans (lots of beer) and play German music and there is always plenty of dancing on the tables with the authentic beer wenches.

Stephanie (Rudy's brother, Joshua's, girl)

winky, wink Doug (& Emily)

Rudy and Doug playing 'cornhole'

L-R: Rachel and Emily

Randy likes beer

Rudy and Randy getting ready for one of their favorite things - riding bicycles! They joined the Gears for Beers group on Father's Day Sunday (which was also Randy's 57th b'day). Fun Times.

Tiny Dancer

2008-06-11T15:43:00.006-05:00

A cute little pic of my niece Olivia in the tu-tu I made for her. Emily showed me how to and it is so easy! I had to post it was too cute. I love and miss you, Liv!

Rolla

2008-06-04T09:02:00.002-05:00

My favorite Corolla just rolled 200K! Yippee.....

Mom & Dad bought it for me new in college (March of 1997) and it is my baby. I wonder how we will survive in TX without air conditioning?

A Night Out in Bryan

2008-06-01T20:47:00.008-05:00

Friday night was our last night in Bryan for awhile so we decided to go out to the nice restaurant in town, Madden's. Tara, the owner, was soooo nice to us. Tara and her husband Peter, the executive chef, are about the same age as Rudy and I; we hope to get together once we are in town in August. Tara was so welcoming she gave us a free dessert and a gift certificate as a house-warming present. Rudy and I are used to 'southern hospitality' but this town has really taken it to a whole new level.

Here are some pics from that night....

the neon sign RIGHT outside our window

(have you seen the Kenny Rogers Roasters episode of Seinfeld?http://www.livevideo.com/video/1347613C476044789D4C35E711991BBE/seinfeld-the-chicken-roaster.aspx)

Rudy posing with some statues (????)

Hotel right across the street

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back home in Athens....

we were surprised to see the

blooming hydrangea when we arrived home

some "volunteer" cukes and tomato plants -

our soil is finally so healthy and now we are leaving!

the Rosemary is taking over the world

Home, Sweet, Home

2008-05-28T19:00:00.011-05:00

So here it is! This is our apartment in Bryan we will rent during this year while we search for a permanent home in the area more suitable for a family. We are excited about living in a downtown area close to restaurants, bars, a hotel right across the street, a internet cafe...you name it - it is coming to Bryan and we can walk!

We will be living there as of the first week in August so come visit soon!

Ours is where the lofts sign is advertised

exposed brick - we love it

Bryan, TX

2008-05-28T08:21:00.015-05:00

We have been house hunting in College Station and Bryan, TX for the past several days. Here are a few scenes of downtown Bryan - a town adjacent to College Station going under major rejuvenation. See a local theater, a street shot of downtown, the hardware store, the palace outdoor movie theater, the library, a cool building in town, the la salle hotel, and a very quaint antiques market.

We spent yesterday afternoon wandering around the Bryan area and talked with several locals. It is very, very cute and typical of a small texas town. We liked it! Oh, it is extremely hot here as well! 95 degrees all week and it is not even Summer!

For dinner, we went out with Rudy's fellow collegue, David, and his wife Ally to a local Mexican join named Papa Perez. We have had some awesome Mexican and Tex-Mex Food since we arrived.

Ahhhh Spring

2008-05-25T16:57:00.015-05:00

Some pictures of our Memorial Day Weekend.

Chilling and relaxing.....before

we head to Texas for house-hunting.

On North Campus looking up at the Trees

Rudy napping on North Campus

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We had fun hanging out at Emily and Doug's pool.

Cousin Joe and wife Jennifer came into town!

Rudy and Little Dog

Lloyd and Corey

Nice breakfast @ Big City Bread
(the best bakery ever...for reals)
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We love convertables!

Cousin Joey

Athens Farmers Market

2008-05-20T09:36:00.012-05:00

Last Saturday, Rudy and I got up late, fed my neighbors baby chickens (sooo cute) and went to the official first day of the Athens Farmers Market @ Bishop Park. It was an obvious success - by 10:30am when we arrived they had sold out of veggies and all food! It was still so great to see the crowds of families coming in an effort to support local, sustainable agriculture.

We even ran into some folks from "The Farm" where Rudy did his research. They were so happy to hear of Rudy's new job developing a 'Community' major within the Recreation and Leisure Department @ A&M.

Hopefully, next week we can score some fresh veggies.

Stacy, a friend of ours, rocking it out as a volunteer

Celebrating Part Deux

2008-05-19T08:11:00.001-05:00

L-R: Sorry Lila (I cut her off!), Rachel, Ami, Jonathyn, Mango doing his best sorority girl impression, Matt

Jonathyn and Bryan yo yo yo

Doug looks pretty serious (although I do not think it was!). Mango seems to be reaching deep to figure out what the hey hey Doug is talking about.

Me and Ami (god that was a full pour, eh?)

Believe it or not, the couple at the end of the table were Dunlaps (no relation). Carlton (in green) is interviewing them to replace Rudy and I once we are gone. They may be the bizarro Dunlaps once we are in TX. C, did they do well on the interview?

L-R: Emily, Lila and Rachel

Best Buds - Rudy and Mango. Mango began his PhD the same time as Rudy and I. He just scored a research position in DC @ the Smithsonian. He is getting his PhD in History. CONGRATS, MANGO!

Celebrating

2008-05-15T14:12:00.001-05:00

Downtown Athens on Day #1 of celebrating the news about Rudy's job. Doug and Emily came down to visit with us at The Globe.

View from The Globe looking down

Lumpkin towards the Georgia Theater.

Clayton @ Lumpkin

Our happy (albeit tired) mugs

Emily must be laughing at something inappropriate

Our ride home (shah right!)

Paging Mr. Herman

2008-05-14T20:47:00.000-05:00

check out where Dudy will end up...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QltlctqfY4E

Get a Rope

2008-05-14T12:53:00.000-05:00

YES, the news is awesome! Rudy has accepted a professorship @ Texas A&M! We will officially be in Aggie territory early August (after his August 2nd graduation here @ University of Georgia). Rudy was successful in interviewing against 3 other candidates - I guess all of those years in Debate finally paid off!

I am so very excited and proud of what we have been able to accomplish here in Athens. Although, I am deeply sad to leave our friends and family and our house here - we will have plenty of space for visitors in College Station (yes, Corey you will visit us in College Station)!

More to come later....

Doctor, Doctor

2008-05-03T23:56:00.000-05:00

Hey guys. I has been quite awhile since we posted. As you can imagine, life has been a little nutso in the Dunlap household! On top of three interviews all over the US (Arizona, Massachusetts and one this coming week in Texas), Rudy has been as busy as can be with end of semester duties with his students and putting the finishing touches on his dissertation (due on June 25!!). He will finally 'defend' his dissertation (essentially the final meeting amongst all of his dissertation committee members) on July 9th. Although officially Rudy will graduate on August 2nd, July 9th is really the day which will determine if he will graduate. You can bet we will go out on the night of the 9th to celebrate Rudy finally becoming Dr. Dunlap! Check out this hilarious link to a clip we will likely quote often once Rudy is officially a Doctor....:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lge2_H_8IQ.

Danielle on the other hand has been busy at work and also has been getting the house ready to rent out. We seemed to have scored some awesome tenants which we invited over for dinner the other night. They seem like great young women. They move in on July 31st and it is quite the relief we can cross that off our list of things to do.

We will keep you up to date in the next few weeks as we will found out where we will be living in the Fall. We hope it will be in College Station TX @ Texas A&M. Texas is one of the top schools in Leisure and specifically has a Community focused position which is the research area Rudy is most interested in developing. Rude leaves today for TX and will be interviewing over the next several days.

Dreaming about being an Aggie....

Double Mint

2008-03-27T08:23:00.001-05:00

Rudy's mom and sister Rachel came to visit this week (her Spring Break from UC). We love visits!

Cute Pic of Rudy's sisters with their men

doing their best double mint commerical.

L-R: Rachel & Caleb - Emily & Doug

Blue Steel Wednesday

2008-03-26T15:39:00.000-05:00

Some more 'ham it up' pics from Mexico. Do your best Blue Steel! Are you an ambi-turner? If needed, google "Blue Steel" for this to make sense.

Jules and Greggie-Poo

Yo its O!

Nice Kiddies Sunglasses you dork!
(Danielle's Bro, Jeff)

I call this one
'Rudy Rocking the Kiddie Sunglasses'

"Yo Shorty! (Kira) its your b'day,
we're going to party like its your birthday!"

Bow Wow Wow Yippee Yo Yippee Yea

2008-03-24T08:47:00.001-05:00

Our Easter Sunday was spent playing fun games at a get-together at Brian and Sarah's.

Rudy and Rachel's man, Caleb, getting ready for the next round. Check out those game faces (nice double sunglasses, Rude).

Dennie and Susan somehow do

not look too intimidated by Rudy and Caleb.

My Sis in law, Rachel and Ruby, aka, Rubels. Sweet coat, Ruby.
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Earlier in the day we went to Caleb's house for a dog party.

Little Dog, Doc (brown lab) and Bea (Yellow Lab) all chillin

Doc saying "hey"

Emily and Doug's new puppy Little Dog

Pinball Wizard

2008-03-24T08:38:00.000-05:00

Our friend Mango playing Ms. Pacman at 283 Bar on Friday. Barrett, Mango wants to challenge you to a Pacman Tourney.

Cool 80's lighting effects, eh?

CONGRATS!

2008-03-14T18:34:00.000-05:00

Greg and Julia are engaged,

Jeremy and Rebecca are prego with baby #2!

Lots to celebrate!

Me-hee-co Part Dos

2008-03-14T18:01:00.000-05:00

Mom, Olivia and Kira hangin poolside

Olivia Sarine the next Michelle Wie

Dudy lovin Mexico

Hangin out with Manuel, our favorite bartender

Vic and DD

Olivia swimming for the first time on her own

Rudy and the Mexican Michael Jackson - who's bad?

I wonder who Kira gets her curls from?

Yo - Kira be chillin with a drink (milk/leche) poolside

Kira and Dad

Kira and Greg getting their swing on

No worries in Mexico - Kira and Greg see a plane overhead

Rudy and Jules getting their swing on - at the swing bar

The Sarine Compound by the Pool

(where we hung out everyday)

Farkle Family Spring Break 08

2008-03-12T16:30:00.001-05:00

The Sarine clan headed to Mexico for some R&R. We stayed at the Moon Palace Resort outside of Cancun. My brothers and their loves and children and Dad and Mom came. 12 of us in all.

Farkle Family goes to Mexico.

Here is part one of the crazy pics.

DD and Rudy's view from the balcony.

Julia Goolia and Greggie Poo @ the Gift Shop

Everyone on DD and Rudy's bed for Happy Hour.

Olivia and Uncle Rudy

Julia found a coconut.
DD insisted we open it - it was not easy.

Dad chillin on the veranda.

DD and Rudy on the beach in our SPF 45.

L-R: Jeff, Rudy, Jeremy and Jules enjoying or
painfully sitting though Karaoke on Night #1.

Olivia smiling for the camera @ the pool.

Iguanas are all around the resort.

Julia refusing Greggie's kiss.

Spring Break 08...yeah Dad.

Partying like a rock star.

Kira's best pouty pose.

Retro Video Friday

2008-02-22T10:50:00.000-06:00

For all you 80's kids out there....its and oldie but a goodie. (check out Fergie in her youth - got to love the hair!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnsHpPNltBw

Chilling in Pine Valley

2008-02-21T11:05:00.000-06:00

Emily (my sis in law) and I always gather for Wednesday night crafting and watching Project Runway at Pine Valley (PV). Unfortunately, this week was not without its issues....Emily's chair collapsed underneath her. We used this opportunity to goof around a bit. (Sorry Douggie Poo).

Crafting Project for 2/27 - knit new chair for PV

Yes We Can

2008-02-19T15:26:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY

Happy Birthday, Daddy-O

2008-02-15T12:22:00.000-06:00

Yikes Dad is 6* - eeee gads!

We love you! Dudy

P.S. We will be sure to celebrate in Mexico (only 3 weeks away!)

Roadtrippin

2008-02-11T08:41:00.001-06:00

Dudy headed to Asheville, aka Ashevegas, this weekend for some leisure with our friends Joe and Lisbeth, aka Jisbeth. Flyfishing, listening to the Avett Brothers in the car, nights out in Ashevegas, great food. We love NC and catching up with old friends.

Rudy and Joe hating me because I made them pose with their gear.

Joe practicing casting

Rude is excited to finally use his new gear

Garvin , aka Garve-man or Garvy baby

cracking Lisbeth, aka Lisdeath, up

L - R: Garve-man, Lisdeath,
Yon-ton, aka "look at my new Griiiillllll"& Shana

Rudy and Stuart, aka Stew-rat,
waiting on dinner @ Tupelo Honey (yum!). Stu - just remember to put the gun down and take the red shoes off!

Joe and Cinnamon (I have no idea what his real name is)

Rude and Garvy

The car ride home:

Hips Don't Lie neither do videos, Joe

Partners in Crime

2008-02-07T07:58:00.000-06:00

Happy 38th Mom and Dad Sarine - We love you!

Field Trip to Elberton, GA

2008-02-04T08:09:00.001-06:00

This weekend we took a trip to Elberton, GA, the granite capital of the world (oooooo!), to check out the Georgia Guidestones (aka the stonehenge of Georgia). Check out this website for more information:

http://www.radioliberty.com/stones.htm

Butler and Fouqueau excited about the trip

Our motley crew

Danielle looking for the North Star

After the guidestone, we headed back to Athens
and on our way stopped in Watson's Mill State Park for a hike. This is the old powerhouse of the Mill.

A Georgia Christmas ornament

HILARIOUS MATT DAMON VIDEO

2008-02-01T13:43:00.001-06:00

OK, so I had to attach this link to youtube. For those who are offended easily by vulgarity, do not click on this! Hilarious..... I love Matt Damon....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnVJZkDuVBM

Snehta

2008-01-28T09:31:00.000-06:00

So Rudy and I are beginning to plan the rest of our time here in Athens. Some of the things we will miss most about Athens are our friends gathering on Friday Happy Hours. Socializing over good beer and wine and of course plotting to take over the world. Ya know, the usual. Here are a few pictures from 1/25's Happy Hour at Trappeze - a new European style beer joint right in downtown.

DD's surprised mug when learning about the play

Douggie-Poo was selected for the part of Andy

off-off broadway rendition of The 40 Year old Virgin.

Cast & Crew out to celebrate the news

Mango, Stage Director, and Doug
discussing lines for the play

Laurel and Emily, Costume Designers

Lila, Choreographer

Greggie-Poo and Julia Gulia

2008-01-21T08:41:00.000-06:00

So Greggie-Poo, Danielle's youngest bro, and his girlpal Julia Gulia came to Athens for their first visit. We enjoyed a bit of snow Saturday morning and of course some of the highlights of Athens - the Grit (the local vegetarian restaurant) and bars.

GP & JG @ the Grit (their Tofu rocks!)

Joe, Matt aka Jesus & Greg

Dudy in fine form

Our buddies, Carlton and Amitabh

Donald and Rudy

DD, GP and JG @ Transmet (FYI, I am standing in this pic and Julia is sitting. She's 6'. I am not).

Where's Rudy Thursday

2008-01-17T09:13:00.001-06:00

Snow in Ga 1/16/08

Can you find him?

The Modern Man

2008-01-16T14:56:00.000-06:00

Lucky Me, I married a man who likes to bake. Here's some visual documentation of Rudy's first Boule - per the Breadbaker's apprentice. Délicieux!

The Dunlaps

2008-01-16T14:36:00.000-06:00

How flattered we are to have birds named after us. Corey and Yancey named their resident cardinals after us. They said that they were going to miss us this coming Fall and this would be a way to keep us around longer. Awwww....how sweet!

Danielle

Rudy Red

Happy 34th JR

2008-01-10T10:13:00.000-06:00

Happy 34th Birthday, Jerm! Check in yout closet for your regifted present from Dudy. It's under a bunch of clothes! HAHA! You gadget freak, you. Just like Dad.

P.S. Save a piece of cake for Rudy, please.

RIP, Shadow Kitty

2008-01-10T09:55:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I know it is a little weird to be writing about my dead cat - but, for those who knew her she was an awesome kitty. She is missed terribly - and maybe one day Dudy's hearts will ache a little less. RIP, Shadow Kitty! Today is her 3 year anniversary of being gone.

yes, that is a real mouse

Dudy is Fabulous in 08

2008-01-04T11:23:00.001-06:00

Words cannot describe the excitement we have for the coming year. Cheers from Dudy!

Christmas in G Town

2008-01-04T10:43:00.000-06:00

Christmas in Greensboro 12/21/07 - 12/28/07 - We had fun staying at my parents new house just north of Greensboro in Summerfield, NC. Olivia, my 2 year old niece was the highlight of the holiday. It was fun hanging out with my brother Greg & his girl Julia Gulia and my other brother Jeremy and his wife Rebecca and of course, Mom and Dad. It was great! We miss you Jeff, Vicky & Kira!

Olivia opens a gift (Dora the Explorer!)

Olivia was upset when her souffle fell.

Rudy finally gets his long awaited
monkey pillow...sheesh. It's a long story!

Dad was presented the 1st Annual Sarine Golden Pheasant award.
It is a regifting award to be presented to the most deserving Sarine each year. It must be traveled with throughout 2008.
Good Luck with that in Customs, Dad.

Julia Gulia gets her 'Hiccupptamus' book. Making a little of fun of Julia's permanent hiccups! Tee Hee!

The weird orbs in Greensboro. We packed the entire clan in my parents Suburban and headed off to watch the orbs.
They do Christmas a little different there in G town.

JR and Becca watching the orbs.

Hey JR, I see friends.

Greg and Rudy "enjoying" themselves (see the pain in their faces?) as their legs were being crushed in the back of the Suburban. Notice red solo cup in Rudy's hand. Essential to dull the pain.

Video of Olivia saying her favorite Aunt DD and Uncle Rudy's names:

R is for Rowan

2007-12-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

Rowan Mila Stanley was born on October 4th.

She is our new goddaughter and we are so excited she is here! We had a recent trip to Greensboro for the holidays and we able to see her and her parents, Barrett and Joanna.

My first hat ever knitted....was for Rowan.

The Christmas Spanish Tortilla

2007-12-18T13:35:00.001-06:00

Silent night, holy night....all is calm.......until the Spanish Tortilla (similar to an American omelette) sticks to the pan! Oh Lila....it was still delicious. Maria, take a look! HAHA!

Lila and Mango's Tree (notice beautiful paper ornaments!)

Rudy assisting Ms. Lila to unstick the stuck tortilla

That' a girl....

Estava delicios!

Night Out With The Days

2007-12-09T01:06:00.000-06:00

The Days came to town and we had a great meal at the Last Resort. We miss them so much now that they are in Tifton, GA. Come on guys, you know you want to move back.

The Days! Mara Dare, Cal and Little Grayson Anne.

Leslie, The Days and us.