wordless wednesday, sisters

goulash post

My Mom used to make us goulash for supper when we were younger. Years later I now realize it was a convenient way to get rid of leftovers. Goulash was basically a big ol' pot of this and that warmed up and mixed together. Usually corn, tomatoes, green beans, potatoes or whatever we had (which wasn't alot). Goulash. Simple. Different everytime. This and that. Crowd pleaser.

Goulash is what I thought about when I sat down to write this post. I miss my blog. I haven't been able to spend as much time here as I have in the past. The past two weeks have been CRAZY,  But, I miss blogging so here I am. :)

Some this and that (goulash of words) for you....

My sister's surgery and anticipated 7-10 hospitalization has turned into a 6 week stay at Johns Hopkins Hospital. *Fingers crossed* and praying that she will be able to go home to NC tomorrow or the next day at the latest. She really has been through so much, and I pray that her strength and spirit will be restored swiftly when she is home with her family that loves her very much. I am counting down to next week when we visit for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see her and everyone else!

I can't welcome Winter to Ohio without posting one last pic from our Summer. Awww, Summer. I love you.  I will really try to welcome Winter with a happy heart, but I can't promise you I won't complain along the way. Dear Summer Tan, I miss you already. Love, Me. Sigh...here's to scarves, boots and down coats that will be my life until May 2012. 

Dylan surpasses me in size

I talked with a friend that lives in Georgia today and he mentioned it was 80 degrees there today. As I sit here writing this post, I have socks on, I am drinking coffee, and a fire is roaring in the fireplace. Needless to say, it was NOT 80 degrees here today.

The kids have had a busy few weeks. Piano recitals for both and Veteran's Day program performances for Karsen.  Flu shots. Dentist and orthodontists appointments. Teacher conferences for both kiddos. Overall,  a great start to 4th and 7th grade for Karsen and Dylan.

Things are just zooming along here with us. Busy busy, and most weeks I feel like I am STILL adjusting to working full-time. I look forward to the next few weeks with trips to NC, Christmas shopping after Thanksgiving, and a long overdue datenight with my hubby to celebrate my birthday (we found a babysitter finally). I can't believe that 2011 is coming to a close.

Oh, I almost forgot the most exciting part of my day. All of the pharmacists at work decided to play the LOTTO last week on 11/11/11. We played and 4 of our 6 numbers matched! WE WON!!

We won...........

 $70. SEVENTY BUCKS!! I paid $2 to play and won $7. Any accoutants or financial advisors that may be reading can't argue with that impressive return.  :)

Right now I have two kids that need to be reminded to brush their teeth and tucked in for the night. Then I plan to snuggle with my hubby on the couch and watch some College Basketball. GO DUKE! OK, I will conceed to the fact that Fall and Winter at least has Duke Basketball. I love it!

That my friends, is most likely the most random and varied post I have ever written. Yay to Goulash. Yay to random. There, I feel better. Goodnight!

savannah, georgia

I can't believe that I haven't had the chance to tell Y'ALL about Savannah.

This past August we spent a week on the coast of SC.

 Loved. it.

Since we were so close to Savannah, we decided to make a day trip

down to visit since neither of us had ever been.

So glad we did.

It was a kid free day.

We took our time roaming around the streets of Savannah

I was ooohing and aahhhhing over the cobblestone streets

and big trees that were draped with Spanish moss

everywhere you looked.

We stopped and took pictures (of each other)

here and there. We ate shrimp and drank salty margaritas.

I munched on pralines as we window shopped and watched

the huge barge ships pass by along the riverfront.

We even took a horse and buggie tour after

(the margarita made me a little tipsy)

AND

my feet started getting a little sore.

I had to stop and take a break.

My sandals were not really walking tour-friendly.

(But they matched my dress)

We stopped here for a pic or two

until I got attacked by mosquitoes.

Oh, sweet hot summer in the South.

You haven't changed a bit.

Heat, humidity and mosquitoes.

Typical August.

The horse and buggy tour was the perfect way

to rest my weary feet

to hear and see all the sweet (tragic) history of Savannah in one fell swoop.

I especially loved the old churches

and unexpected courtyards

that we happened upon along the way.

We even saw J.Lo leaving the American Idol auditions!!

Ask me if either of us got a pic.

Nope. Sorry.

(But she looks super golden and shimmery in real life too.)

It was a wonderful day of walking aimlessly, holding hands

with the one I love

in a sweet, southern city.

We loved you, Savannah

and can't wait to visit again.

Maybe for a long weekend next time.

BOO at the ZOO

The Columbus Zoo may very well be the best Zoo in the US. That is what we heard over and over again when we moved here. We checked it out right when we moved here, and it remains one of the best places to visit for fun for the whole fam.

This past weekend they had their annual BOO at the ZOO weekend.

Half of the kids wore their Halloween costumes. Can you guess which one?

Karsen decided to save her Halloween costume the actual "Holiday" and decided to dress as a "punk rocker" instead....

I did not point out that's basically how she dresses lately anyway. LOL.

Dylan saw plenty of Batman costumes and they all had something to say about his Joker costume. He had so much fun playing the part. He is a very convincing Joker. Shocker.

We had a great time walking around...trick or treating at different stops along the way. I did not complain that it was getting COLD once. Hot cider along the way really helped. BOO at the ZOO was a fun day!