The Niagra river flowing into Lake Ontario

New York City- a dream come true for both of us

The weather was perfect on this day

Ellis Island: where over 1.5 million people entered the United States over a period of 75 years. The building was restored in the early 80's as a historically significant place. This room processed 5000 people/day at the height of immigration (the early 1900's).

Old Lady Liberty

Our hotel was two blocks from Central Park! It was an amazing place with miles of foot trails. So many people were cycling, running/jogging, blading, or walking dogs.

Friends at the 'Friends' fountain (ie. TV show scene)

Another scene of Central Park- we loved the park

Times Square- people, people, and more people

Meeting Hurricane Katrina Victims

Last night (Saturday, Sept. 3), my friend April and I were in the Denver airport returning from our trip to NYC/state (pics to come). It was late and the terminal was quiet with exception to the plane which had recently arrived. Most passengers had disembarked when a group of 12-14 people came by and stood near us. Their clothes were clean but mismatched and their 'accent' was so thick it hardly resembled the English language. Yes, these were the lucky ones, the survivors, of Katrina. The teen boys had sunburnt shoulders and one woman clung to her husband for comfort. The airline service representative led the group since none had even been on a plane before and most looked confused. Another man from an unknown goodwill agency assisted him.

It wasn't the language and clothes so much that attracted our attention... it was the attitutudes of the citizens. One attitude was hardened, the other was grateful. Two women complained that they had lost their TV and radio to the storm... another couple just clung to each other, glad that their spouse was still alive. Some of the people seemed to be almost offended at the offered help, the rest of the people just accepted it with open hands. Everyone held tightly their 1L bottles of water.

I just wanted to share with you what April and I saw... there may be stories of looting and shooting and confusion but amongst the stories that make the headlines, there are stories of welcomed relief and gratitude and hope for the future.

Picture of a baby at 18-weeks (we are at 16 weeks now)... how can women abort?

Woman Offended by Doc's Obesity Advice

Okay, just when you'd thought you'd heard every piece of craziness... what will happen next? Will a smoker file a complaint when his doctor tells him he will die of lung cancer/stroke/a heart attack?


Woman Offended by Doc's Obesity Advice: "Woman Offended by Doc's Obesity Advice
The Associated Press
Wednesday, August 24, 2005; 7:07 PM
ROCHESTER, N.H. -- As doctors warn more patients that they should lose weight, the advice has backfired on one doctor with a woman filing a complaint with the state saying he was hurtful, not helpful.
Dr. Terry Bennett says he tells obese patients their weight is bad for their health and their love lives, but the lecture drove one patient to complain to the state.

'I told a fat woman she was obese,' Bennett says. 'I tried to get her attention. I told her, 'You need to get on a program, join a group of like-minded people and peel off the weight that is going to kill you.' '

He says he wrote a letter of apology to the woman when he found out she was offended."

Friends Rich & Nicole, Trevor & Christina, Alicia & Scott- all friends from San Diego, they are now stationed in Pensacola, FL.. Both Christina and Al are due in November with their #3 babies. 

Our dear friends, Scott (holding Jenna 18 mo) and Alicia (holding EJ- 2 yr 6 mo). Why do all our closest friends live over 1000 miles away??? 

Dan and Hillary

Good morning, friends and family;
Just a quick post to ask for prayer for my Waitt grandparents. My grandma was just diagnosed with shingles (a very painful disease that results from dormat-turned-active virus cells from chicken pox). She is in constant pain as a result. My grandfather is very limited in his strength level as well as he does not want the anyeursm in his belly to erupt. Brittany will soon be back living with them which will help a lot. Their days are limited to their home now and any cards and letters are always welcomed.
Luv,
Hillary and Dan

So much for the good 'ol days 

Aside for the evolution, it is funny! 

This picture says 1000 words- exactly how I feel after work. (The picture was taken from CampTejas.org website)

Please remember to keep praying for our military! Every man out there is a son, husband, or father.

A little California humour.