My Honey

Isn't it funny how pet names have a way of evolving. Sweetheart turns to Sugar turns to Shug which turns to who knows what. We're no different in our family. Only for us there has always been the dependable 'honey' that gets us through all of the other weird nicknames we come up with for each other.

A few weeks ago my honey turned 27 years old. Sheesh he's getting old. ;) John picked out a game that he wanted to own, and I surprised him with chocolate candies. This has been the surprise for so long that I am sure he would be surprised if I didn't get him it.

However this year more chocolate was added to the fray with a humongous chocolate cake. We didn't eat a ton of it in one go, but it was still enjoyed with raspberry yogurt and bananas on top. Yes, fruit/chocolate combination are the best--I don't care what you say. ;)

I wish we had some of that chocolate cake now because we have a reason to celebrate. For the last two months John has been studying for the qualifying exams for his PhD program. These are four very difficult exams that were three hours each. He was told to expect to fail at least one of them. However, if he failed any of them twice he would be kicked out of the program. Well, he showed them. We just received the news that he passed all of them. In fact in Math and Heat Transfer he got a 'high pass.' I am so proud of him! I am grateful that he is willing to work so hard to achieve his goals. What a great guy my honey is!

Ellie's Friends

One of the things that Ellie gets the most excited about is seeing her little friends. She has her own way of saying each of their names, but almost always it is accompanied with a little squeal or a pull towards the door to go see them. Ellie does the same thing when she sees this picture. It is one of her favorites. The funny thing about this is that whenever we do have a little playgroup for the most part she doesn't really play with them. She likes to watch them play, do her own thing, or try to take the toys they are playing with. It is only really recently that I have seen her actually collaboratively play. It sure is cute to see them together though. I love seeing all of their little personalities. What cute kiddos!