Without a witness, they all just disappear...

Without a witness, they all just disappear. These were my father's words the last time I visited The Wall in 2011. My dad is a Vietnam veteran and recipient of the bronze star for his efforts and service for our country. I know for certain that for him, everyday is Memorial Day. He experienced and saw more in his time "in the shit" than any one should ever have to see or do. It was the kind of stuff you see in movies and then some. He's been written about in books and magazines including Death Valley by Keith William Nolan. He is highly revered by those that served with him during the war.

Thankfully, he was not a casualty to that war. I contend it absolutely shaped him into the leader and amazing man he is today despite all the sacrifice, scars and heartache. Although it hasn't always been easy for him to discuss his experiences with us, I'm so grateful when he does. I learn more and more about what he went through and it helps to keep the memory alive of those who were lost.

Any time we are in DC, we visit The Wall. Thankfully, I'm not necessarily there to pay my respects to my dad or other family members. But I know my dad's fallen comrades were like family to him while in Vietnam. So while we are there, I say hello for my father, get rubbings, take pictures, touch their names that are carved in the wall... Anything I can to show my gratitude and say thank you. I visit with young men like Michael Quinn and Christopher Ricetti and many others. I always check with my dad to see who to "visit" during my trip, but I generally know where to look as many of them died in the same battle, on the same day. How sad to think that so many lives were cut so short. But at least The Wall allows them to get some recognition and admiration for their efforts and sacrifice.

I'm always interested to see what types of mementos and gifts are left for these men and women at The Wall. I've seen everything from flowers and faded letters to a bag of chips ahoy cookies. On our last visit we brought a photo that my dad sent along. The photo depicts several of the men on The Wall. I left the photo behind for others to see. I hope at least a few people took notice.

Today begins an ongoing campaign to commemorate the Vietnam War. It makes my heart happy as I know it means so much to my dad and his fellow Veterans. And this year means even more as Veteran's Day falls on W's first birthday. I hope to be in DC this November 11, 2012 with my brave father, family and of course my sweet baby girl... my dad's first grandchild, for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vietnam War education center at The Wall.

I hope as Wilhelmina grows up that she learns about and appreciates her grandfather's service for our country and all Veterans, no matter the war effort. And I cant wait to learn even more from my dad and the results of these new efforts. I hope this will guarantee that each one of those names on The Wall and the beloved veterans that are still with us always have a witness so they never disappear...
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-05-28/obama-memorial-day-vietnam-veterans/55253898/1

Houston, we have a teether...

We've been thinking W has been teething since she was about 4 months old. Of course we didn't expect the teeth to pop out in a couple days, but not 2 months. Either way, as of her 6 month birthday, her first tooth started busting through and by that Monday the 14th, there it was! Woo hoo!!! She had a fever, some projectile puke and a rash to go along with it, but it all was gone in a day or so and TAH DAH!!!! teeth! I haven't captured a picture of said tooth yet, but you know it will be posted once I do. :)

Armed and ready :)

Tuckered out and teething

 

So fresh and so clean... 6 months

Willie girl LOVES her baths...

 

If I had a crystal ball...

We bought this onesie years ago at a shop on Haight Street in San Francisco. Basically you keep the onesie in it's coordinating bag until you're ready to learn Mysterio's prediction for your little one's future.  I found this stashed away recently and we cracked up when we got our prediction.  Now wouldn't it be funny if this really comes true?

Giggles & Raspberries

Mother's Day/W's 6 Month Birthday Weekend

Thank you to my wonderful hubby and of course, beautiful Wilhelmina and Bacon & the kitties too, for a wonderful first Mother's Day.  And not only was it Mother's Day weekend, but it was also our sweetie pie's 6 month birthday on Saturday (May 12). Wow, time sure does fly and boy am I a lucky lady. :)

My first Mother's Day card from Wilhelmina "made" by W with some help from her teachers. It has a wonderful message inside and a picture of the two of us together.

Receiving a special gift from my girl

One of my favorite things Grandma Nancy used to say

Our road trippin, 6 month old birthday girl :)

We took a great overnight trip to Austin on Mother's Day weekend and enjoyed every minute.  Well, scratch that. Scott had actually picked up some of W's daycare funk and really wasn't feeling too hot.  But he still kept up with us and had a great time too despite really feeling run down. And I must mention that W even slept the whole way there and back. What more could we ask for? 

We started off the day with a fun visit to the Whip In. It's a kind of, sort of dive beer and wine shop on the side of I-35. But the surprise inside is they have lots of great beers on tap, even kombucha and amazing Indian food that's all made with local ingredients. They also have a great outdoor, pet friendly patio.  I'm certain we'll visit the Whip In each and every time we visit Austin, from now on.

So many yummy choices!

I should mention that Daddy piggy back rides are one of her favorite things these days!

From there, we headed to South Congress and 2nd Street for some shopping and strolling. We hit some of my favorite spots like Uncommon Objects & Maya Star on South Congress and Eliza Page & Wee on 2nd Street.  We admired the new Willie Nelson statue outside the W. (Willie meet Willie... hahaha!) And while Mommy shopped, Daddy & W even hit The Gingerman for a local Austin beer for Daddy.

Window @ Uncommon Objects

Then we checked into our hotel and had a little photo shoot. This was W's first stay in a hotel and she seemed to really enjoy it and did so well. She is a great little traveler!

After we freshened up, we met up with Aunt Alicia and her mama for a lovely alfresco Mother's Day dinner at NoRTH @ The Domain.

 On Mother's Day we woke up to our sweet smiley girl and started the day with a treat from my favorite coffee shop, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Next was a visit to our current favorite Austin guilty pleasure... Gourdough's BIG. FAT. DONUTS. They're ridiculously delicious and so bad, but so good.  But it's mother's day so all weight watchers point counting was out for a day or two and we splurged. Scott stuck with his usual Flying Pig (maple/bacon madness) and I tried out the Cherry Bombs (basically cherry pie in donut hole form). Behold...

While we were sitting outside the Gourdough's trailer, enjoying our donuts, we noticed Elizabeth St Cafe in the same lot/area.  I'd read good things about the restaurant and after we looked at the menu and saw Bahn Mi (which Scott had been craving) and macarons (love them if they're filled with cream, not jelly), we decided to order some food to go for the road. (Yeah, yeah, I know, how could we possibly have been hungry after the donuts.)  So, we called in an order and later enjoyed this yumminess depicted below (Grilled Pork Bahn Mi, 3 macarons (salted caramel, strawberry and vanilla chocolate), and some steamed pork buns). Elizabeth St was another new place for us that we'll likely visit again and again.

From here, we headed out of the Gourdough's/Elizabeth St lot (before we ordered any food) and made our way to Whole Foods to grab some Austin Beer Works beer for Scott to bring home and then hit the road. This was a cute little shop that we saw on the way.  I love the name and the signage on the roof. Lovely... that's exactly how I would describe my first Mother's Day. :)