9/11 10 Year Anniversary

I know this is over a month late, but we had a wonderful time at the 9/11 10-year anniversary memorial in our town of Redlands.  I did not know that Redlands has a personal connection to the events of 9/11.  A woman from our town died at the Pentagon, and 2 firemen were first responders at the Pentagon, and were at Ground Zero within 24 hours and stayed there for several weeks in the rescue efforts.  The ceremony was wonderful.  There were tributes to the various military groups, a band playing patriotic songs, a prayer read by various religious leaders in the community, and several talks by students, the mayor, and the city's Fire Chief (one of the first responders).  I loved the message given that we should not be prejudice against religions, nationalities or customs, but rather we need to embrace those differences.  Our city is very diversified, and I think those were great words of wisdom.  The evening ended with a moment of silence, and the ringing of the bells from various churches and from the fire station in the neighborhood.  It was extremely touching.

I still can't believe that it has been 10 years since the travesties of 9/11.  It was very emotional going back and watching news coverage from that day, and to see the various ways Americans are now honoring those who had died.  I was touched also by the official memorial which was unveiled in New York City.  I'm excited to go there some day and see it for myself.  Here are some photos from the day:

Danny ONLY wanted to go by the firetrucks...he was mad I made him sit down for a minute

The band, and various city and religious leaders

The firetrucks and flags

I loved all the flags

Danny checking out the truck

Apparently he freaked out with Kenneth stepped back to take the photo...

I'll never forget...

Emily at 6 Months

Emily is now 6 months old! I can't believe how fast the time is going.  She is so darling, and is growing up so fast.  She had her 6 month appt. last week and was 14 lbs. 13 oz. (28%) and is 26.8" long (86%).  She is our little model - tall and skinny!  She finally likes tummy time - which is good because she can only roll from her back to stomach, and not the other way around.  She LOVES her brother, and always smiles when Danny is around.  She also loves to sit outside and look at the trees, and loves to be in her bouncy chair where she will often sit for hours a day!  She likes her exercise!

As for Danny, he is growing like a weed.  He looks bigger and bigger every day.  He is also talking a lot now.  He is started to say longer sentences and will repeat anything you say - so we have to be careful!  He still loves to read books, and now has 2 favorite movies - Cars (which he asks to watch several times a day) and The Lion King.  He spends lots of time on his "bike" and plays with the neighbor kids.  He still loves Emily and tells me all day what she is doing - "Emily sleeping", "Emily crying", "Emily jumping", or "Emily eating".  He is also obsessed right now with cars, trucks, tractors, and trains.  He also loves rocks and is becoming VERY good at climbing and hiking.  We were out rockclimbing recently and it was about a 20 minute hike to the area, and Danny walked the whole way, and climbed up all the boulders without any help - he specifically said he didn't want help.  He is getting so big!

Emily also likes to sleep in her bouncy chair

Danny feeding his "baby"  :)

Just hanging out

My grumpy boy

Love her look here...it's like, "What?? I'm not doing anything."

I love these little kids!