Happy Birthday Adrienne Faith Diaz

She's finally here! Born June 26, 2006 weighing 7lbs 3oz and 21 inches long. For those that haven't met her in person, she apparently has very bright blue eyes and light brown/auburnish hair. From this picture posted here, she looks like her mom and her big brother Jeremiah (from this Aunt's opinion anyway)

I would just like to send a great big "Thank You" out to the childbearing aged women in my family who have provided 4 new reasons (Kara, Katelyn, Katherine, and Adrienne) for me not to feel pressured into having children. I realize that this effect of new babies will eventually wear off and people will begin to realize there are no Rivers children, but thanks for the extra time!

Big Week for the Nephews...

Our Nephews both crossed milestones in their lives this week...It's been a learning experience being involved in their lives as they're in Florida and we're not. Thank the Lord for email though! Now, we get to see and hear about what has happened as fast as an email can be typed and sent. (we'll take what we can get!)

Kyle's was unfortunately not the most fun event for a 2 and half year old...he broke his leg:( But we hear he was pretty tough about it- so tough that his mom didn't even know something was really wrong for a couple hours! I have a feeling this won't be the last cast this boy ever wears...

And Jeremiah went down into waterski history as he skied all by himself at age 3! Oh wait, sorry, apparently his way cool aunt Sharon did it when she was 18 months old...my standards are high, what can I say? He gets points for style though. Apparently he fell on the skiis today and as the boat came around to get him he said "Oh man! My trick didn't work!" Funny kid. If he keeps on trying the tricks, I'm sure it won't be too much longer before he finds a limb in a cast too.



In case you haven't figured it out, the extremely proud voice you hear in the background is Jeremiah's mom.

Another Round...

And it was shot day again. Only 3 today! You don't always have to be brave! We got a TB skin test that made a bubble underneath the skin on our arms... gross. If you look closely at the picture you might be able to see it on my left forearm. And what's up with the double teaming? Anthony and I both got 2 shots at once this week.


Although in true International form...

I got a "Dora the Explorer" bandaid...apropiado, no?

We got a little free time Saturday so we went to the local mall here and found some hiking shoes (for the rainforests that won't be too far away in a couple months). We originally saw this brand, Merrell, adveritised on PBS during our travel show "Globe Trekker." We figured if the "earthy" folks that watch PBS and drive Subaru's are being marketed, then we should check them out. Turns out they're pretty nice. We wanted to break them in, but there are no rainforests in Virginia, so we had to find places to try them out...

Here's Anthony showing some extreme hiking moves on the washer and dryer...

And me with a lower grade hike, simply from the window sill to the top of the dresser...

Although according to the "Extreme Hiking Rules" ratified in the summer of '04, my hand touching the ground would have cost me a point and I would have had to buy a six pack of "Zappel" soft drink for the winner.

"Shot through the heart, and you're to blame..."

One of the hidden joys of international living is getting vaccinated. For those of you keeping score at home, Sharon and I have to get 11 shots... each... and several more once we get overseas. Today was round one, consisting of 4 shots a piece.

Sharon being a good girl.

Sharon showing off her battle wounds.

Anthony not being a good boy.

Anthony showing off his battle wounds.

Anti-Arbor Day

There is an activity that is so dangerous that trees shudder in fear. Rugby? Child's play. Alaskan crab fishing? A mere puddle. No, this sport makes willows weep and maples syrup on themselves. Behold, and witness the devastation of...


ULTIMATE FRISBEE. The funny part was watching three grown, usually smart men trying to rig the tree to look like nothing happened. Their high-school biology teachers must be so proud.