Traveling Pates

The kids are on spring break and we're having quite the adventure. Our travels have taken us from Boston (me) to Chicago to Bentonville, Arkansas to Dallas to Tokyo (Kevin). While Kevin is in Japan, the boys and I are in Dallas (Nana is watching Kel & Kieper; Gram-Gram is watching Karsten during the day while I work). We've had fun catching up with the Wadleys, Larkins, Pierces and Rauens (later this week). And, we even got to visit with our old pastor on Easter Sunday - and celebrated the holiday with both families, including Richie, Robyn and their kids (who get along so well with ours). It's in the 70s and beautiful in Dallas! I'll post pictures in a bit.

I *Heart* Hillary

Go Hillary! My Dad helped save Hillary yesterday by voting for her in Texas (MUCH to the chagrin of my mother, who voted for the old man). Dad = favorite person in the world right now! My dad is also my favorite person to talk politics with ... we have been discussing the race in detail everyday since the beginning of January.

I couldn't stay awake long enough to see if she clinched Texas, yet couldn't sleep all night wondering about it. Such a great surprise to wake up to. I would love for my children to grow up thinking that it is NORMAL for a woman to be president. The press keeps reporting that Hillary is not liked by women my age, but it's NOT TRUE. In fact, she captured nearly 60% of female votes in Texas. If Oprah, I mean Obama still ends up winning the nomination, I hope he asks Hillary to be his running mate (together, they're unbeatable in my opinion). If he doesn't, I will seriously consider voting for the old man myself. (Note: the political views of this blog do not necessarily reflect the man of the house; unless he KNOWS what's good for him).

To my dear Indiana friends and family, please vote for Hillary!!!

Best Magazine in the Country!

Last night, in Little Rock, Arkansas, DallasChild took the top honors for best parenting magazine in the country (including several international publications) at the annual Parenting Publications of America 2008 awards ceremony. The last time we won the award was in 2004 - after my first year with the magazine (I was pumping breastmilk in the bathroom for Kieper during the event). After such a tough year with moving and transitioning to telecommuting (with the help of an amazing and patient staff), it's an even sweeter reward to win it this time around. I have only missed the PPA conference/awards program once (after Karsten was born) and now this year, because I'm preparing to go to a conference at Harvard in a couple of weeks. But, what a time to miss!