Well, now we just have to go to Olive Garden

Brandon loves to hear Mommy talk about pasta. Don't try to understand it. Just accept it.

Post-Picnic

We had a great time at the triplets and more family picnic. We have come a long way from last year's picnic. You can read about last years event here. It was great to see all the other families, get so much advice and even be able to give a little advice; how cool. It was held at one of our members' houses. The babies did great in the car. Beautiful property. It backed up to the woods and unfortunately the mosquitoes and bees were around. I had an allergic reaction to a bee sting 2 years ago, so I was a little nervous. Well, the bees didn't get me, but the mosquitoes did.... and my face blew up and so did my lip. So, we had to leave a bit early. We stopped at CVS and got me some Benadryl on the way home, and I was okay. How come Sam and the babies did not get bit?

Sam and Brandon are pooped... even before we left for the picnic!

See the welts on my forehead and lip? Yuck.

Ready for the triplets+ picnic!

Live United. Give United.

Many of our loyal readers know that Daddy works for United Way. Last week was an exciting one, as our office kicked off our Annual Campaign, as the organization has done every year since 1918. Think about that. 90-some years of community service. It's a little weird working for an organization that's been around that long. I mean, considering that until I came to United Way, the oldest company I had worked for was founded in 1984. So, World War I on one hand -- Orwell on the other. But I digress.

I think about all that's come and gone in that time: Elvis, moon landings, The Beatles, Vietnam, Star Wars (well, it's still being dragged out on display now and then, but you know what I mean), Just Say No, Air Jordan, Seinfeld, 9/11 and, of course, in the blink of an eye, 7 months of pregnancy and 8 months of triplets (today, that is... Happy Month 8, kiddos).

And United Way has changed a lot during that time. In more ways than I could imagine -- more than I could understand, even if I spent a year digging through the archives (note to self: there are archives, right? is it like that scene in Fellowship of the Ring where Gandalf is looking for the history of the One Ring? must investigate further.). One way we're changing is by trying to reach out to new audiences. So, last week, we launched a special Web site to help spread the word: www.LiveUnitedGiveUnited.org. We're asking all our connections -- our staff, our supporters, our friends and family, you name it, to check it out and pass it along to all their friends, family, etc.

Now, hang on, because here's the part where I (try to) pull this all together. For several years now, I've been able to easily (and, in theory, convincingly) talk the talk about how United Way touches all of us -- if you've been to the Y, or have a daughter in Girl Scouts, that's United Way -- all that good stuff. But after having the kids, those United Way connections have become apparent in more personal ways.

For example, 2 of the kids are getting physical therapy thanks to a state program called First Steps. Their physical issues (muscle tone, etc.) are basically all a result of being preemies, having gravity start to impact their bodies sooner than it should have (seeing as how they were floating before; they liked floating). There are probably a lot of other families of multiples whose kids have the same challenges. Well, in many cases, the physical therapists referred by First Steps work for agencies like Easter Seals Crossroads and others; agencies that are supported by United Way. It's just one small way that the connection between United Way and the needs of our community has emerged, thanks to my own life-changing event.

There's a lot more that United Way does in Central Indiana. It supports a hundred more agencies than the one I mentioned. It has programs that help kids start school on the right foot. I could go on, but then it would start to feel like I was working on Labor Day and, well, that's just not cool.

I really encourage all the Central Indiana readers out there -- and even all you ex-pats living who-knows-where, to check out www.LiveUnitedGiveUnited.org. Watch the video, share the site with your own networks, and if you can afford to donate this year, please do. You don't have to give a lot to make a difference for a child or family in need. If you can give $5, do it. Heck, give $50 if you can. No matter what you can afford, I promise it will -- in some way -- make someone's life better. A meal, a class, a mentor, a pencil, a flu shot... it ALL MATTERS.

So, right now, our kids are ASLEEP UNITED (haha, get it? LIVE UNITED... ASLEEP UNITED) and... okay, okay. I can feel your eyes rolling. Remember, every donation matters. Thanks for your time -- Happy Labor Day!

Ready to cheer for Mommy's alma mater!

Lila found the toys

Abby accuses me of of Lila videofavoratism, so I just want to note for the record that it wasn't until we put both boys down for a nap that she went searching for the camera!! See, it's not just me!