It's Official!

It's official! Josh had his first day as a Recuit Trooper today. We ventured up to headquarters and spent the day at orientation. It was tons of paperwork! Josh will leave on Monday for his first day at the academy. Just today, I had some anxiety about what he is getting ready to experience. He seems confident and knows that the hell he is about to experience is nothing personal, but will make him better in the end. For the record, I have complete confidence in Josh and I know that everything he has done in his life has prepared him for this moment. However, let's just say, I'm glad it's not me! Love and best wishes for Josh in the weeks to come.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

Because you're never too old for Halloween....Chuck went on a diet and Peppermint Patty finally got her man! And of course the Great Pumpkin!!!

This next picture is for D-Hud...I'm not claiming anyone in this picture except Charlie Brown!

Fun Times Were Had By All

This weekend was University of Delaware's Homecoming weekend. In addition to our regulars: us, Michele, Rob, John, Matt, and Blake, it was especially awesome because Jessica and Andrew came down from Connecticut, and Jared was coming over from Texas. After we picked up Jared from the train station in Wilmington, we drove straight to the Philadelphia airport to pick up the special delivery: Gina and little Leah! We were SO excited to hear that Gina and Leah WERE going to make it! A great surprise!We had lunch at one of our favorite places, the Deer Park, and then we headed out for a lovely autumn walk through the woods at White Clay Creek in Newark.

Early Saturday morning, we headed out to the football field. It has been quite the debacle the last couple of years trying to get "our spot." We've had the same spot for 3 or so years, until last year UD roped it off to reserve the space for friends of the president (I can't imagine he has all that many friends!). Since it was such a chaotic event last year, we thought that it would not be roped off this year...we were wrong...it was. So after a trek across part of campus (Josh dropped a few of us off to stake off our area) we ended up in the back field in a great location...a new "our spot."

Gina, Jared, Michele, Andrew, Jess, Josh, Lina (Leah was sleeping in the car...no, we didn't forget about her!)

We BBQ some burgers, hot dogs (Phillie Franks to be exact!), brats and chicken.
The boys being boys.

After a very disappointing football game, we decided to go back to the field for some more tailgating. The gentlemen beside us, equally being boys, challenged our boys to a dodge ball game. We won, thanks to Andrew!

It was an AWESOME weekend! Thanks to all who made it great! It was so wonderful to see everyone in one place...the TRUE meaning of Homecoming!

If you want to see more pictures go to http://picasaweb.google.com/JoshandLina/UniversityOfDelawareHomecoming#

Finally...

In the midst of all the baby commotion and Josh's willingness to actually share his news, I've yet to mention something great that has been a long time coming......drum roll.....Josh has been offered a conditional hire by the Delaware State Police!!!!! YAY! "Conditional hire" simply means that he has to pass a few more tests: eye exam, physical fitness test, and psychological (yes, I'm worried about that one, too!!!). He has passed the physical fitness test, which consisted of running on a treadmill with an increasing incline and speed for as long as you can. Josh maxed out the test by running at the highest speed and highest incline for over 32 minutes before he stopped, ranking in the 99th percentile, the highest you can get. Josh also had to complete sit-ups and push-ups, a flexibility, and grip strength. He again scored in the 99th percentile in all categories. The proctor said that Josh was the most fit person he has ever seen in all his evaluations. Some people score in the 99th percentile, but it's usually in one category, not across the board. YAY for Josh! Glad to see that his hard work and dedication is finally paying off. I'm so proud of him!!! I know that he is truly a special person!
Josh has the psychological and eye exam this week. If everything goes well, there is an orientation for new troopers and their spouses on October 31st. The academy, held in Dover, will begin on November 3 and last 22 weeks. Luckily, he'll get to come home on Friday nights and have to return on Sunday evening.
In celebration of Josh's acceptance, Melina and Niko performed a skit for Josh Saturday night.

Little Stan

After 25 hours of labor, including an hour of pushing, Little Stan (Evan Matthew Judy) made an early arrival on October 4th at 12:38 a.m. Weighing in at exactly 7lbs. and 20.5 inches. Coincidentally, he was born in the same exact room as Kaylee McDowell. He has a little bit of hair, but not as much as Miss McDowell

Welcome Kaylee!!!

Laura and Derek McDowell welcomed their adorable baby girl Kaylee Lauren McDowell to the world on Thursday, October 2nd at approximately 6-something p.m. She was 6 lbs. 11 oz. and 20 inches long. All members are doing well!!!