CRASH

My family enjoys celebrating every occasion with a chai from Starbucks. Yesterday it snowed. Reason enough to go into Sugar house for a hot chai.

We were in my parents Highlander. My Dad was driving, Mom was in the passenger seat, Munchkin and I were in the back seat. Every body was wearing seat belts and Munchkin was strapped snugly in his car seat.

While in the intersection of Wilmington Ave. and 1300 East waiting to make a left-hand turn the light changed to yellow. Many cars rushed through the yellow light, trying to milk every last second. Finally the light turned red and we had to clear the intersection. It appeared that all of the cars from the opposing direction were coming to a stop for the red light. We began our left-hand turn when all of a sudden a car emerged from the red light heading straight for us at full speed. This car came through the red light and hit us with such force that our car was spun to face the opposite direction from which we were originally facing.

Immediately following the accident we asked if everyone was alright. Although extremely shaken, no injuries prevailed. Everyone is going to be OK.

The driver of the other car was cited with running a red light and negligence, resulting in an automobile accident.

Today as I move about the house I notice little aches and pains, but nothing major. I am keeping a close eye on Munchkin and he seems to be as happy as ever.

A close call like this makes me think about the "what-if's". There are many possibilities that this accident could have been so much worse. I know that it does me no good to think about the horror this accident could have caused, yet I can't help but think how close we came to serious injury or worse.

I am truly lucky to be sitting here now with a healthy Munchkin and two healthy parents. My family is so precious to me. It is frightning that something so unnecessary and preventable could have caused such catastrophic damage.

Happy Halloween

 
We took Munchkin trick-or-treating with this darling group of kids. Yes, Santa too. Jeremy said that he would be dressing up next year while trick-or-treating with Munchkin. He realized that candy was being given to anyone in a costume, not just children. Emily got as much candy as Markie.
This was Munchkin's first time trick-or-treating and he did it with the skill of a veteran. Approaching each door, Pooh bear would hollar "trick-or-treat" as a bowl of candy was presented in front of the kids. Munchkin would then point at the candy and shout "ooooooooohhhh". He knew to reach into the candy selection and choose the one with the best wrapper. He did well for his first time out and all the children seemed to enjoy their Halloween. 

Buddies

  

Backyard Fun

 
 
 
"Daddy bought me a big-boy tricycle. My legs don't reach the peddles yet, but I love to play on it anyway. Grandma puts me at the top of the hill in my back-yard and sends me sailing gently down hill. I giggle with delight each time I take a ride on my big-boy trike". 

Fiberoptic Christmas Tree

  
This thing is so cool. We set it up now, even though we haven't celebrated Halloween yet. Munchkin loves it too.

Ritzman Halloween Party, 2006

 
 
 
The Halloween party was an extreme hit! Everyone enjoyed dressing up as scare-crow's, spiders, knights, marshmallo's, polka-dots, witches and more. The costumes were absolutely amazing last night. I could tell that a lot of effort had gone into each one.
A spooke alley had been set up in the back yard for the little ghosts and gobblins to stroll through. Even the big kids loved playing in the room with the strobe light, throwing leaves at one another. What fun! 

Ritzman Halloween Party, 2006

 
 
  

Our Gorgeous Daughter

 
 
Proof that our genes will look fabulous on a girl.. 

Snow Day

 
 
 
We received our first snow day last week. The mountains were covered in a delicate white blanket and our lawn had only the tallest of blades peeking through the snow. Although the surroundings were beatiful, I couldn't get past how darling Munchkin looked in his winter parka. All of my photos as of late are centered around the beauty I call "Munchkin". 

Lola

 
 
Lola is best appreciated from a-far. She can be temperamental when provoked. 

Munchkin and Leo

 
 
 
"I truly love this dog"
-Munchkin 

My New Garden

 
 
 
I have been given brand-new "spikey grass" garden. My mom created this lovely garden for me in my new back yard. It provides beautiful scenery to enjoy while spending time in the outside.
Munchkin was a wonderful little helper for Grandma, offering assistance wherever he thought was needed. 

Quite Charming!

  

Feeding the Horses

 
 
 
We sometimes take the boys for a walk through the neighborhood to see the animals at the local pasture. It provides fun for all. 

Jack-O-Lantern

 
This carved pumpkin is the artistic work of Munchkin's Aunt Amanda. The pumpkin itself is made of a dense foam, not a vegetable, as to prevent rotting and ensure itself as a timeless Halloween center piece. It is beautifully detailed with hand carvings of spooky Halloween decor. This must have taken Amanda a great deal of time and attention. Everybody who has seen it is undoubtedly impressed and Munchkin loves it too. I, however, am most impressed that she cares this much about Munchkin.
Amanda, you are awesome. Munchkin loves you too! 

The Birthday Party

 
 
 
Munchkin attended Siarra's birthday party this weekend. He enjoyed meeting other children and playing with new toys. Siarra's Mom and Dad spent time barbequing food for the guests and making "balloon Elmo's" for each child. A fun time was had by all. 

Blue Eyed Boy