Day 1 - Friday, Oct. 22

Here we are sitting in our hotel room at the Double Tree Resort (10100 International Drive) in Orlando. We left our Milwaukee hotel around 7:00 am and left Milwaukee via Southwest Airlines at 9:10 am. We arrived at MCO (Rita's old airline days coming out in me here) around 12:30. Funny thing on the plane during our safety briefing. The flight attendant made this statement while explaining how the oxygen masks work, "And for those people who are traveling with small children and those with disabilities - were sorry." Made us laugh. Later on, the pilot told us, "Right now we are a heck of a long ways from Orlando and our estimated arrival time is sometime later this morning."

It was a good trip. Our taxi from the airport to the hotel had something to be desired. It was a van (good thing, because you know how Rita can pack). The driver had so much garbage in his little area I saw ants all over the center counsel. His tip decreased at that point.

Hotel is huge, three seperate pool areas. After a quick unpack, we had lunch at the restaurant at the hotel. Good food; Rita had a salmon salad, Noah had ribs, and I had a cheeseburger. But the service was horrible. Of course the restaurant automatically adds a 15% tip, so why should he work hard to get a tip.

Then we walked to the conference center to get registered - much longer walk than what we thought. Bought our 7 day I-ride bus pass and came back to the room for a little relaxation and naps. It was pool time and hot tubbing time, talked with a family from England who is on holiday here for 2 weeks. Change clothes and head to dinner. Hop on the I-ride and eat dinner at Fat Fish Blue - very good and interesting place to eat. Great waiter - totally made up for the undesirable service at lunch. We even got mardi gras beads :)

Now we are back at the room, ironed my clothes for the morning (thank you honey). Have a drink or two (we are on vacation) and get ready for everything tomorrow has to offer. Thanks for reading this far on our first day.

Scott

And we're off (soon)

Hey family,
My IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) annual conference starts on Saturday. This will be the second one I attend and the first one Rita and Noah are coming to with me. We are heading to Milwaukee this evening then flying to Orlando on Friday morning. I will try to share our daily activities here as we go. We will see how I do. I won't bore you too much with what I am doing (4 hours Saturday and Wednesday, 8 hours Sunday, Monday, Tuesday in a classroom); but what Rita and Noah did during the day. Pray for hot and dry weather in the greater Orlando area.

Scott

THANKS AUNT JULIE!!!!

I have been trying to post Preston's arrival for a month now, but something happened and I couldn't post anything. Thank you Aunt Julie for fixing it!


PRESTON EDWARD GAUL

BORN: September 7th, 2010
TIME: 4:28PM
PLACE: OSF Saint Anthony's Medical Center Rockford, IL
WEIGHT: 8 lbs 10 1/2 oz.
LENGTH: 19 1/2 in.

The delivery was quick and easy....5 minutes of pushing and he was out! He had so much hair! Dylan absolutely loves being a big brother and wants to help with everything. It's amazing watching the boys interact.

Dylan will be 3 years old December 4th and I cannot wait! He has started discovery preschool and will transfer to Preschool when he turns 3! He is so intelligent and surprises me everyday.

ONE MONTH APPOINTMENT

WEIGHT: 10 lbs 5 oz.
LENGTH: 22 in.

Autumn 2010 with the Seib Tribe

So, I know that most of you won't have a chance to visit with Bridget, Jason, and the kids while they are here in WI, but I thought I'd share a few "special" moments that happened because they're here.

Peace at Last

I wanted to let you all know that Aunt Noreen is finally at peace. She passed away today. Luckily, Mom, Marge and Vron got to visit her yesterday. They had gotten a call that Noreen wasn't doing well and had not had anything to eat or drink for 6 days.

On Sunday night, Uncle George told Noreen he was going to go home and get some clothes so he could spend the night with her. He told her to squeeze his hand if she understood, and she did. That was the one of the very few times she responded to anyone in a long time.

No details on visitation or funeral yet, but I will pass those on as I get them. Please say a prayer for the family, and also thank God for welcoming Noreen home and giving her peace.

Love you all,
R