My birthday girl, Rita!

Eleven years ago, I delivered my third daughter, Rita, in a hospital in Lisbon... We had just been transferred from London to Rabat, Morocco (my husband was assigned as a Detachment Commander in charge of the Embassy Marine Security Guards). Mark was already working in Rabat and I stayed with my mom in Lisbon, awaiting the birth. He had taken a week's leave to come to Portugal, but was supposed to fly back on the 21st to host the Marine Corps Ball in Rabat and then return the next day... He never made it out of the airport, as I assured him over the phone that this baby was waiting for no one!! Rita (named after the Beatles song) was born at 6 pm after only two pushes... She has been a ball of energy ever since!!! She is a very animated, funny, smart and caring girl, she is a terrific athlete and definitely knows how to have fun!!! Our lives are truly enriched by her presence, and we are so proud of her! Happy birthday, sweet girl!!!

Halloween 2009

The kids had a wonderful Halloween this year, it landed on a Saturday so they were able to sleep in the next day!!! We had one less child dressing up this year, as Anna is getting a little old for that, she stayed home with me and handed out candy!! One of my favorite things is to see the kids that ring our bell, especially the little ones... Too darn cute!!!
















This year, Alex decided to be Optimus Prime, from The Transformers... He had fun at the little party in his classroom decorating cookies, throwing hula hoops at pumpkins and making little black bats!

Rita wanted to be a "gangsta" boy, complete with hip hanging pants and underwear showing...

Clara was a female firefighter (I didn't know they wear miniskirts...)

The best part... Candy overload!!!!