Christmas 2008 Photos

Another great job by the folks at Portrait Innovations on our Christmas photos. The photographer got some good shots of Beau. And gosh, how cute is Lillie?!? We hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Merry Christmas.

Baby Beau

We welcomed Beauregard (Beau) Wynne Richardson to this world on Friday, November 14th at 2:32 AM in the Hylton Birthing Center at Prince William Hospital. He weighed 8 lbs 6 oz and measured 22".

Beau is doing great. He had his first pediatrician appointment this morning and he passed all his developmental tests with flying colors. Liz is feeling good and is recovering quite well. And of course, Lillie is happy...she now has a little brother to boss around for the rest of her life.

Of course, more updates to come, but in the meantime, here are some photos at the hospital.

Day Out with Thomas

We recently went to Strasburg, PA for a Day Out with Thomas. Strasburg is located in Amish country and it's a beautiful area. We stayed overnight at The Historic Strasburg Inn. We look forward to going back again some day with #2. Check out the photos here.

Burke Lake Train Ride

You'll notice a theme during the next few posts. Next stop Strasburg, PA to visit Thomas the Tank Engine. Here's our warm-up at Burke Lake Park earlier this summer.

The End of Summer

We would love to say that our Outer Banks vacation was a dream come true, but alas, it was a tougher one. We were all a little disappointed in Corolla NC, and to add insult to injury, Lillie and Trent were sick with "flu-like symptoms." Regardless, we still had fun...Lillie got to spend quality time with her cousins, Liz got some needed rest, and Trent crushed beach chairs with the SUV.

On another note, Lillie had her first day of school this week. She started attending a near-by, private, Christian academy. We're very pleased a slot opened-up for her to attend this school. She's just too smart to be outside of a curriculum environment. Overall, she's doing well, but of course, it's an adjustment from her past routine. We have no doubt Lillie will acclimate and this is the best course for her future.

Lillie's First Haircut

A short video of Lillie's first haircut.

Lillie's 18-Month Update

One thing is for sure and that's the fact we have a rambunctious toddler on our hands. We keep saying it to ourselves, but Lillie's development over the past 18 months has been amazing. She's a happy--and vocal--little girl with quite the personality. We really couldn't be prouder. She weighed-in at 22 lbs and measured 31.25" at her last checkup.

Please take a look at the recent photos from our July 4th weekend and a recent trip to celebrate Trent's great-uncle and aunt's 50th wedding anniversary (Ann & Bud). We hope to see more of our friends and family over the summer.

e2M

For the folks who received an email from me previously then excuse the following excerpt...

"After a long and undistinguished career at PHR+A, I've decided to move onto greener pastures in an attempt to get my family off food stamps. The fine folks at e2M have been duped into believing I actually know something. In fact, they've hired me as their Assistant GIS Manager. Many of you also know about my ongoing attempts to serve my country. Well, they just took too long (surprised?) and e2M brought the bling."

I'm now entering my third week at e2M and things are going really well. My coworkers are great to work with and it's been a refreshing change of pace and scenery. The position is challenging, but there are a ton of opportunities. And to boot, the commute is shorter which is always nice. In other words, I'm comfortable saying that I made a good decision and I'm looking forward to the future.

Number Two

Sometimes it's tough remembering if you've told everyone so we decided on a brief broadcast. We're expecting "Baby Number Two" on November 22. Of course we're excited, but we also feel a little more comfortable this go-around. Liz is doing well and feeling great and everything points towards a healthy pregnancy. And no, we're not finding out the sex again. We're also starting to make some logistical changes around the house. As one of my buddies recently stated...get ready to switch from a zone to a man-to-man defense. Wish us luck...cheers!

Cedar Island, Virginia

I recently conducted a GPS shoreline survey of Cedar Island, Virginia as part of my ongoing dissertation research along the Virginia barrier islands. The focus of my studies over the past few years has been Parramore Island which is directly south of Cedar Island.

Cedar is unusual along the Virginia Eastern Shore because it is/was privately property. The vast majority of the barrier islands along the coast are part of the Virginia Coast Reserve which is owned by The Nature Conservancy. The Virginia barrier islands constitute one of the longest stretches of coastal wilderness remaining on the entire US Atlantic Coast.

The bottom line is that the Virginia barrier islands are a special place--but unfortunately--the system is falling apart and rapidly. And that's where I hope my research answers some questions. For those of you wondering what a mixed-energy, wave-dominated, retrograding barrier island actually looks like, then here you go.


View Larger Map

Catch-Up, Again?

Yikes! I just noticed that we're really behind posting photos (can you say 'January'?). And yep, you guessed it. You know what that makes me. So before we become irreparably behind and just give up...here you go.

Lillie's 1st Birthday Party

Grab Bag

Easter 2008 (Marion, VA)

Easter Photos

Our little girl, Lillie Mae, just keeps growing up. Alot of people tell us she's amazing, but of course, we especially think so.

Even though some of her Easter photos photos are adorable, she's even cuter and more personable in person. (In our humble opinion).

GMU Senior Night 2008

What can I say? I've been a sombrero-wearing, root beer-drinking, cigar-smoking donkey. And well, the blog's content has suffered as a consequence. But not to fear, we've got great stuff from our trip to Marion this past Easter weekend.

In the meantime, I hope you have a passing interest--or perhaps even enjoy--a short video of George Mason Senior Night 2008. (Let's not just not talk about their performance in the NCAA's).

Delilah (1996-2008)

This morning we said goodbye to our family dog and loyal companion, Delilah. We're sad our friend is no longer with us and we'll miss her terribly. However, we'll always cherish the time we spent together.

Delilah was a smart, loving, and playful canine that enjoyed--well--being a spoiled dog. When Liz picked her from the litter she knew that Delilah was special and that certainly proved true. We know that she was loved by so many, and we thank you for spending time with her.

Delilah loved catching frisbee and chasing balls to the point of exhaustion when she was younger--we imagine that's what she is doing right now. A thought or prayer for our dear friend is appreciated.

Puerto Rico in 3 Minutes

I tried my best to boil down our week in Puerto Rico. And well, here's the final result. I hope you enjoy watching the video as much as I do.

Estamos seguros de que será nuestro viaje en 2009!

Housekeeping

Forty-three posts in 2007 and a heckuva start to 2008 warrant some catch-up and housecleaning.

Please note I've shortened the photos list, but not too worry because archived photos can be accessed through the 'All Albums' link. Once again, I'll plug subscribing to the blog via FeedBurner ...it's the only way to access 'Richardson', and no, you will not be spammed. It's simply the occassional "Trent, Liz, and Lillie post" delivered to your inbox.

Onto the real content...

Of course, we enjoyed our first family Christmas with Lillie. It was relaxing, hectic, special, and all that fun Christmas stuff. New Years was also a blast...lock the doors, load the shotgun, and ride out the storm with our Y2K supplies!

Perhaps even more enjoyable, we went to San Juan, Puerto Rico in early January for a little tropical winter getaway. It was quite a good time...more details to come later, but check out the photos in the meantime. In fact, CW and Pam (Liz's parents) made the trip. And frankly, we welcomed the company and the extra set of eyes and arms for Lillie.

Btw, what do you think about our luxurious accomodations??