Last night we went to see GT play in their first conference game, against Virgina. Allen and Terrell (from Aaron's work) went with us. None of us had a team preference...we just went to enjoy a football game. It was a little chilly, but we were entertained! Sorry, Stephen...the Cavaliers just didn't have it in 'em (GT 24, UVa 7).
"Nuri is being used to daycare...
She can roll over and holds head upright.
She smiles A LOT.^^ She is really lovely.
I'm attaching two pictures, please see how she is wonderful." -Acella Moon, about her 6-month-old daughter.
On Saturday night we were invited to a Connect Group, which David and Laurel lead once or twice a month. We met two new couples and enjoyed Laurel's chili. The church we are attending uses these groups (they have hundreds of them- couples, singles, men, NASCAR fans...you name it) to make sure their members are involved in a more intimate way than just the big service on Sunday mornings.
On Saturday we planned to go on a picnic in a park near downtown, but we got sidetracked when we drove up to North Ave. and Aaron spotted some football tickets for sale. We ended up spending the whole afternoon watching college football (Georgia Tech vs. Troy...GT won) under a beautiful blue sky! What a great surprise.
As I posted on Friday, we went to Six Flags for the night's entertainment. It was really strange to be at a park like that at night, but we had a great time. We rode everything that we wanted to ride, except one. However, since we were wearing GT colors (I didn't have a single piece of yellow clothing, but I guess they counted white) they gave us free passes to come back anytime before the end of October, so we will save that ride for later. We ended up staying until after midnight! Here are a few good shots:
We loved the swings! David used his camera to make a video clip of it, so if I can get it from him I'll post that too.
That's me on the left with the wild hair, then Allen (Aaron's operations guy), and Laurel. They were looking at another camera.
The Batman roller coaster was my favorite because we were able to ride in the front row. It makes a huge difference. Allen is fearless in the moment this picture was taken!
Today Aaron is having lunch with Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. You should have seen how classy he looked this morning in his shirt and tie! I'm not really sure what the purpose of the lunch meeting is, but I do know that he is up for re-election and needs to win over the environmentally conscious voters (gotta get that trash off the street!).
We've been working hard all week, and it's time to play! Georgia Tech has rented out the entire Six Flags park here in Atlanta for one night. We're going after work today from 6pm-midnight. Since I work here, we were able to get majorly discounted tickets! David and Laurel are joining us, as well as Aaron's operations supervisor, Allen.
David and Starla came to Atlanta this past weekend and we were glad to be able to see them! This is a couple from our Sunday School class in Albany. We hung out with them on Sunday night and also last night (in the hospital near us...they brought one of their little girls here for surgery). They have been a great encouragement to us this week. Briley is recovering like God's champion!
Things are going well in the kitchen for the Fernandez family. The organization that I shared about earlier is working out great. Here's how I've been doing it, and then I'll make a brief list of positive results:
Every other week I go to the grocery store with a list of items in my hand. The list comes from a meal plan that I create for the next two weeks, which was made using another list of possible main dishes/sides/bread/desserts. The list has about 30 main dishes to choose from, and they are all things that I know how to make (in the two week meal plan, however, I include one thing that is new and I've never made before). When I get home I put the meal plan on the refrigerator and reference it for the next two weeks. Of course, sometimes things come up and our preferences for the day are different, so it's flexible and we rearrange it- but at least I have a plan for back-up!
Results:
1. We always have something good and balanced lined up to eat.
2. The grocery store trip is much shorter because I know exactly what to get when I walk in.
3. I never have a need to "run by the store" after work to get a missing ingredient.
4. When I put the groceries up, I know which foods to keep in the refrigerator and which to freeze, based on the amount of time before I make it. It's easier to not let a meat accidentally go bad, and I also know when to thaw something the night before to be ready.
5. The budget is being more closely followed. Interestingly, the total price for groceries every other week is almost exactly the same, and so we are able to keep better track of spending.
6. I feel less stressed about cooking. And, I enjoy serving my husband!
Derwin returned from his 7 month tour in Afghanistan last week, and they had a big throw-down in their backyard on Saturday to celebrate. The neighbors planned it, and we were thrilled to get an invitation. He had a look of relief and contentment on his face the whole time...we know he is thankful to be back with his wife Marcela and three kids. Here are some pictures to document the party.
There was so much food! We took some of it home with us to munch on the next day. Derwin's mom came from Texas to help prepare the food, and those who attended also brought something. 
Derwin and -wait- is that Marcela? Derwin brought home one of these over from Afghanistan. It was actually very pretty, but I'm sure it's hot and bothersome for those women who have to wear them everyday.
Ariana is having a great time! Doesn't she look happy that her daddy is home?
Dominick spent most of the party inside the blow-up trampoline cage (what do you call those things?). 
Aaron played football with James and his friends for a long time in our old backyard. This is typical of my husband...remember, a boy at heart!
Derwin's mother made this quilt for him as a welcome home gift. She is very talented. It was gorgeous!
There was great music playing...dancing music. Derwin is teaching us a few moves with his bride. It looks like Mrs. Lou is a little jealous!
There was so much food! We took some of it home with us to munch on the next day. Derwin's mom came from Texas to help prepare the food, and those who attended also brought something. Derwin and -wait- is that Marcela? Derwin brought home one of these over from Afghanistan. It was actually very pretty, but I'm sure it's hot and bothersome for those women who have to wear them everyday.
Ariana is having a great time! Doesn't she look happy that her daddy is home?
Dominick spent most of the party inside the blow-up trampoline cage (what do you call those things?). 
Aaron played football with James and his friends for a long time in our old backyard. This is typical of my husband...remember, a boy at heart!
Derwin's mother made this quilt for him as a welcome home gift. She is very talented. It was gorgeous!
Perfect for celebrating Friday (although I'm sure they would be good on Saturday morning, if you can't wait until next Friday). Make sure you get the ones with the crumb topping...it makes them all the more delicious!
Happy Birthday, Dad
We aren't great videographers, but we are thinking of you dad on your birthday! Hope you have a great day.
On Sunday night we went on a double date with David and Laurel (from church). We rode together to Five Points, a trendy part of Midtown with cute shops and great restaurants. We ate at Murphy's...please come visit us so that we can take you there! We went to this restaurant when Aaron was living here and I came to visit him one weekend and fell in love with its romantic ambiance and tasty dishes. David and Laurel were great company, as always. After dinner they came over to have dessert in our apartment and hang out for a few more minutes before they had to return to relieve the babysitter. What a fun date!
Aaron sent flowers to me at work yesterday. It was an unexpected outpouring of grace from my husband on a dreary Tuesday when I craved encouragement. He really knows how to lift me up! They are gorgeous...and I was looking forward to coming to work this morning because I knew I would get to sit beside them all day. Thank you, Aaron!
After we left the Ayaz house, we met Michael and Rebecca McNeal for lunch. It was fun to meet with friends and catch up. They are doing well despite Rebecca's Saturday morning diagnosis with strep throat! We miss hanging out with them regularly, but we're looking forward to their possible visit to Atlanta in October.
On Saturday we drove down to Albany for the Moody party. First, though, we stopped by the Ayaz family's new home to visit (Sam and Ahsan were students of mine). They just moved into a new home during the summer and Mussrat loved showing us around. She cooked a few things for us and we sat together to talk about how school is going for the boys, and how the baby is growing. Mohsan (the baby) is very happy and giggly. We were only able to stay for half an hour, but it was worth it. 
Fernandez Family
About
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This blog is a way for us to journal about the fun events and milestones of our days as husband and wife and new parents. Enjoy catching up with what's going on in the Fernandez family!
Aaron and Lisa
Married December 18, 2004
Vivian Gray: born June 18, 2008
Kate Leigh: born August 5, 2009
Hank Michael: born August 8, 2012
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