Blog Update Weekend

We know it has been a month since our last blog, but May is a busy month for educators. Our goal is to catch you up with everything Turner this weekend. See below for new posts.

My Very Own Bobblehead

I have 26 bobbleheads in my office and another 16 (all Ohio State) at home. But last Wednesday, I received a great surprise - my very own bobblehead! We hosted our annual Ph.D. party, and one of the traditions is for doctoral graduates to give their advisors a gift. Previously, I received an autographed (and personalized) mini-helmet from Coach Tressel. However, I must say Corinne Farneti (my 1st solo advisee) gave me the most unique (and special) gift that any professor has ever received.

Picnic with Pops

Since Father's Day is in June, Briana's class celebrated on Friday with "Picnic with Pops". I went to her school at 10:30 with a blanket and a packed lunch for us.
We ate on their field, then Briana got to play on the "big kids" playground for the 1st time this year. She is quite the climber and she quickly wore me out. She had a few gifts that she made in school, including a bookmark with her picture and several "coupons" that I can use (such as make breakfast, help wash the car, an hour of quiet time, and my favorite - one for hugs and kisses).

My Baby Turned 6

It's hard to believe, but my baby girl turned 6 earlier this month. Time has flown since she was born 6 years ago in Bethlehem, PA. She has grown to an incredible young girl.

On the Saturday before her birthday, Gretchen took her and her good friends Hayley and Avery to Magic Mountain. She then had a sleep over with her friends.We celebrated her birthday on Tuesday the 13th. Our family tradition is the birthday person gets to choose the restaurant; Briana chose Bob Evans. We came home and opened presents and had cake. Briana received many great presents. She has been wanting a Nintendo DS, so that was our big gift to her this year.
Uncle David got her a bike, so we went outside to try it out.
I also created a custom book with pictures of her 1st 6 years (50 full pages worth!). Briana also had a sleep over with another friend Claire the following Saturday night. Overall, it was a great birthday for Briana, but they are happening way too frequently for me.

Big Boy

Your favorite (soon-to-be) 8 month old is growing taller as we speak! He is now in 12-18 month clothes because of his height. My nickname for him is Big Boy and he always smiles and gets excited when I call him this. Here are a few new pictures:

Daycare Pictures

Brothers and sisters can get their pictures done at our daycare together on picture day! Naturally, we could not pass up the opportunity to have our beautiful children photographed. Aren't they just adorable?

Doesn't he just look like such a big boy?

He is really growing-he used to hate being on his tummy.

Princess Briana loves to pose for the camera.

Her smile lights up the room!

She absolutely loves her baby brother. They are so cute together. I am going to save this forever so when she is 15 and he is 10, she can remember that at one time, she wanted him around.

Triple Baptism

Our family had a wonderful moment on the final weekend in April. Alexander Brian was baptized into our church. Along with Alex, Briana's baptism was remembered by expressing her faith. She had never been baptized in a church-only in the hospital when she was in the NICU. Also, Brian was finally baptized into Christ as a believer! It was very special to have all three family members brought together in such a sacred way. Brian was first, so he could then be a baptized Christian when we professed our commitment to raise Alex as a Christian. Then came baby Alex, and Briana was last. Our family friend and fairy godmother joined in the sacrament and is now an official godmother to Alex and Briana (she would like to be Brian's, too-but that might be a little weird). It was truly special. Afterward, we got the best donuts in Columbus and went home to play Wii. Susan joined me in Dancing with the Stars and the Wii shootout. It was great fun!

Briana getting remembered by Pastor Ziegel.

Baby Alexander Brian being welcomed into Christ.

Pastor Ziegel talking to the congregation about the innocence of babies, and using our baby as his shining example!

My Trip to Texas

It's always good to go home, but this time I got to go to Waco for free (thanks Ohio State)! Gretchen's last blog mentioned her parents coming to town when I had to leave for a conference in Texas. I presented at the largest physical education conference (AAHPERD), which happened to be in Fort Worth this year. I arrived on a Tuesday, presented on Wednesday and Thursday, then was picked up by my brother Ricky late Thursday afternoon. We headed straight to American Airlines Center to see the Mavericks take on the Jazz. It was a great game, with the Mavs hitting a shot at the buzzer to win. The crowd was really into the game (an important one for the Mavs playoff hopes) and I have to say this was the loudest game that I have ever attended. Ricky and I took this picture at an AT&T promotional kiosk.
On Friday, we got a tour of Baylor's new practice facility. This year, I had tours of Louisville's brand new practice facility along with Kentucky's renovated facility, and I have to say Baylor's was on par with each one. Ricky's friend Mark (a Baylor assistant coach) gave us the tour and knew some of the coaches I know at Ohio State. Later that day, Ricky, David, and I played golf, then Ricky and I went to watch a University High School baseball game. Saturday was pretty relaxing, then it was time to come home on Sunday. Unfortunately, I couldn't find my camera (it was hidden in my laptop back) so I don't have any other pictures to post. I bought a disposal camera at the Maverick game but haven't finished the roll yet; I will post golf pictures once they are developed. Overall, it was a great trip. I had Mexican food 3 times, Whataburger twice, and Bush's and Krispy Chicken one time each!