Turns out the car needed a new battery. That was a surprise, since it had been starting just fine. Of course, now that we have a *new* battery, it starts up great! Guess the bad alternator we replaced stressed the battery. We also got a fan belt adjusted, so no more shrieking noises coming from under the hood.

Fall weather has arrived. A cold front came through this afternoon and it's now in the high 60's. Actually had to shut most of the windows in the apartment this evening. We're going to have to get Mary some sweatpants for her soccer game tomorrow!

Sean leaves Sunday for a conference in Hawaii (tough break!). He'll return on Friday, then we depart on Saturday for our dream vacation to Sydney, Australia!

Meanwhile, tomorrow is the Navy Ball. We'll be attending with Gene & Sherry, should be a good time. Over 450 people are attending (it's sold out) and the folks who organized it have put a lot of work into it. Mary, of course, is excited at the prospect of having a babysitter come take care of her.