Knoebels was kfun

So I took some more time off work (it's really only a place I go, not what I do anyway) and hitched a bus ride with Ken and Ruth down to Knoebels for a few days. We stayed in the tent with a nice air matress to sleep on, sweet. I think it goes without saying that Jordan really liked that. So camp was set up, dinner was had, now it's time to ride! Over the next couple days we hit a little bit of everything, but kept going back to the old standby choo-choo trains and Jordan's new personal favorite, the Flyers. We must have ridden that thing a dozen times, each time going a little higher until we finally had the cables shaking, "laughing all the way, ha-ha-ha". Every ride ended with "wanna go 'gain". Ok, you're the boss...no wait, I'm the boss...aren't I? Anyway. Everybody had a good time and we're all set for next year. It's nice to get home though, even though this is the place I really work.

Welcome to the lake, memories made here

We took off this weekend for a couple of much needed days away from everyonething. I skipped work Friday afternoon and we went early, happy we did. Nothing like waking up in the morning knowing you have nothing to do, putting on a pair of shorts and going for a swim before breakfast. I could get a little too used to that. Jordan was completely in his element running in and out of the water whenever he wanted, excavating the beach as he thought was needed, and feeding the duckies that visited quite regularly. Did I mention the boat ride? That topped it off for him, nothing else was needed. We also went to the Windmill, a sort of 'farmer's market', but with wine tasting. I seriously could get too used to this. The nights were spent sitting lakeside by a fire chatting over a few drinks amongst ourselves and the neighbors. I'm sold, anytime now powerball, anytime. Thank you very much Aunt Vicki and Uncle Ray, it was greatly appreciated.

So on the way home we stopped at KFC for lunch and continued home. Once we got there, there was a message inviting us to dinner at Uncle Justin's. Sweet. Nothing like finishing off a great weekend with great friends. Home once again and Mommy and I are relaxing with a bit of wine. This is where the story ends...for you.

Pictures

July 4th Party

Awesome. For the most part as it rained most of the day. All in all half of the people still came out. Pre-cooking and lining the cooler with foil worked out much better as I had more time to drink socialize. The fireworks went off without a hitch, thanks for the help Todd (got a little captain in ya?). Hopefully it will be a nicer day next year, but at least this time it will be on a Friday. Yeah! Thanks for coming, hope everybody had a good time. See you next year!

Terrible Two's

I think it's more terrible for the parents because they just keep growing. Jordan turned two...already. Man time flies something something. We had a party for him, thanks to everyone for everything. We had a great time, he especially. His first introduction to chasing a remote control car/tractor (me with the remote and him not knowing how it was moving) was absolutely hilarious. Lifelong memory for sure. I won't mention which one of his cousins I later suckered in too who shrieked and said "Oh my god, how's that thing moving!". Jojo, you're funny (oops!). Now when he and I are sitting in my chair we send it out into the kitchen and run into Mommy a few times until she puts food in it for us, good times I tell you, good times. And so goes another year. Note to Jordan: "Stay like this, pease."

Pictures

Red Sox vs Yankees

Ok, so it was the Pawtucket Red Sox at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, but still, it's the Red Sox and Yankees! I took Jordan and Mommy down to a day game yesterday, it was a blast. The Yankees won 4-5 in 10 innings! Too bad we had to leave in the 7th when it was still 2-3, but Jordan was getting tired and it had been a long day for him. He really liked the mascot and wanted to go down on the field to ride the putt-putt with him, but we thought better to stay put and watch the ball. What a game to get introduced to baseball though! Let me say it again, it was the Yankees and Red Sox! Mommy and I had fun too, if you couldn't tell. Too bad we didn't get to see Clemens, though, that would have been really neat. Maybe next time Daddy will get you a hat, but you have to stay awake to pick it out, deal?

Update: We went down again on May 24, 2007 to a day game to see the Indianapolis Indians which ended up with the Yankees losing 8-5 in 9 innings. As we were leaving in the top of the 6th, which was already 8-1, Daddy stole found a hat for you on the way out. Who loves ya, buddy?

Pictures

RIP: 60,000 - 311,000

Oh Bronco, we hardly knew ye. Yep, it happened. I decided to take the ol' girl out for a night on the town (ok, a day on the farm) when she just started giving up. Brake lines blew as we tried to slow down on the hill, eventually rolling to a stop. Then, like out of a b-movie horror flick, the scream of a wide open throttle body filled my ears as I shut her down to spare us the agony of the inevitable. It was too late, the damage was done. The lifeblood flowed from every gasket and seal. Her emblems will forever be displayed in my garage, a reminder of our good times together. But all is not lost, my buddy who helped haul her away and asked for a couple parts. I obliged, then inquired. The horns are going into his hotrod! The body may have died, but the voice lives on!

A reply to a certain someone who laughingly quipped "Ooh, are you sad your Bronco went bye-bye?"...I've had that thing longer than you, woman. Check-and-mate. Did I give it away who it was? Nah.

Good bye old friend.

Super Bowl XLI Party

Had a Super Bowl Party yesterday, February 4, 2007. It was the (AFC) Indianapolis Colts (12-4) vs the (NFC) Chicago Bears (13-3) at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Colts won 29-17, glad to see Peyton Manning win, he deserves it. The ads were sparse this year, certainly not the best. Billy Joel sang the National Anthem and Prince performed at halftime. Everyone had a good time and a lot to eat. Good enough. See you next year, hopefully with the Steelers.

Sittin' With Santa

So last Saturday we took Jordan to the Viewmont Mall to see Santa for the first time. We did family photos at Sears and then were second in line to see Santa, only having to wait about 15 minutes. He was really excited to see the man he's told endless times at home that he wants a "choo-choo" for Christmas. Now was his big chance. It all came down to this and...he wouldn't let go of Mommy for anything. He did muster up enough gumption to accept a coloring book and tell Santa "choo-choo" before we left, but he wouldn't go to him. A picture is worth a thousand words, but the video I shot instead is priceless, so check it out. On a side note we did learn something that day. Put dress clothes on your child after you get where you're going. Even if they've never been carsick, as soon as they're wearing their Sunday best, they will be.

July 4th Party

This year's party was great. I had more time to enjoy people being there than I have in prior years, though I need a better strategy for cooking as two hours is still too long. The fireworks were good, not the best, but my 'partner in crime' left me hanging this year and I had a couple rookies (hehe, thanks Ken and Gary). We like to celebrate on the actual holiday, but having a party on a Tuesday when people have to go back to work the next day leaves little room for recuperation, if you know what I mean. I love doing this and every year, it's getting better, faster, easier, and most importantly more enjoyable overall for everyone. Once again, thanks to those who helped out and to those that came. See you next year!

Happy Birthday Little Man

Already a year old, man time flies. That means I'm a year older too (but none the wiser). We had a little party for family and friends, it was a good time. Thanks for everything and everyone who attended. Note to Jordan: "This is your father. Stop it, no more growing up...I mean it!"