- Friday Cyndie and I went out to a new restaurant in Williams Bay ... the Public House. Excellent food there! I'd highly recommend it!
- Saturday was indeed a relaxing day. It rained a bunch, canceling our plans to work in the yard. Instead we just relaxed as a family.
- More movement on the 24 front ... we got in three more episodes with Laura and Gow on Saturday night ... I'm guessing we'll be in a holding pattern there for a while until the kid is born and settled! Sorry Jack!
- We helped Laura and Gow move on Sunday ... a success. All their stuff is moved and they are pretty settled. All this pre-baby too!
- My back is telling me we helped them move. It's really sore! I sat down to do some paperwork midway through the moving activities. I think I must have tweaked it a bit. This is proof of my advanced age!
- Emma was sitting on my lap while we were reading a story with Tim and Cyndie. She was complaining that her loose tooth hurt (and forcefully declining my offer to pull it for her). Then it popped right out in her hand!
- Cyndie had some friends over for scrapbooking last night ... had a very good time. I think she'll do that more often!
- We put in an offer on a duplex and received a counter back. Let the negotiations commence!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I'm Old ... with proof!
The weekend in bullets:
Friday, August 7, 2009
Normal? Low Key?
Well, we're headed into the weekend and I've got to say that I'm looking forward to a "normal"* weekend. Cyndie and I plan to go out for dinner ... a real live date ... tonight, then we have nothing scheduled for Saturday. Maybe we'll sleep in! Hopefully we can get some things done around the house/yard, and just spend some time together as a family. It seems like a long time since we've had a day like that. Running here and there ... summery is busy!!!
*I'm not exactly sure what the definition of normal is these days. If we're looking at what type of weekend occurs most often, then my hoped for weekend would most definitely not qualify!
In related house/yard news, we're very excited to see grass growing at the front of the house where we planted it a week or so ago. Now we'll see if it continues to grow and fill and ... and more importantly, becomes permanent!
Last night we went to the family night for Emma's Day Camp. It was nice. We spent some time with her friend Hannah and Hannah's mom Sheri (who we know from Woods School events and lots of other "Emma related" events). There was a little program with some singing and a little drama. Good stuff. Next year Emma will likely attend the camp where she stays overnight for a night ... she's becoming a big girl you know!
In other Emma news, she has a couple more loose teeth, including one that would appear ready to fall out at anytime. And lest we forget the fact, Emma has us wiggle it many times a day!
*I'm not exactly sure what the definition of normal is these days. If we're looking at what type of weekend occurs most often, then my hoped for weekend would most definitely not qualify!
In related house/yard news, we're very excited to see grass growing at the front of the house where we planted it a week or so ago. Now we'll see if it continues to grow and fill and ... and more importantly, becomes permanent!
Last night we went to the family night for Emma's Day Camp. It was nice. We spent some time with her friend Hannah and Hannah's mom Sheri (who we know from Woods School events and lots of other "Emma related" events). There was a little program with some singing and a little drama. Good stuff. Next year Emma will likely attend the camp where she stays overnight for a night ... she's becoming a big girl you know!
In other Emma news, she has a couple more loose teeth, including one that would appear ready to fall out at anytime. And lest we forget the fact, Emma has us wiggle it many times a day!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Strange Day
A bit of an abnormal day today. I was going up the stairs this morning to shower after my workout and my Mom was coming down the stairs. This is unusual because they don't get up anywhere near as early as we do.* Anyway, my sister Laura, due date August 14, had had a little bleeding during the night and so was going in to make sure everything is alright with the baby. My folks were on their way over to watch Sally. It turns out everything is fine ... the baby is fine and the placenta is still attached properly. Laura will lay way low for the next several days to make sure things stay that way. This complicates their pending move (this Sunday). Anyway, pray for Laura, the baby, and patience.
*What is it with retirees these days? Aren't they supposed to get up with the sun, have dinner by 4pm, and be in bed by 8? I tell you what, these parents of mine are doing things completely backwards. What do they think they are, teenagers?
This afternoon/evening, Cyndie and I (and Tim) will head over to camp to do the family night meal and show for Emma's Day Camp. Should be fun!
I talked to a breeder of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels last night. We're debating now the possibility of getting a pup sometime in the next several months. More on that front as it develops.
*What is it with retirees these days? Aren't they supposed to get up with the sun, have dinner by 4pm, and be in bed by 8? I tell you what, these parents of mine are doing things completely backwards. What do they think they are, teenagers?
This afternoon/evening, Cyndie and I (and Tim) will head over to camp to do the family night meal and show for Emma's Day Camp. Should be fun!
I talked to a breeder of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels last night. We're debating now the possibility of getting a pup sometime in the next several months. More on that front as it develops.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Midweek happenings
It's Wednesday and we're plowing through the week.
Emma's been enjoying Day Camp. Yesterday she went on the BIG swing ... I haven't seen it or been on it, but from the descriptions I heard, we're talking the rope of the swing is 100 feet long and you really get some air under you. She was pretty excited about that. For much of yesterday, Uncle Gow followed Emma and her group around at camp with a video camera to document their day. This morning he came over for breakfast/get ready time and shot some footage of Emma at home. We're very interested to see the end result!
Last night my folks stayed home with the kids (they're with us until they move back to their place when Laura and Gow move into their new place ... confusing enough?) while Cyndie and I went to a weekly prayer meeting with a group from church. It was good to get together to pray with those folks and just spend time building relationships.
We're still fighting a battle with wasps under our deck. They seem to be somewhat resistant to the spray. I think it's more a matter of us not being able to get a good angle to get the spray up IN the hive rather than the spray not working. We'll keep fighting the good fight!
In "awe shucks" news, we're getting close to trying to find a new dog. Emma asks for one a lot. Both she and Timmy have been really doing well this week in helping out, and playing with, our friend's dog Gunner who we are dogsitting. We're looking at a much smaller dog (than Al), and one that doesn't shed as much. Here's the current thought:
These are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Anyway, that's the current thought! We'll let you know how things develop.
Emma's been enjoying Day Camp. Yesterday she went on the BIG swing ... I haven't seen it or been on it, but from the descriptions I heard, we're talking the rope of the swing is 100 feet long and you really get some air under you. She was pretty excited about that. For much of yesterday, Uncle Gow followed Emma and her group around at camp with a video camera to document their day. This morning he came over for breakfast/get ready time and shot some footage of Emma at home. We're very interested to see the end result!
Last night my folks stayed home with the kids (they're with us until they move back to their place when Laura and Gow move into their new place ... confusing enough?) while Cyndie and I went to a weekly prayer meeting with a group from church. It was good to get together to pray with those folks and just spend time building relationships.
We're still fighting a battle with wasps under our deck. They seem to be somewhat resistant to the spray. I think it's more a matter of us not being able to get a good angle to get the spray up IN the hive rather than the spray not working. We'll keep fighting the good fight!
In "awe shucks" news, we're getting close to trying to find a new dog. Emma asks for one a lot. Both she and Timmy have been really doing well this week in helping out, and playing with, our friend's dog Gunner who we are dogsitting. We're looking at a much smaller dog (than Al), and one that doesn't shed as much. Here's the current thought:
These are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Anyway, that's the current thought! We'll let you know how things develop.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Emma the Movie Star
Good morning to all of you faithful Blog readers out there. Today's latest happenings in bullet form:
- Emma enjoyed her first day of Day Camp. About all we got out of her in regard to what she did yesterday was that she took the swim test and that she liked the spray candy at the canteen. Oh, also that one of her two counselors slept all afternoon. That alarmed us a bit until we heard that he was actually sick!
- Cyndie made the comment when we were talking about Emma's day that she can't wait until Timmy can go. Then we might actually learn something about what happened (Timmy has the tendency to, once he get's going, run at the mouth in a very loud and long-winded way about all the different happenings).
- Uncle Gow is doing a video documentary type of thing for Covenant Harbor. He's filming this week during Day Camp, and, as I understand it, Emma will be one of the featured campers. I'm not exactly sure what the end product is, but I'll try to at least get a link posted here when it becomes available so that you guys can see Emma in action!
- We're enjoying having my folks stay with us. They'll be here (I think) until Laura and Gow move into their new place next Sunday/Monday. It's nice to spend some time hanging out with them as we haven't seen a whole lot of them since last spring before they left for their trip to Oregon.
- Summer weather appears to finally be rearing its head. It's been much more hot and humid the last several days ... much closer to the high 80s with 75% plus humidity that we're used to for southern Wisconsin.
- Pray for our friends in SoCal, the Wekalls. They had the horrible tragedy of losing their son, Matt, in a motorcycle accident. Matt was a good guy who had had some troubles after high school, but was moving in the right direction and was helping with the youth group at church. It's very sad, and will be a tough thing to deal with for Steve, Ginny, and sister Shauna.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Movies lately
Saw a couple of flicks over the weekend ...
Push (2.8/5)
Watched this one during the Movie night with Casparis and Gowans. From the trailer it looked like a very interesting premise, and after the first 10 - 20 minutes, I was anticipating a pretty good movie. It was all downhill from there. The plot, or what passed as one, fell apart pretty quickly. Numerous characters were added for now apparent reason. And the movie just became very unbelievable. It was very disappointing given what was a fairly unique look at "super heroes" and powers and the like.
The overall summary: Great premise, poor execution.
Definitely, maybe (3.7/5)
This was an interesting flick. We went into it thinking it would be a fairly standard romantic comedy, but it really turned into more of a light drama. The premise was a newly divorced father explaining to his daughter how he and her mom got together. It started slow, and with some fairly explicit, though clinical, sex talk which was largely un-needed. However, once the movie got moving it was pretty good and entertaining. It even had a bit of a twist at the end that, while not exactly realistic, made for a bit of variety from the standard romantic comedy fare.
The overall summary: A surprisingly good romantic comedy/drama with some faults.
Movies I've seen recently:
Juno - 4.8/5
Slumdog Millionaire - 4.6/5
Iron Man - 4.2/5
Lars and the Real Girl - 4.1/5
Wall-E - 4.0/5
Traitor - 4.0/5
The Dark Knight - 3.9/5
Star Trek - 3.9/5
Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist - 3.7/5
Definitely, Maybe - 3.7/5
Kung Fu Panda - 3.5/5
The Passion - 3.5/5
Valkyrie - 3.5/5
The Incredible Hulk - 3.4/5
New in Town - 3.2/5
Horton Hears a Who - 3.0/5
Push - 2.8/5
Meet Bill - 2.1/5
Jonah, a VeggieTales Movie - 2.4/5
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - 1.9/5
Burn After Reading - 1.5/5
Push (2.8/5)
Watched this one during the Movie night with Casparis and Gowans. From the trailer it looked like a very interesting premise, and after the first 10 - 20 minutes, I was anticipating a pretty good movie. It was all downhill from there. The plot, or what passed as one, fell apart pretty quickly. Numerous characters were added for now apparent reason. And the movie just became very unbelievable. It was very disappointing given what was a fairly unique look at "super heroes" and powers and the like.
The overall summary: Great premise, poor execution.
Definitely, maybe (3.7/5)
This was an interesting flick. We went into it thinking it would be a fairly standard romantic comedy, but it really turned into more of a light drama. The premise was a newly divorced father explaining to his daughter how he and her mom got together. It started slow, and with some fairly explicit, though clinical, sex talk which was largely un-needed. However, once the movie got moving it was pretty good and entertaining. It even had a bit of a twist at the end that, while not exactly realistic, made for a bit of variety from the standard romantic comedy fare.
The overall summary: A surprisingly good romantic comedy/drama with some faults.
Movies I've seen recently:
Juno - 4.8/5
Slumdog Millionaire - 4.6/5
Iron Man - 4.2/5
Lars and the Real Girl - 4.1/5
Wall-E - 4.0/5
Traitor - 4.0/5
The Dark Knight - 3.9/5
Star Trek - 3.9/5
Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist - 3.7/5
Definitely, Maybe - 3.7/5
Kung Fu Panda - 3.5/5
The Passion - 3.5/5
Valkyrie - 3.5/5
The Incredible Hulk - 3.4/5
New in Town - 3.2/5
Horton Hears a Who - 3.0/5
Push - 2.8/5
Meet Bill - 2.1/5
Jonah, a VeggieTales Movie - 2.4/5
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - 1.9/5
Burn After Reading - 1.5/5
Negligent
Apparently I've been neglecting the blog ... shame on me! It seems like, if anything, summer is more busy that during the school year. How can that be?
Last week, the kids finished up VBS. They really enjoyed that. Thursday was a family night and a local, smaller zoo came with some animals, including and alligator (the VBS theme was "Crocodile Dock", so the alligator was supposed to be in keeping with that theme).
Friday/Saturday we went down to Crystal Lake to my sister's for a movie night. The kids were great together, and it was a fun time to hang out and relax together. We hit Costco and then I had worship practice and setup for church at the Y. The day rounded out with two episodes of 24 season 7. Yes, that's right, Gow, Laura, Cyndie, and I are starting in on the latest season. And I don't think we could have picked a more challenging time to do so. We're busy with school, work, projects at home, etc. And Laura and Gow are moving, having a baby in two weeks, and Gow is working what would appear to be more than full time. I guess we'll fit episodes in here and there!
Sunday was church, then a potluck afterward at Covenant Harbor. The lake is still pretty cool, but the kids enjoyed playing along the edge and then swimming a bit at the end. In the evening we then came back to Harbor for Emma's orientation for day camp this week. She'll be doing that from 8:30 - 4:30 daily. She's pretty pumped. She's in the same group as her two best buddies from school, Olivia and Hannah. We'll see what anecdotes she has to share when she returns tonight.
Let's see, a few tidbits ...
Last week, the kids finished up VBS. They really enjoyed that. Thursday was a family night and a local, smaller zoo came with some animals, including and alligator (the VBS theme was "Crocodile Dock", so the alligator was supposed to be in keeping with that theme).
Friday/Saturday we went down to Crystal Lake to my sister's for a movie night. The kids were great together, and it was a fun time to hang out and relax together. We hit Costco and then I had worship practice and setup for church at the Y. The day rounded out with two episodes of 24 season 7. Yes, that's right, Gow, Laura, Cyndie, and I are starting in on the latest season. And I don't think we could have picked a more challenging time to do so. We're busy with school, work, projects at home, etc. And Laura and Gow are moving, having a baby in two weeks, and Gow is working what would appear to be more than full time. I guess we'll fit episodes in here and there!
Sunday was church, then a potluck afterward at Covenant Harbor. The lake is still pretty cool, but the kids enjoyed playing along the edge and then swimming a bit at the end. In the evening we then came back to Harbor for Emma's orientation for day camp this week. She'll be doing that from 8:30 - 4:30 daily. She's pretty pumped. She's in the same group as her two best buddies from school, Olivia and Hannah. We'll see what anecdotes she has to share when she returns tonight.
Let's see, a few tidbits ...
- When Cyndie and I walked up to VBS on Thursday, Timmy was in his 4K group playing a game on the sidewalk in front of the church. He was significantly taller than all his classmates. Plus he's just a thick, strong kid. He's the only kid I ever remember picking up and feeling bunched muscles in his arms and shoulders. I guess part of that, especially the height thing has to do with him being about the oldest kid in his class group (Sept 1 is the cutoff date for birthdays for Kindergarten here, so he misses out by 11 days).
- Tims been getting a kick out of reading some simple words together when I read him a book. I've been showing him how to sound out the letters and make a word.
- Emma LOVES being with and playing with her cousin Sally (15 months). She's learning (slowly but surely) that she can't just pick up Sally and carry her around everywhere. We think she'll love having a littler baby to hold who won't want to get up and walk around all the time.
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