Once a month, Mr Barry (music teacher) has a talent day. It seems that Jimmy has participated in these before with less success than he would like (twinkle twinkle on the piano and an acapella version of ee nee mee nee my nee mo by Justin Beiber). So, here was his chance, the last Talent Day of the year...
Jacob and he have been practicing Baby Baby by Justin Beiber in recess, during lunch, on playdates, etc. Jimmy was to play drums with Jacob singing. (Jimmy would practice by beatboxing ... too funny).
Tom was "finally" allowed to attend the performance with the caveat that "he's outta here when I'm done".
Here's the proof (very lousey video quality but pretty good sound...) You cant really hear Jacob but Jimmy is rocking...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO-h7mAAy8w
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Camping and the Gymnastics Spring Show
This past weekend found Tracy and I going on a "test run" camping trip. The Millers offered to watch the kids while Tracy and I took the weekend off. We are planning a family camping trip over Memorial weekend and we thought it would be a good idea to test the equipment first (and how the dog will "react"), turns out it was a good idea. We loaded the boat with all our stuff and headed out Friday after Tracy got home from work. We dropped the kids at the Miller's around 6:00 and headed towards Afton to the campground. However our first obstacle - the roads were closed and we ended up going all the way north to 94 only to go east and then travel south along the Saint Croix back to where we started, not fun. At 8:00 we put the boat in and at 8:30 were took it out again because it would not start.
Meanwhile we had packed our equipment for boat camping not backpacking, which is what we had to do (now) because of the boat issue. We arrived at he campground and got organized to carry our stuff the 3/4 mile trek to the campsite. Tracy had the tent,sleeping bags,camp chairs and Nikki while I had our clothes, cook kit, and food. It was a brutal workout and we were lucky to run into some really nice kids who helped us out (she was avoiding prom because her boyfriend just dumped her so her older & younger brother decided to take her camping to get her mind off of it. They were pretty cute) We finally made it to our campsite around 9:00, it was getting dark and there was someone on our site and he had a fire going with our wood!The camp staff helped move him to his spot, Tracy started setting up the tent, for the first time, and in the dark, while I made another trip back to the car for the cook stove, lantern and water.
I made it back to the site,, Tracy had the tent almost up, (impressive) and at 11:00 we had dinner, finally. We crashed and had a great night sleep and even Nikki had a good night.
Saturday , after breakfast found us back at the Marina, and no sooner did the service guy showed up the boat started, go figure. Tracy asked him are expecting rain? his response in about 10 minutes and the next 2 hours found us in the car, in the campground parking lot, waiting for the rain and lighting to stop. The afternoon ended up nice but hot. We took the dog for a long hike through the woods along the river and Tom was able to fish and catch a few.
Saturday , after breakfast found us back at the Marina, and no sooner did the service guy showed up the boat started, go figure. Tracy asked him are expecting rain? his response in about 10 minutes and the next 2 hours found us in the car, in the campground parking lot, waiting for the rain and lighting to stop. The afternoon ended up nice but hot. We took the dog for a long hike through the woods along the river and Tom was able to fish and catch a few.
Dinner was several hours earlier than the night before! We packed out most of our stuff after dinner and headed back to the camp to read books by the campfire/lantern. It was another nice night. Sunday morning we had breakfast, cleaned up camp and packed back to the car. The weather was super humid and hot and I was wondering when we got back to the car why I evened bothered putting on a clean shirt!T
he kids were all amped up when we got back and the Miller's were ready to see them go! 
Jimmy was off to a birthday party while Billy and Kay were preparing for the Spring Gymnastics show. It was held in the gym, which is a huge two room pole barn complete with no air conditioning and several hundred sweaty kids while the temp was pushing 90 and the humidity was out of control. Our friend Sandy met us there and we watched as the kids one by painstakingly one, performed at Olympic levels on the floor, rings, parallel bars and the horse.
he kids were all amped up when we got back and the Miller's were ready to see them go! 
Jimmy was off to a birthday party while Billy and Kay were preparing for the Spring Gymnastics show. It was held in the gym, which is a huge two room pole barn complete with no air conditioning and several hundred sweaty kids while the temp was pushing 90 and the humidity was out of control. Our friend Sandy met us there and we watched as the kids one by painstakingly one, performed at Olympic levels on the floor, rings, parallel bars and the horse.
Kay and Billy had a ball and the similes when they were awarded a trophy are priceless! as they keep saying "this is my FIRST trophy" I like their confidence in the future:)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Kay's school play and Billy's creative side
The ending of the school year brings many surprises to us parents, what are children have learned and how well they are actually doing both educationally and socially and nothing tells a parent more about their kid then an appearance in the school play.
This year, as well as last, the first graders at Meadowbrook Elementary were proud to present "Rumpelstiltskin " The class takes one day out of the year, a drama coach comes in and they spend the day learning about acting. The drama coach stated it is fun to teach kids how to act, because it is pretend and uses their imagination, which comes easily with kids.
The roles are identified, costumes created and "let the show begin" Kay was the first born to the Queen and the one that was supposed to be given to Rump in exchange for the room of spun gold, however as we know that was not the case. She was great in her role! She goo goo'ed and gaa gaa'ed to beat the band. She did tell us the next morning that she did not want to be the baby and thought the casting call she answered was for the Queen. Either way we say way to go Kay!
This year, as well as last, the first graders at Meadowbrook Elementary were proud to present "Rumpelstiltskin " The class takes one day out of the year, a drama coach comes in and they spend the day learning about acting. The drama coach stated it is fun to teach kids how to act, because it is pretend and uses their imagination, which comes easily with kids.
The roles are identified, costumes created and "let the show begin" Kay was the first born to the Queen and the one that was supposed to be given to Rump in exchange for the room of spun gold, however as we know that was not the case. She was great in her role! She goo goo'ed and gaa gaa'ed to beat the band. She did tell us the next morning that she did not want to be the baby and thought the casting call she answered was for the Queen. Either way we say way to go Kay!Meanwhile back at the ranch, Billy has been bust creating or as Bill says "cleations". Bill has a special calling as a Lego cleator. He as you can see has a special hat and glasses that tap into his cleative energy and allows him to cleate many a masterpiece. (The kid walks around Tom's uncle Don's fedora 1/2 the time, I swear he's channeling some old man somewhere).
Imagination and expression are truly blessings the kids give us.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
THE BAD WITH THE GOOD
This past weekend had one of Tracy's least favorite events along with one of her most favorite ones. The school carnival and Mothers Day were the bookends of our part weekend.
The carnival is a combination of kids on too much sugar and the adults on 'ignore the kids' mode which results in total chaos and raises ones blood pressure. The events are all great for the kids, pop bottle ring toss, throwing darts to pop balloon's, cake walk and gym skills set test. There are many other events these are just the ones our kids were interested (ie obsessed) in.
The food this year was a much better production than last year and the overall organisation was key. Hot dogs, tofu veggie dogs, cotton candy and a new addition and always a crowd pleasers, cheese curds. Of course by the time Jimmy was ready to eat the hot dogs were gone. (reading in between the lines...minor fit)
Tracy spent most of the time working in Jimmy's room with Billy on the pop bottle ring toss whilst Kay and I worked in her room on the dart and balloon event. Jimmy was on his own with his friend Jacob (supervised by Jacob's dad) and they together terrorized the carnival goers, or whatever two 8 year old boys can do.
The evening ended with our neighbors Kristin and Craig and their kids for dinner post carnival cocktails and good conversation. There are now only 364 days until the next carnival!
Mothers Day was a very nice and quiet family day. Tracy was able to get a 2 plus hour bike ride and an hour dog walk (side note: she is in full training mode for the MS150 and we are are proud of her and it is still not to late to make a pledge).
The kids all made nice and inspiration cards for Mom as well as gave gifts of incredible art, written prose that is not only descriptive, but it almost brings one to tears and Billy brought home flowers. Nikki even came through with a gift card for a Mother's day massage.
The day ended with Mom's favorite dinner, Mexican, and what a fiesta we had. Kay made guacamole, and cut all the veggies while Jimmy and Billy watched sports center. Kay and Daddy cooked the shrimp and venison and Mom made the burritos to Jimmy's instruction, nice and crispy. We had a toast to all mothers everywhere - birth mothers, foster mothers, forever mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends and women everywhere that "mother" in their own way.
Happy Mothers Day to all 'Mothers' everywhere.
The carnival is a combination of kids on too much sugar and the adults on 'ignore the kids' mode which results in total chaos and raises ones blood pressure. The events are all great for the kids, pop bottle ring toss, throwing darts to pop balloon's, cake walk and gym skills set test. There are many other events these are just the ones our kids were interested (ie obsessed) in.
The food this year was a much better production than last year and the overall organisation was key. Hot dogs, tofu veggie dogs, cotton candy and a new addition and always a crowd pleasers, cheese curds. Of course by the time Jimmy was ready to eat the hot dogs were gone. (reading in between the lines...minor fit)
Tracy spent most of the time working in Jimmy's room with Billy on the pop bottle ring toss whilst Kay and I worked in her room on the dart and balloon event. Jimmy was on his own with his friend Jacob (supervised by Jacob's dad) and they together terrorized the carnival goers, or whatever two 8 year old boys can do.
The evening ended with our neighbors Kristin and Craig and their kids for dinner post carnival cocktails and good conversation. There are now only 364 days until the next carnival!
Mothers Day was a very nice and quiet family day. Tracy was able to get a 2 plus hour bike ride and an hour dog walk (side note: she is in full training mode for the MS150 and we are are proud of her and it is still not to late to make a pledge).
The kids all made nice and inspiration cards for Mom as well as gave gifts of incredible art, written prose that is not only descriptive, but it almost brings one to tears and Billy brought home flowers. Nikki even came through with a gift card for a Mother's day massage.
The day ended with Mom's favorite dinner, Mexican, and what a fiesta we had. Kay made guacamole, and cut all the veggies while Jimmy and Billy watched sports center. Kay and Daddy cooked the shrimp and venison and Mom made the burritos to Jimmy's instruction, nice and crispy. We had a toast to all mothers everywhere - birth mothers, foster mothers, forever mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends and women everywhere that "mother" in their own way.
Happy Mothers Day to all 'Mothers' everywhere.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Kay's rite of Passage
There is seemingly nothing more talked about in kiddom as the time one looses his or her first tooth. This loss triggers the beginning of a new chapter in a child's life and helps prepare them for the tough world out there.
Kay has been waiting patiently as Jimmy has lost 7 teeth and finally last week she joined the elite group of kids whom have lost a tooth. The amazing thing about losing your first tooth, is it triggers your gums to let go and many more teeth are suddenly loose, kids you have to love them :)
Presenting Kay Marie Jeon Murphy and her first lost tooth!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Mom's gone wild
Ok, not really ... but, we did have a great time!!
My LONG time friend Michelle and I have been threatening our husbands that we wanted to do a girls weekend to Austin TX for about the last 8 years. But, as you can imagine, 5 kids between us, work, travel, family (and India) came in our way. As Kay says 'dreams do come true' and we finally DID IT!
In mid-Feb I found frequent fliers to Austin, Michelle booked a hotel room and we promptly "forgot" about it. No pre-planning, no booking of tickets, no itnerary, in fact ... we settled on when and how we were going to get to the airport the night before. It was glorious to know that we were going on trip where every last detail DIDNT need to be planned because we werent going with kids (or husbands) we could do what we wanted and decide when we got there. That's a vacation! It was awesome to just hang with a friend & talk; kids, husbands, work, being female, getting old, gossip magazines, movies, tv, books, etc....
"The Donnas are an American all-female rock band from Palo Alto, California.[1] They draw inspiration from The Ramones, AC/DC, and Kiss.[1][2] Rolling Stone has stated that "the Donnas offer a guileless take on adolescent alienation; they traffic in kicks, not catharsis, fun rather than rage".[1] MTV has stated that the band offers "nothing more than a good old-fashioned rock & roll party". After gathering a cult following in the punk scene since their 1993 debut, the band achieved major label commercial success in the early 2000s and afterward.[2]"
Day 2 - Moving slightly slowly, we ventured to investigate the work out room, ate some great seafood and hung out on the capital lawn for an afternoon of gospel and folk music to raise awareness of the issues with Malaria (Imagine No Malaria). Then it was off to a quick dinner and the Steve Martin & his banjo concert with Steepe Canyon players (bluegrass).
"Stephen Glenn "Steve" Martin (born August 14, 1945) is an American actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, musician, and composer. Martin was born in Waco, Texas, and raised in Southern California, where his early influences were working at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm and working magic and comedy acts at these and other smaller venues in the area. His ascent to fame picked up when he became a writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and later became a frequent guest on The Tonight Show. In the 1970s, Martin performed his offbeat, absurdist comedy routines before packed houses on national tours. Since the 1980s, having branched away from stand-up comedy, he became a successful actor, playwright, pianist, banjo player, and juggler, and eventually earned him his Emmy, Grammy, and American Comedy awards."
He was amazing, funny, great banjo player and they even finished the night with King Tut.
After that, who wouldnt be on the look out for a blues open mike night?! That was our next stop.... Local musicians wandered in/out of the bar, would get on stage, play a few songs, mix up the musicians, etc. Pretty cool local music.
Day 3 - We nearly sprung out of bed (compared to Day 2), workout, sat by the pool and then shopped. Austin has many many high end, artist furniture, jewerly and clothing boutique stores. Fun to look at but way out of our mom price range with $600+ skirts. We made it to the airport in time for 1 last beer, bought the most recent copies of People/US Weekly and settled into our seats for the trip home.
I highly suggest Austin but more importanlty, I suggest a nice weekend away with a good friend:)
My LONG time friend Michelle and I have been threatening our husbands that we wanted to do a girls weekend to Austin TX for about the last 8 years. But, as you can imagine, 5 kids between us, work, travel, family (and India) came in our way. As Kay says 'dreams do come true' and we finally DID IT!
In mid-Feb I found frequent fliers to Austin, Michelle booked a hotel room and we promptly "forgot" about it. No pre-planning, no booking of tickets, no itnerary, in fact ... we settled on when and how we were going to get to the airport the night before. It was glorious to know that we were going on trip where every last detail DIDNT need to be planned because we werent going with kids (or husbands) we could do what we wanted and decide when we got there. That's a vacation! It was awesome to just hang with a friend & talk; kids, husbands, work, being female, getting old, gossip magazines, movies, tv, books, etc....
Day 1 - pedicures, shopping, walking along the river, tex mex food, plenty of margaritas and a Breast Cancer benefit with "The Donna's". They were awesome! We also learned (or reememberd) a major lesson in going "out". Nothing starts until 10pm. AND, as a female, you need to wear as few as clothes as possible. We had forgotten in our "mom-dom". But, we did make it until showtime and had a gas. (fully clothed and probably sticking out like sore thumbs in our conservative dress).
"The Donnas are an American all-female rock band from Palo Alto, California.[1] They draw inspiration from The Ramones, AC/DC, and Kiss.[1][2] Rolling Stone has stated that "the Donnas offer a guileless take on adolescent alienation; they traffic in kicks, not catharsis, fun rather than rage".[1] MTV has stated that the band offers "nothing more than a good old-fashioned rock & roll party". After gathering a cult following in the punk scene since their 1993 debut, the band achieved major label commercial success in the early 2000s and afterward.[2]"
Day 2 - Moving slightly slowly, we ventured to investigate the work out room, ate some great seafood and hung out on the capital lawn for an afternoon of gospel and folk music to raise awareness of the issues with Malaria (Imagine No Malaria). Then it was off to a quick dinner and the Steve Martin & his banjo concert with Steepe Canyon players (bluegrass).
"Stephen Glenn "Steve" Martin (born August 14, 1945) is an American actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, musician, and composer. Martin was born in Waco, Texas, and raised in Southern California, where his early influences were working at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm and working magic and comedy acts at these and other smaller venues in the area. His ascent to fame picked up when he became a writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and later became a frequent guest on The Tonight Show. In the 1970s, Martin performed his offbeat, absurdist comedy routines before packed houses on national tours. Since the 1980s, having branched away from stand-up comedy, he became a successful actor, playwright, pianist, banjo player, and juggler, and eventually earned him his Emmy, Grammy, and American Comedy awards."
He was amazing, funny, great banjo player and they even finished the night with King Tut.
After that, who wouldnt be on the look out for a blues open mike night?! That was our next stop.... Local musicians wandered in/out of the bar, would get on stage, play a few songs, mix up the musicians, etc. Pretty cool local music.
Day 3 - We nearly sprung out of bed (compared to Day 2), workout, sat by the pool and then shopped. Austin has many many high end, artist furniture, jewerly and clothing boutique stores. Fun to look at but way out of our mom price range with $600+ skirts. We made it to the airport in time for 1 last beer, bought the most recent copies of People/US Weekly and settled into our seats for the trip home.
I highly suggest Austin but more importanlty, I suggest a nice weekend away with a good friend:)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Boy Scout Overnight
This past weekend the Scouts of Den 2, Pack 306, gathered at Baker Park Reserve for the annual overnight. Jimmy along with 60 other Scouts were prepared to pass one more test in the goal of yet another badge. The main focus of the trip, a simulated survival test.
The troop headed over to the main Lodge for the survival test orientation. The leader Betty described the details and goals of the experiment and teams were formed. The Scouts were given the choice of cool names or gross names, these being 6-10 year old boys you know the outcome, Jimmy and I were part of "Team Constipation". There are 7 items that you must have to survive, according to the experts one is oxygen,one is PMA, a positive mental attitude. Given the choice our group chose the following four items: matches, map, tarp and a campus. The experts say that the four items you need, besides the previously mentioned two are matches, map, pan and a trap.
We headed off into the woods to try and survive the afternoon heat humidity and the obnoxious behavior of teams constipation, zit, fart and barf. We made a lean to with the trap, started a fire with our matches, using the map as a starter and boiled water with the pot. We all managed to survive and astoundingly, according to Betty we were the only group she has ever lead that each team started a fire and boiled water.!
Back to camp for snacks, pocket knife play and relaxation. The scouts went on a snipe hike while the adults played washer toss. It is a combination of horseshoes and yard darts without having anything in common with either, quite fun. Dinner was made by the Webelo's being they needed to get a merit badge. If I were to be asked the merit badge would not have been given. Two cold hot dogs, some luke warm lemonade and a half of bag of chips does not count as a meal. The smores were awesome however and the boys all got a kick out of the ghost stories around the fire.Lights out at 9:00 pm was strictly enforced so Jimmy and I headed off to bed. It was real comfy in the tent until the temperature dropped to around 34 degree's and we started to fight for the blankets and ended up at the bottom of the tent in a pile , OH camping. 6:00 am could not come soon enough for Jimmy or the rest of the camp. Scouts from my experience are quite self sufficient and it was made apparent a breakfast when we had pancakes with peanut butter because there was no syrup.
Cumalata Cumalata Cumalata Vista!!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Ex-Pat Reunion
This past Friday we had the opportunity to re-connect with our Ex-Pat friends; some still living in Bangalore and others, like us, whom have repatriated back to the good Ole U S of A.Larrie, Allison and their Daughter Jessie along with Stacy and her daughter Elise; Stacy's husband Alex and their son Preston aka Prestonio stayed back in Bangalore.
Jimmy and Jessie are great friends and had a ball hanging out and re-connecting, playing football, rollerblading and just being 8 year old's. 
Kay and Elise are also great friends and both into "girly" things had Kay's room in a complete salon and were offering pedicures to all the ladies for the unbelievable price of 10 rupees!
The regular group of Ex-Pat's made the party a well rounded affair. The food was awesome - Mexican, which anyone whom has lived abroad knows you can not get outside of this continent!The enchilada's, guac, chips and salsa were well received by all, and he margarita's added the perfect finishing touch.
We had great fun catching up with the news from Bangalore, is the bridge done?! How is the new Taco Bell? Is the Metro train running yet? What is the newest restaurant? Has Bryan Adams booked a gig yet? What other 80's rock icons have performed at the Palace rounds?
Wow, makes you want to run back to Bangalore get some Dosa and wait in traffic to get the 3 miles to the corner ice cream place or just stand outside your Villa and wonder, where is my driver?
Friday, April 16, 2010
Happy Gotcha Day
On April 10th we celebrated Jimmy and Hayden's 8th Gotcha Day. It is hard to believe that it has been that long and it is even better to know that we have such great and kind friends.
Jimmy and Hayden came home together and have remained fast friends, sharing their love of Korean food, basketball and now video games. We travelled to Karen and Jeff's for an evening of making Korean Food, Be Bim Bop, Kim Cheee, Mondu and great fun.
Happy Gotcha Day Jimmy and Hayden we love you we bless you and we are SUPER glad you have chosen us!
Jimmy and Hayden came home together and have remained fast friends, sharing their love of Korean food, basketball and now video games. We travelled to Karen and Jeff's for an evening of making Korean Food, Be Bim Bop, Kim Cheee, Mondu and great fun. The kids had a blast and played and ate and the adults got to have some much needed adult time and conversation.
The tradition of cupcakes was replaced this year with an ice cream 
cake and let me tell you I like the new tradition! We are truly blessed by our kids and by the friends and family we have the good fortune to have met through this awesome experience known as Adoption.
cake and let me tell you I like the new tradition! We are truly blessed by our kids and by the friends and family we have the good fortune to have met through this awesome experience known as Adoption.
Happy Gotcha Day Jimmy and Hayden we love you we bless you and we are SUPER glad you have chosen us!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Happy Easter
The coming of Spring, albeit a bit early here in Minnesota, also brings Easter. The holiday that is third behind Christmas and Halloween in the kids minds because of the candy and other goodies 'that rabbit" brings.
The kids were all amped up from the card ride home and could not settle down, we finally got the to bed at 10:30. This was not to bad we thought, as they would sleep in the following day, not so. At 6:00 sharp they were in our room wondering if the "rabbit" came? We managed to to get them to rest until 7:00 and then we were up and at em, so to speak.
The Easter bunny left them a note which they were enthralled by and could not understand how the Easter bunny knew to put the candy and eggs downstairs and how each kids had their eggs in one room? That is a wise old Rabbit. The kids had a grand time collecting the Easter eggs, candy and the presents left by the "rabbit". This year the 'rabbit" seemed to be into outdoor activities and Jimmy got a basketball, Kay a cool water sprinkler and Bill is the proud owner of a Light'n McQueen slip and slide, awesome!.
The night ended with baths and this time an earlier bedtime of 9:00. All in all a nice quiet Easter. We wish everyone a very Happy Easter!
The kids were all amped up from the card ride home and could not settle down, we finally got the to bed at 10:30. This was not to bad we thought, as they would sleep in the following day, not so. At 6:00 sharp they were in our room wondering if the "rabbit" came? We managed to to get them to rest until 7:00 and then we were up and at em, so to speak.
The Easter bunny left them a note which they were enthralled by and could not understand how the Easter bunny knew to put the candy and eggs downstairs and how each kids had their eggs in one room? That is a wise old Rabbit. The kids had a grand time collecting the Easter eggs, candy and the presents left by the "rabbit". This year the 'rabbit" seemed to be into outdoor activities and Jimmy got a basketball, Kay a cool water sprinkler and Bill is the proud owner of a Light'n McQueen slip and slide, awesome!.We spent the rest of the day unpacking, going for a walk getting a workout and quiet family things. We were still tired from the trip and keep the day low key. We made a ham, and scalloped potatoes and our friend the Manderfield's came over for a quiet family dinner.
The night ended with baths and this time an earlier bedtime of 9:00. All in all a nice quiet Easter. We wish everyone a very Happy Easter!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
MS150 - It begins again:)
It's that time again....Weather in the 60's, my bike is out of the shop, our St Pat's day party was a success, they kids had a great Spring Break ~ all signs that its time for me to start training for the MS150!
This year the ride is a week later (a hopefully a bit warmer for our camping in Duluth) June 11-13th. The newest news on the ride is that Clay Walker (the country singer) will be riding with us. It turns out, he has MS and has formed a group called Band Against MS (BAMS). They travel the country riding in the MS rides. He's going to kick off the morning on Saturday with the National Anthem and a mass start. Should be really inspirational (and a bit scary with 3000+ people all starting at the same time). My fundraising goal stays the same: $1000. Last year, you all were incredibly generous and helped me raise my goal. This year, while I know times are tough, I am hoping that you'll set aside some extra $ for this cause.
As a reminder, I ride for my Uncle Alan and all the people living with and affected by MS. I am not alone, last year over 3,000 people biked and there were 1,000+ volunteers: everyone united in raising money to find a cure for MS and to help people lead productive lives. (Plus its just a whole bunch of fun!!)
I'll be riding with my long time friend Wendy again AND a new/old group of friends from Target. I think this will be our 16th year riding but I am getting old and starting to lose count. If you want to join us, let me know! I'll get you set up:)
If you want to donate, feel free to check out www.ms150.com - ePledge and look for my name, the ride is 6/11-6/13. Or, you can just make out a check to MS Society and I'll be sure to hand it in for you. If you don't want to donate, no worries, just send thoughts of low 60's, slightly cloudy, a backwind and downhill the whole way:)
Keep an eye out for my training/fundraising emails, feel free to pass this blog along and enjoy Spring!
This year the ride is a week later (a hopefully a bit warmer for our camping in Duluth) June 11-13th. The newest news on the ride is that Clay Walker (the country singer) will be riding with us. It turns out, he has MS and has formed a group called Band Against MS (BAMS). They travel the country riding in the MS rides. He's going to kick off the morning on Saturday with the National Anthem and a mass start. Should be really inspirational (and a bit scary with 3000+ people all starting at the same time). My fundraising goal stays the same: $1000. Last year, you all were incredibly generous and helped me raise my goal. This year, while I know times are tough, I am hoping that you'll set aside some extra $ for this cause.
As a reminder, I ride for my Uncle Alan and all the people living with and affected by MS. I am not alone, last year over 3,000 people biked and there were 1,000+ volunteers: everyone united in raising money to find a cure for MS and to help people lead productive lives. (Plus its just a whole bunch of fun!!)
I'll be riding with my long time friend Wendy again AND a new/old group of friends from Target. I think this will be our 16th year riding but I am getting old and starting to lose count. If you want to join us, let me know! I'll get you set up:)
If you want to donate, feel free to check out www.ms150.com - ePledge and look for my name, the ride is 6/11-6/13. Or, you can just make out a check to MS Society and I'll be sure to hand it in for you. If you don't want to donate, no worries, just send thoughts of low 60's, slightly cloudy, a backwind and downhill the whole way:)
Keep an eye out for my training/fundraising emails, feel free to pass this blog along and enjoy Spring!
Friday, April 09, 2010
Over the Hills and through the traffic
To Grandma and Grandpa Hickeys we go! 
Monday Tom and Grandpa Jim played a round of golf while Tracy and Grandma took the kids to the Leisure trail for roller blading and swimming. Tom was able to keep his score under 100 and only loose one ball, pretty good, Jim shot another 81! We went to the pool again and attempted to wear the kids out, which only worked to wear out the adults. Grandpa and Grandma volunteer at Clemson and Jimmy had to see the place, he is 8 and already scouting which college he wants to attend. The campus was great and the baseball stadium is one if not the best in college. We did of course make it over to watch the football practice. The highlight for me was the awesome ice cream shoppe the school has!Dinner was another grand affair and of course more basketball.
Tuesday Tracy and Grandma went to " book club" while Grandpa and Tom took the kids to the batting cage and to play put-put golf. Dinner was a Hickey family tradition, Chapulas, always a favorite. Instead of watching basketball we played a few games of dirty dog, a family fun card game the Millers taught us. It can be quite competitive , we played four hands and Kay won each one, an amazing feat!.
Friday morning was Kay's choice and she took us to the Aquarium and proceeded to engage in being tour guide and event planner until her and Billy got lost and Daddy took over the role. The Aquarium was pretty cool and the kids enjoyed the two plus hours we were there. Billy ended the morning with a trip to the Dinosaurs Museum and Trinket Shop. The kids loved it and it was just the right amount of time and then it was off to lunch. I am unsure why however our kids will devour the Chinese Buffet and we found one. Several trips later and a bathroom break we were on the road again and being told to make a u-turn and head towards 65....
PSA: Anyone travelling east on 94 watch out when you reach Toma, WI there is a traffic delay and it took us 1.5 hours to go 6 miles.
The trip down to South Carolina was actually quick & nice. We ended up in Bloomington, IL around 10:00 Friday night after leaving the school around 1:45 or so. The kids were enthralled with the story about Simon and the Shadow Forrest, a 6.5 hour book on DVD and let me tell you it was way cool. We had to listen to it twice that is how cool it is.
Saturday morning we left for Gaitlinburg, TN and then over the Smokey Mountains to Salem, SC. 
Tracy received a couple of loaner gifts from her work friends one the aforementioned DVD and another was a Garmin, you know the directional device you put on your dash, that repetitively tells you to make a u-turn you are going the wrong way. In our case the device was adamant that we take 65 south through Louisville, which prompted the u-turn incident.
Tracy received a couple of loaner gifts from her work friends one the aforementioned DVD and another was a Garmin, you know the directional device you put on your dash, that repetitively tells you to make a u-turn you are going the wrong way. In our case the device was adamant that we take 65 south through Louisville, which prompted the u-turn incident.The day was nice and sunny and we made it into Gaitlinburg around 7:00 just in time for rush hour, seriously it took forever to drive the 7 mile strip, we finally stopped at a smoke house for dinner. Leave it to Kay to eat a salad at a BBQ joint, I had to make up with the deluxe pulled pork combo, awesome. We pulled into Grandma and Grandpa's around mid-night and woke the entire complex up, there is a reason the blog is named what it is named!
The next few days were full of fun and sun. We went to church on Sunday morning and followed 
up with basketball and swimming. Jimmy and Grandpa Jim were way into the basketball tournament and talking sports. Grandma and Kay were coloring and drawing up a storm while old Bill was catching up on some needed reading. Tom and Tracy got to work out and enjoy some quiet time. Sunday night we had Gary and Lynn over for cocktails and appy's before sitting down to a slow cooked roast dinner with all the fixing. We all must have enjoyed being there because no one got up on any given day before 10:00 in the morning.
up with basketball and swimming. Jimmy and Grandpa Jim were way into the basketball tournament and talking sports. Grandma and Kay were coloring and drawing up a storm while old Bill was catching up on some needed reading. Tom and Tracy got to work out and enjoy some quiet time. Sunday night we had Gary and Lynn over for cocktails and appy's before sitting down to a slow cooked roast dinner with all the fixing. We all must have enjoyed being there because no one got up on any given day before 10:00 in the morning.
Monday Tom and Grandpa Jim played a round of golf while Tracy and Grandma took the kids to the Leisure trail for roller blading and swimming. Tom was able to keep his score under 100 and only loose one ball, pretty good, Jim shot another 81! We went to the pool again and attempted to wear the kids out, which only worked to wear out the adults. Grandpa and Grandma volunteer at Clemson and Jimmy had to see the place, he is 8 and already scouting which college he wants to attend. The campus was great and the baseball stadium is one if not the best in college. We did of course make it over to watch the football practice. The highlight for me was the awesome ice cream shoppe the school has!Dinner was another grand affair and of course more basketball.
Tuesday Tracy and Grandma went to " book club" while Grandpa and Tom took the kids to the batting cage and to play put-put golf. Dinner was a Hickey family tradition, Chapulas, always a favorite. Instead of watching basketball we played a few games of dirty dog, a family fun card game the Millers taught us. It can be quite competitive , we played four hands and Kay won each one, an amazing feat!.Thursday we pack up the cars and headed into the mountains for a picnic lunch before the Loudamericans headed back to Gaitlingurg. We found a great park and let the kids run around while the adults visited before saying 
goodbye.The loudamericans arrived in Gaitlinburg ready to tackle the sites! We each chose which place we wanted to go. Jimmy pick the Gusiness Book of records Museum and tourist trap. It was full of many of the facts he already knows from reading those ever so important record books. Daddy choose more BBQ and instead of eating the all you can eat ribs he went for the Mountain Man Special and by-pass surgery platter! Mommy rounded out the evening with a round of mini-golf complete with Kay hitting her ball over the fence, Billy hitting his somewhere, it is still lost and Jimmy getting a hole in one along with pitching several fits, it was however a good time.
goodbye.The loudamericans arrived in Gaitlinburg ready to tackle the sites! We each chose which place we wanted to go. Jimmy pick the Gusiness Book of records Museum and tourist trap. It was full of many of the facts he already knows from reading those ever so important record books. Daddy choose more BBQ and instead of eating the all you can eat ribs he went for the Mountain Man Special and by-pass surgery platter! Mommy rounded out the evening with a round of mini-golf complete with Kay hitting her ball over the fence, Billy hitting his somewhere, it is still lost and Jimmy getting a hole in one along with pitching several fits, it was however a good time.
Friday morning was Kay's choice and she took us to the Aquarium and proceeded to engage in being tour guide and event planner until her and Billy got lost and Daddy took over the role. The Aquarium was pretty cool and the kids enjoyed the two plus hours we were there. Billy ended the morning with a trip to the Dinosaurs Museum and Trinket Shop. The kids loved it and it was just the right amount of time and then it was off to lunch. I am unsure why however our kids will devour the Chinese Buffet and we found one. Several trips later and a bathroom break we were on the road again and being told to make a u-turn and head towards 65....The trip was great and seeing the Grandparents is always fun. The kids made it from Bloomington, IL, home in under 7 hours with only two stops, which is a record. They were motivated because the next day was Easter and that rabbit was coming....
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Spring Fever
I must say that the kids and the dog and even Mom and Dad have been bit by Spring Fever. The kids have decided that they are going to roller blade and for the past few days all we do after school is strap on our blades, grab Nikki and go blading.
Nikki for her part has to spend as much time as she can on the back deck laying in the sun and being a dog, I mean she chases her Kong around the deck, chews on stray pieces of wood, and the other night we were on the deck attempting to solve some of the worlds problems when a police car roared by siren going off and Nikki starting howling like crazy, Spring Fever.
The snow is all gone but not the ice on the lakes, the days are getting longer and the nights shorterand where are Mom and Dad? they are packing to go to:
"Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Maybe just like a friend of mine
it hit me from behind
Yes I am going to Carolina"
In my Honda Pilot....
The Loudamericans true to form are of once again on an extended road trip this time to visit Tracy's parents in South Carolina and not just "in our minds!"
More to come on this upcoming adventure and while we are gone a Happy Easter to all!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Just a typical weekend
Well not really. Several events have occurred around the home of the Loudamericans so I will try and relate them in order of occurrence.
Saturday the 13th was full of Basketball and the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. Jimmy and the Sooners were playing their final game. Jim had decided that the team needed more motivation and encouragement and what says that more then Cheerleaders. He had conducted a sign up and offered the cheerleaders training and more importantly, uniforms. This was all done at school and not known to the coaches, Tom and John, nor the parents. On Friday night I received a phone call form one of the "potential" cheerleaders Dad asking me about the whole cheer leading opportunity. I was unaware of the details and upon learning them we both had a laugh. Well as it turns out two cheerleaders came to the game and get this, got to sit on the bench! It was a hard fought game the Sooners were down by 8 points at the start of the third period and by the start of the final 8 minuets the game was tied. The boys battled under the boards, in open court, guarded the lane and came up short. They had a blast and being a coach, I just happen to believe the boys would have won this game had they paid more attention to the game than the cheerleaders, but boys will be boys. Jimmy railed the 
troops saying who are we "the Sooners" louder, " the Sooners", Jimmy's parting words to the team, ' We'll get next year, who brought the treats today" Go SOONERS!
Friday the 12th was education reinforcement day. Billy entered into the Meadowbrook puplic school 
officially by participating in Kindergarten round up. This is a symbolic rite of passage moving young William into what is referred to as "the system". Paper work must be presented detailing everything from shots, entrance exam, family birth order and proof of the birth of the child, specifically age. There can be no ringers in the "system" and a birth certificate seems to the check and balance. Billy went on a bus ride, "all aboard, were going on a bus ride, going here and there, going EVERYWHERE" Doodlebop. The kids then had a tour of their new prison, I mean school and met the kindergarten teachers. Bill is ready now all we have to do is wait 5 months for school to start!
officially by participating in Kindergarten round up. This is a symbolic rite of passage moving young William into what is referred to as "the system". Paper work must be presented detailing everything from shots, entrance exam, family birth order and proof of the birth of the child, specifically age. There can be no ringers in the "system" and a birth certificate seems to the check and balance. Billy went on a bus ride, "all aboard, were going on a bus ride, going here and there, going EVERYWHERE" Doodlebop. The kids then had a tour of their new prison, I mean school and met the kindergarten teachers. Bill is ready now all we have to do is wait 5 months for school to start!Education is important a life long journey. Tom graduated from High School in 1979 and on Friday he needed to pass a CLEP test to finish his degree. Studying several help guides, on-line tutorials he was more confused on the subject matter than before he started studying. The test was centered on Social Sciences and History. In one of the study guides this question was actually there:
Which of the following Presidents was associated with Monica Lewinski?
1. William Clinton
2. John F. Kennedy
3. George Bush
4. Ronald Regan
5. Richard Nixon
Answer: Richard Nixon
See what I mean. I know full well that if Nixon was involved the dress would have been shredded, hidden and 'end of story'. So I chose the next best study method to learn about American History, the School House Rock DVD, they taught a whole generation that Knowledge is Power, if it worked for a generation, it would work for me. Wait I am part of that generation so maybe I did not need to study after all! The Preamble, The shot Heard Around the World, I'm Just a Bill and the ever needed, Conjunction Junction, I had to pass.
The test is a timed event, 90 minuets, man against machine. The room was hot and stuffy probably not used since interrogations during the Cold War. I step in with my lucky cross made by Kay and a picture of Tracy and the Kids, I mean after all one of the main reasons I was doing this was for them. The timer in the upper left hand corner added to the stress along with what at several times appeared to be questions in Greek. 82 minutes into the test I was done. I hit the submit button only to be asked " Are you sure want to do this?" What? I have been waiting 49 years to get to this point what kind of question is that? I clicked on Yes and the screen went blank, I waited. The studying and research I had done told me that I needed to have 61 of the 120 questions correct. I waited some more. The results of this test would net me 6 credits to offset the 3.28 I was short, there is no rounding up in "the system".
Short aside. ...In 1976 I turned 16 and was ready to take and pass my driving test. Unknown to me the night of the test my Parents had planned a surprise 16th birthday party for me and there was a dance at the school that night and they had arranged for me to drive the guests to the dance.
"I failed the driving test", this is what was going through my mind when I saw the number 54 on the screen. I made a rather loud moaning sound and the instructor asked what was wrong and I replied it appears that I did not pass. She 
asked what number was on the screen, I said 54 she said great you passed all you needed was a 50. A 50% which does equal 61 out of 120. Thank god I didnt take the math test. Boy did my outlook change! I was ecstatic and happy and to excited to sleep. I passed!
asked what number was on the screen, I said 54 she said great you passed all you needed was a 50. A 50% which does equal 61 out of 120. Thank god I didnt take the math test. Boy did my outlook change! I was ecstatic and happy and to excited to sleep. I passed!
Saturday the 13th was full of Basketball and the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. Jimmy and the Sooners were playing their final game. Jim had decided that the team needed more motivation and encouragement and what says that more then Cheerleaders. He had conducted a sign up and offered the cheerleaders training and more importantly, uniforms. This was all done at school and not known to the coaches, Tom and John, nor the parents. On Friday night I received a phone call form one of the "potential" cheerleaders Dad asking me about the whole cheer leading opportunity. I was unaware of the details and upon learning them we both had a laugh. Well as it turns out two cheerleaders came to the game and get this, got to sit on the bench! It was a hard fought game the Sooners were down by 8 points at the start of the third period and by the start of the final 8 minuets the game was tied. The boys battled under the boards, in open court, guarded the lane and came up short. They had a blast and being a coach, I just happen to believe the boys would have won this game had they paid more attention to the game than the cheerleaders, but boys will be boys. Jimmy railed the 
troops saying who are we "the Sooners" louder, " the Sooners", Jimmy's parting words to the team, ' We'll get next year, who brought the treats today" Go SOONERS!
The parade was far and away the largest turnout yet. There was around 125 kids, adults, pets and an untold amount of fun. The kids were able to invite classmates so there was an added level of people & school families. The day held out and there was no rain. The party moved in and out off the house as did the kids and the mud. This we believe was the 
9th Annual so next year
9th Annual so next year will mark a decade so mark your calenders!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Just Last Week
Things are progressing nicely here at the home of the Loudamericans and we along with the rest of Minnesota are not so patiently waiting for Spring. The arrival of the annual Blue and Gold banquet however is the current topic of discussion.
Comes a time in the life of every Cub Scout when the next patch becomes acknowledged and the movement toward the real goal of becoming a Boy Scout drives all behavior good and bad. Yes the wolf patch is now ready for all worthy recipients and what says "here is your Patch" better than a banquet complete with chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and 100 screaming cub scouts. I mean, I thought the den leader was supposed to teach these kids manners and respect for the elders, otherwise what is the sense of cub scouts and the whole honor the pledge thing? I digress.
The "regular" scouts had dinner and were then called onto stage to receive their individual awards. It was quite the site and "herding cats" comes to mind. The final ceremony of the evening is called the Arrow of Light ceremony and no photography is allowed. However, due to the shortage of scouts able to do this ceremony we were in a holding pattern so the MC of the evening made his first mistake. He thought it would be a good idea to allow the scouts to come on stage, take the mic and tell jokes. This does not even work in theory and it came to pass that many of the kids have stage fright, not the case with Jimmy " give me the mic"Murphy. He had a little repertoire and finished with the favorite " On Valentines Day what did the boy octopus say to the girl octopus?" " Want to hold my hand, hand ,hand,hand?" The lighting ceremony was over and we headed out with Wolfe badge in hand and hope to be invited back next year.
Comes a time in the life of every Cub Scout when the next patch becomes acknowledged and the movement toward the real goal of becoming a Boy Scout drives all behavior good and bad. Yes the wolf patch is now ready for all worthy recipients and what says "here is your Patch" better than a banquet complete with chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and 100 screaming cub scouts. I mean, I thought the den leader was supposed to teach these kids manners and respect for the elders, otherwise what is the sense of cub scouts and the whole honor the pledge thing? I digress.Aunt Sue made another trip over from Green Bay to visit and catch up after her recent stint in 
Costa Rica. She arrived in time to attend the aforementioned banquet. The Loudamericans plus Sue showed up at the venue and we found our way to the main floor with a view of the stage, for later in the evening Young James would be on that stage receiving his Wolf badge. The whole ceremony was dedicated to Scouts old and young. There is a member of the Scout Leaders whom received the highest award for a Scout, the National Heroism Award, which was quite awesome.
Costa Rica. She arrived in time to attend the aforementioned banquet. The Loudamericans plus Sue showed up at the venue and we found our way to the main floor with a view of the stage, for later in the evening Young James would be on that stage receiving his Wolf badge. The whole ceremony was dedicated to Scouts old and young. There is a member of the Scout Leaders whom received the highest award for a Scout, the National Heroism Award, which was quite awesome.
The "regular" scouts had dinner and were then called onto stage to receive their individual awards. It was quite the site and "herding cats" comes to mind. The final ceremony of the evening is called the Arrow of Light ceremony and no photography is allowed. However, due to the shortage of scouts able to do this ceremony we were in a holding pattern so the MC of the evening made his first mistake. He thought it would be a good idea to allow the scouts to come on stage, take the mic and tell jokes. This does not even work in theory and it came to pass that many of the kids have stage fright, not the case with Jimmy " give me the mic"Murphy. He had a little repertoire and finished with the favorite " On Valentines Day what did the boy octopus say to the girl octopus?" " Want to hold my hand, hand ,hand,hand?" The lighting ceremony was over and we headed out with Wolfe badge in hand and hope to be invited back next year.Saturday was all about Sooners Basketball. Jimmy's team is somewhere in the middle of the rankings, you will have to ask him the standings, and Sue was there to cheer him on. The team had only 7 of the 9 members present and half way through the first period 2 of the Sooners were on injured reserve, the game was well fought however the Sooners were soon winded. The coaches, taking advantage of the 2 time outs, tried to get he boys the needed rest however the opponents were relentless in their pursuit of victory. Much to the dismay of the Sooners the scoreboard was shut off, the boys continued to volunteer to sit out not realizing we had no subs. The team pulled together and put on an awesome display of determination and defense keeping the opponents under 50 points. Jimmy is now rallying the rest of his 2ND grade class to come "cheer them on" for their last game. He even has a cheerleader sign up sheet in class. So far he has 5 takers. He also gets them "fired up" leading the Sooners in pre-game chants before the jump shot. Go Sooners Go!
Sunday we celebrated Nikki's gotcha day. Hard to believe not only have we been back in the States for a year we have had Nikki for a year as well. Unlike the kids Gotcha Days which includes cupcakes and a trip to Mirror of Korea, Nikki received a bath and some new chew bones, it is unclear whether she realized it was her day or not!
In the mean time Jimmy has not abandoned his real and first love, FOOTBALL. He has been walking around the house as an offensive coordinator complete with head phones and a clip board, dark glasses and the offensive coordinator attitude, God help us this fall!
Thanks to Sue for coming over and hanging out and once again watching the kids so Mom and Dad could have a date night!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Worlds Most Injured People
You would think that with all the travelling, school events, sports, gymnastics and music lessons the kids would run out of energy, well not the 3 loudest Americans.
It seems that the kids have been watching a little to much TV lately and have developed what many say may be the next greatest Reality Series yet, Worlds Most Injured People.
The first video features the brainstorming session with Jimmy and Billy laying the ground work for the show. Pay close attention to the busswords and remember do not try this at home.
1st one -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVzNoQoYG_4
In the second installment the injuries seem to be more based on trail and error. Jimmy has somehow taken on the role as commentator and not participant, coincidence, we do not think so.
2nd one - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv9arxvCCtk
In the third installment Jimmy has added another contestant, Kay. It seems that to be a contestant you need to submit a form stating your favorite way to be injured and Jimmy will acknowledge that in the show. Remember the kids are highly supervised, and do not try this at home.
3rd one - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlqlOzLBAgU
The content of the videos in no way represents the views of the parents. The content of these videos remain the property of the Loudamericans,LLc and are copyrighted under any applicable laws both domestic and international.
No children or animals were hurt in the filming.
Those wishing to become participants in The Worlds Most Injured People are encouraged to call your local crisis center or 911.
More to come.
It seems that the kids have been watching a little to much TV lately and have developed what many say may be the next greatest Reality Series yet, Worlds Most Injured People.
The first video features the brainstorming session with Jimmy and Billy laying the ground work for the show. Pay close attention to the busswords and remember do not try this at home.
1st one -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVzNoQoYG_4
In the second installment the injuries seem to be more based on trail and error. Jimmy has somehow taken on the role as commentator and not participant, coincidence, we do not think so.
2nd one - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv9arxvCCtk
In the third installment Jimmy has added another contestant, Kay. It seems that to be a contestant you need to submit a form stating your favorite way to be injured and Jimmy will acknowledge that in the show. Remember the kids are highly supervised, and do not try this at home.
3rd one - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlqlOzLBAgU
The content of the videos in no way represents the views of the parents. The content of these videos remain the property of the Loudamericans,LLc and are copyrighted under any applicable laws both domestic and international.
No children or animals were hurt in the filming.
Those wishing to become participants in The Worlds Most Injured People are encouraged to call your local crisis center or 911.
More to come.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
As Luck would have it.....
And other weekend of Winter events in Wisconsin.
Kay, Billy, Caden, Tracy & Wade hit the tubing hills. Have you ever tubed? Its crazy fun. Sort of water park speed/excitement int he winter. Wyatt even got into it on the baby hill. Too fun!
We packed up the family truckster and headed off with the Millers for a weekend winter get away in Danbury Wisconsin. We planned for skiing, snowmobiling, sledding and a Winter festival in the town of Luck. The Milers have an 
Aunt that owns a great cabin in the woods and we all met there Friday evening. The Loudamericans however had to stop off for a Friday Fish Fry, Wisconsin style and the fish was great.
Aunt that owns a great cabin in the woods and we all met there Friday evening. The Loudamericans however had to stop off for a Friday Fish Fry, Wisconsin style and the fish was great.Saturday we woke to the smell of fresh coffee, bacon and pancakes, what a great way to start the day! Then it was off to Luck for the festival, which featured a Ice Castle, snowmobile racing and an event that never before entered the mind of the author, a pile of saw dust. I kid you not 
there was actually a pile of saw dust that had a few quarters in it for the kids to dig around and find, really... What a mess. Angela and I were to meet Wade, Tracy and the kids at the "pile" and when Angela and I got there the others were no where to be found, we were puzzled as they left before us? Angela, in all seriousness said " There can not be two sawdust piles in Luck can there"? Finally the others arrived and we opted for trying to get the kids to play bingo instead of looking for quarters in a wet pile of sawdust. It was off to the races as bingo had no draw for the outdoors persons within us all.... whatever, as Billy would say. The races were well... lame and we headed off to the Senior Citizens Center for over priced sloppy Joe's and pie.
there was actually a pile of saw dust that had a few quarters in it for the kids to dig around and find, really... What a mess. Angela and I were to meet Wade, Tracy and the kids at the "pile" and when Angela and I got there the others were no where to be found, we were puzzled as they left before us? Angela, in all seriousness said " There can not be two sawdust piles in Luck can there"? Finally the others arrived and we opted for trying to get the kids to play bingo instead of looking for quarters in a wet pile of sawdust. It was off to the races as bingo had no draw for the outdoors persons within us all.... whatever, as Billy would say. The races were well... lame and we headed off to the Senior Citizens Center for over priced sloppy Joe's and pie.
Later back at the ranch, or cabin, it was outside to sled and learn to snowboard. Jimmy was amazed at himself and his ability to learn how to snowboard in one day. Kay and Billy were sliding like champs, Wyatt was getting into everything, 
except his nap and Caden was building a bonfire (not by himself.... Kay helped) We had chilli and mac and cheese followed by s'mores around the bonfire and the kids finally had enough. Finally!! Because now the real fun begins, Christopher Guest movies, YES! Saturday night featured the classic Best in Show which continues to entertain.
except his nap and Caden was building a bonfire (not by himself.... Kay helped) We had chilli and mac and cheese followed by s'mores around the bonfire and the kids finally had enough. Finally!! Because now the real fun begins, Christopher Guest movies, YES! Saturday night featured the classic Best in Show which continues to entertain.Sunday was again a great breakfast and hanging around the cabin day. Snowboarding, sliding, bonfire, snowmobiling 
and the like. Tracy and Angela went for a "walk" around 10:00 and did not return until almost noon. Tom was using this as an excuse to go look for them and drive the snowmobile and with Kay and Billy... drove all over until he spotted them. Poor Jimmy got sick and was sidelined for most of the afternoon and evening. Meanwhile the rest of us had a great dinner and after the kids hit the hay, more Christopher Guest, this time Waiting for Guffman, yes another classic.
and the like. Tracy and Angela went for a "walk" around 10:00 and did not return until almost noon. Tom was using this as an excuse to go look for them and drive the snowmobile and with Kay and Billy... drove all over until he spotted them. Poor Jimmy got sick and was sidelined for most of the afternoon and evening. Meanwhile the rest of us had a great dinner and after the kids hit the hay, more Christopher Guest, this time Waiting for Guffman, yes another classic.
Monday was clean up and off to Wild Mountain for skiing and snow tubing. Tom and Jimmy had skiing equipment and headed to the ski area while the rest of the crew entertained themselves with snow tubing, and sure enough no one was hurt. Jimmy was on the slope for about 20 minutes when he had the whole skiing thing figured out. At one point I was trying to get him off the bunny hill and onto a chairlift, however it was not going to happen. He is quoted as saying ' You know what Dad? No what Jimmy? This is like a black diamond bunny hill!
Kay, Billy, Caden, Tracy & Wade hit the tubing hills. Have you ever tubed? Its crazy fun. Sort of water park speed/excitement int he winter. Wyatt even got into it on the baby hill. Too fun!
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