Christmas is a magical time for a child; the glow of lights, the colors of the packages and the crackle of the fire create an atmosphere unlike any other. Each year the trees will change and the presents are different. Sometimes there is snow and other it is balmy, but no matter what changes it always feels like Christmas. Each one harkens back to these special Christmases, when we were children, the world was new and anything was possible.
RAP
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Friday, December 23, 2005
Next Stop, Afganistan
Last week we were able to ship a package off to Afghanistan, so that my cousin David might have a bit of Christmas cheer. Hopefully it will bring him a some solace and happiness to know he is not forgotten.
In the package was an iPod, a motorcycle book, chemical heat warmers, hot cocoa and a few other goodies to help pass the days in central Asia. Alex was a big help to Jenny mailing the package, both in carrying the parcel and charming the people at the post office. Everyone there was very nice, despite the lines and Jens said she could sense the Christmas spirit all around in the air of civility.
RAP
In the package was an iPod, a motorcycle book, chemical heat warmers, hot cocoa and a few other goodies to help pass the days in central Asia. Alex was a big help to Jenny mailing the package, both in carrying the parcel and charming the people at the post office. Everyone there was very nice, despite the lines and Jens said she could sense the Christmas spirit all around in the air of civility.
RAP
Thursday, December 15, 2005
A Carol Told by a Merry Gentleman, Full of Snow and Fury; signifyingChristmas
On Sunday we made our annual pilgrimage to see the Mr S. Claus (aka K. Kringle) at Easton. Being a very popular gent this time of year, it was a long line, but with a bit of elfin magic it moved quickly. Each of our guys had a list with a handful of items that they could not wait to share. After our visit we went for a bit of window shopping in small winter storm. It dissipated quickly, but it was fun while it lasted. All in all, our Holiday expedition was a carol told by a merry gentleman, full of snow and fury; signifying Christmas.
RAP
RAP
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Deck the Halls and Trim the Trees
We are still a bit behind, but at last it is starting to look a lot like Christmas on Muirfield place. With our annual secret project complete and our kitchen painted (several times, in several colors, before we settled on Gaelic Blue), we finally were able to deck the halls and trim the trees. It turns out it was just in time too; as you can see out our window Jack Frost had just arrived, and every boy and girl knows that St. Nick can't be too far behind him.
R. A. Patton
R. A. Patton
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Tae Kwon Do
Sometimes Michael says he does not enjoy Tae Kwon Do, but whenever I watch him through the glass he seems to be having a fantastic time. I would not say he is a prodigy or exemplary, because some of the time he does not pay attention, but occasionally some of his raw athletic ability shines through and it is like 'wow.' He did this high kick the other night that was straight out of a Bruce Lee movie. I was impressed when I saw it, and another father, Joe Campenero's dad, came over to me to praise it also.
RAP
RAP
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Rock And Roll McDonalds
Chicago has always been one of our favorite places to visit; there is so much to see and do each time. In this picture, we are on our way to check out the newly remodeled Rock and Roll McDonalds; not to eat, just to experience it. There is nothing rock and roll about it anymore, but is very cool on the inside with modern art decorations.
On the opposite side of the cultural spectrum, we also visited the new Frank Geary designed Millennium Park. It is spectacular. I would really like to see a concert there one summer. It appears to be the ideal place to see a show.
RAP
On the opposite side of the cultural spectrum, we also visited the new Frank Geary designed Millennium Park. It is spectacular. I would really like to see a concert there one summer. It appears to be the ideal place to see a show.
RAP
Monday, December 5, 2005
Will They Still Love it in Late February
As you can tell, the boys still like the snow quite a bit; of course it is the first snow of the year, which brings a smile to the faces of all but the hardest curmudgeons. The question is, will they still love it in late February? I think they will; we don't usually experience enough of it to wish it away. What is interesting is that our 6 year old's enthusiasm for snow is growing and is getting closer to that of his brother.
RAP
RAP
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Smart, Sage or Mature
Alex came to the grocery store with me Monday night when he did not want to, so I decided to reward him. I presented him a choice between a 1.99 snow globe or a candy bar. Without hesitation he said he wanted the snow globe, and without prompting he stated his reasoning; he said, "If I would have gotten the candy bar, it would have been gone as soon as I ate it, but I can have the snow globe for a long time." You could say this is a "smart" or "sage" decision, but I think a more appropriate description would be "mature."
RAP
RAP
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
A Dinosaur Named Sue
At this point in Michael's young life he is a dinosaur enthusiast. With that knowledge their is no way we could drive through Chicago without stopping at the field museum; after all, next time we make this journey who is to say that the boys will be interested in ancient thunder lizards -- strike while the iron is hot!
Not only do they have the famous T-Rex named 'Sue,' but they also have a special gallery of Chinese dinosaurs (Chino-saurs as christened by Michael).
RAP
Not only do they have the famous T-Rex named 'Sue,' but they also have a special gallery of Chinese dinosaurs (Chino-saurs as christened by Michael).
RAP
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
You are only 6 once, and you have to make the most of it!
It has been quite a birthweek for Alex; his party was a success (as reported in an earlier card), the class party went well, the Buckeyes broke the spirits of the rodents from up north with last second heroics and this morning he opened his presents. The day is not over, and we will celebrate our six year old until after the sun sets this day. After I finish work this morning we are venturing to Easton and taking Alejandro to Build a Bear (I wonder what he will get there!) and tonight we will stroll under thousands of Christmas lights at the zoo. You are only 6 once, and you have to make the most of it!
RAP
RAP
Monday, November 21, 2005
Birthday Boy
Alex's Birthweek celebration is under way. Wednesday night we had his annual, Happy Birthday Alex/Beat Michigan Party. The kids kicked field goals, threw passes, did cheers, played musical footballs, smashed a pinata (with some assistance) and ran through a banner with their own names on it as the other boys cheered. It was a roaring success, and the guests got fired up; almost too fired up at times. One kid kept saying Michigan @#@!#/; I did not want that language in my house, and stopped it, but it was hard because what he was speaking the truth.
RAP
RAP
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Cleaning Up
On Sunday afternoon the boys and I ventured to the West Side of town in order to shop at Party City (Your 12th Party is free!). After we found a football Pinata, I asked the boys if they wanted to go out to the Cemetery, and they both said yes. They are still amazed that I lived in a Cemetery as a child, and they liked linking it to a Halloween story they heard at the library last month.
It was a beautiful day, and all the plots were in good condition. When Michael read Grandpa Patton's marker, Alex immediately said "He used to live with our Grandma in Florida." The Erwin marker had some residue from weed eating on it, so the boys decided to clean it. Of course Alex did it with the white sleeve on his shirt, but I could not be too mad at him (it was a good deed, and I don't do the laundry!)
RAP
It was a beautiful day, and all the plots were in good condition. When Michael read Grandpa Patton's marker, Alex immediately said "He used to live with our Grandma in Florida." The Erwin marker had some residue from weed eating on it, so the boys decided to clean it. Of course Alex did it with the white sleeve on his shirt, but I could not be too mad at him (it was a good deed, and I don't do the laundry!)
RAP
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Michigan Week 2005
As the Buckeyes were cruising to a 40 plus point victory over, what was then, a top 25 Northwestern Mildcat team, the boys and I started our Michigan Week Celebration. We made a huge pile of leaves and in the warm, bright, autumn air proceeded to jump in them repeatedly.
The highlight of Michigan Week 2005 is, just like every year, the Birth Celebration of Alexander O. Patton. We spent all day Saturday making banners with each of the kids names on them (they get to run through them as everyone cheers!), and a good part of Sunday driving around town acquiring supplies. It shall be quite a party.
RAP
The highlight of Michigan Week 2005 is, just like every year, the Birth Celebration of Alexander O. Patton. We spent all day Saturday making banners with each of the kids names on them (they get to run through them as everyone cheers!), and a good part of Sunday driving around town acquiring supplies. It shall be quite a party.
RAP
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Zorro, Chicken Little 3D & Zathura
After a long respite, there has been a string of films that the boys have wanted to see. 2 weeks ago we went to The Legend of Zorro, last week ventured to Chicken Little and Friday night we enjoyed Zathura.
Zorro was OK, but it was nice to see the boys enjoy (somewhat) more adult fare. Chicken Little was pretty good, and we saw it with the new 3D technology. The glasses were not those goofy green and red lensed onesof yesteryear. Instead they were polarized, and the 3D was quite impressive and enjoyable.
Finally we saw Zathura; the boys like the book and board game, so it was no surprise that they enjoyed the movie. It was a bit darker than I expected, but they took it all in stride. At the end of the film Michael declared, "I even loved all the scary parts!"
RAPatton
Zorro was OK, but it was nice to see the boys enjoy (somewhat) more adult fare. Chicken Little was pretty good, and we saw it with the new 3D technology. The glasses were not those goofy green and red lensed onesof yesteryear. Instead they were polarized, and the 3D was quite impressive and enjoyable.
Finally we saw Zathura; the boys like the book and board game, so it was no surprise that they enjoyed the movie. It was a bit darker than I expected, but they took it all in stride. At the end of the film Michael declared, "I even loved all the scary parts!"
RAPatton
Monday, November 14, 2005
Michael is the best person I know
Monday evening Alex and I were driving home after dropping Michael off at CCD, and I took the opportunity to ask him a pretty standard hypothetical question: "what would you do with 10 million dollars?" Alex immediately responded that he would buy Michael the Robosapien (a toy Michael has wanted since before last Christmas). I pointed out several other things he could do with it, including helping bears, but he remained steadfast. Once I was convinced of his resolve, I asked him why he would do this. His response: "Michael is the best person I know."
RAP
RAP
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
One Smart Panda
I went to Michael's parent teacher conference last Thursday and it went well. The word 'Wow' was used repeatedly when discussing academics (dominated in 'around-the-world' last week, just like I used too!). Apparently he is one smart panda, but I think we knew that already.
His social skills are getting better; he participates in class frequently, and listens to his classmates. His skills are not perfect, but they are adequate and getting better all the time. Mrs. Coho thinks that looping has been good for Michael and definitely recommends it again next year (have the same teacher for 3rd and 4th grade), which is important because teacher recommendations carry a lot of weight. Overall, he is doing very well and I think he will continue to be.
RAP
His social skills are getting better; he participates in class frequently, and listens to his classmates. His skills are not perfect, but they are adequate and getting better all the time. Mrs. Coho thinks that looping has been good for Michael and definitely recommends it again next year (have the same teacher for 3rd and 4th grade), which is important because teacher recommendations carry a lot of weight. Overall, he is doing very well and I think he will continue to be.
RAP
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
The Right Kind of Heroes
After we arrived home from seeing 'Chicken Little' the other night, I was checking our email while Michael & Alex were preparing for bed. Apparently they were talking about the qualities that defined a super hero, because I overheard Alex forcefully proclaiming, "every super-hero must be smart." He went on to explain, with extreme conviction, that it was not strength, speed or colorful tights that allowed them thwart evil; it was their intelligence.
I had a broad smile as I eavesdropped, knowing that my sons were admiring the right kind of heroes (the smart ones) and they right kind of qualities. This insight of Alex's was quite clever, clever enough that perhaps Alex will be saving the world one day.
RAP
I had a broad smile as I eavesdropped, knowing that my sons were admiring the right kind of heroes (the smart ones) and they right kind of qualities. This insight of Alex's was quite clever, clever enough that perhaps Alex will be saving the world one day.
RAP
Friday, November 4, 2005
Batman And Robin -- Trick or Treat
Halloween Fan,
For some reason our city fathers decided to have Trick or Treat on Halloween night this year, and what a night it was. It was clear and warm for October. In the low east sky, Mars was shinning bright, and in the east, his sister Venus was illuminating the night. Jenny took them out for the first half, while I passed out candy, and then we switched places.
Once again, it did not take long to go trick or treating because the kids ran from house to house. Eventually, when the candy buckets were almost full, the running became a problem because Alex's kept spilling his. We must have stopped 7 times as he tried to regather all his candy!
RAP
For some reason our city fathers decided to have Trick or Treat on Halloween night this year, and what a night it was. It was clear and warm for October. In the low east sky, Mars was shinning bright, and in the east, his sister Venus was illuminating the night. Jenny took them out for the first half, while I passed out candy, and then we switched places.
Once again, it did not take long to go trick or treating because the kids ran from house to house. Eventually, when the candy buckets were almost full, the running became a problem because Alex's kept spilling his. We must have stopped 7 times as he tried to regather all his candy!
RAP
Thursday, November 3, 2005
Each thing in it's own time, in it's own season
As the nights have gotten cooler we have had the opportunity to use the fireplace once more. I really enjoy the seasonality of the boys lives; they don't long for what has passed, but instead embrace what is and what is coming.
Right now they are talking about their birthdays, soon it will be Christmas and then sledding. Each thing in it's own time, in it's own season. Unlike them, I am looking ahead a bit, because I think this could be the Christmas that they remember for the rest of their lives. The time when Christmas morning is most magical, and that has me very excited.
RAP
Right now they are talking about their birthdays, soon it will be Christmas and then sledding. Each thing in it's own time, in it's own season. Unlike them, I am looking ahead a bit, because I think this could be the Christmas that they remember for the rest of their lives. The time when Christmas morning is most magical, and that has me very excited.
RAP
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Whoa, Nellie! It will be a humdinger!
It is not time to plan for Alex's annual Buckeye Birthday Celebration. Last year we went out of the home, and had it at the Buckeye Hall Of Fame Cafe. It was nice, but I really think the home parties were better. Another change for 2005 is that the invitation went from a player, to a coach; perhaps next year he will be in the marching band!
At his party the kids are going to run through banners, kick field goals, throw passes and do the O-H-I-O A-L-E-X cheer. Whoa, Nellie! It will be a humdinger!
RAP
At his party the kids are going to run through banners, kick field goals, throw passes and do the O-H-I-O A-L-E-X cheer. Whoa, Nellie! It will be a humdinger!
RAP
Thursday, October 27, 2005
It took two days to celebrate 8 years
Much like their mother's birthweek extrvaganza, the kids' birthday celebrations are now spread over multiple days. Not the 7 or 8 days their mother gets, but 2 days is still more than one. Michael's multi-day festival of fun started with his party on the 16th. Next was his true birthday, which was kicked off by the opening of presents at dawn. The celebration concluded with cupcakes (gluten-free) with his classmates at the end of the school day. It took two days to celebrate 8 years, but every second was worth it.
RAP
RAP
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
The Pumpkin Hunt
One of my favorite innovations for Michael's birthday party is the 'Great Pumpkin Hunt;' it's an Easter Egg style hunt, but with plastic pumpkins instead of plastic eggs. Inside each pumpkin in our patch (aka the backyard) is a small toy or candy provided by the Oriental Trading Company. Most of what is inside is junk (in my opinion), but don't tell that to the children! From my perspective, I think the adrenaline rush of the competition is the real prize for the kids. It is quite a sight to see them take off in frenzied, chaotic rush.
R
R
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Alex has an October birthday, in addition to his November birthday
One of the benefits of the proximity of the boys ages and enthusiasms, is that Michael's birthday presents make Alex very happy. After all, they pretty much share everything, and any gift for Michael is a gift for Alex. As witnessed in this image, this present from Uncle Billy made Alex very excited; I think he exclaimed, "'We' got the T-Robo!" It seems that Alex has an October birthday, in addition to his November birthday!
RAP
RAP
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Less than 72 hours, but they were Good Hours
Our final day in Orlando was our pool day; we swam, slid and played water volleyball. Afterwards, Jenny and the boys road a swan paddle boat that Michael had wanted to sail since the first morning we arrived.
That mid-morning we ventured to Downtown Disney (DTD) for breakfast (no way we were eating at breakfast at the hotel again -- 66 dollars on the first day was more than enough!). While walking at DTD we came across a LEGO store and the boys had a blast. They built, played and admired all the creations around them. That concludes the recap of our trip; it was less than 72 hours, but they were good hours.
RAP
That mid-morning we ventured to Downtown Disney (DTD) for breakfast (no way we were eating at breakfast at the hotel again -- 66 dollars on the first day was more than enough!). While walking at DTD we came across a LEGO store and the boys had a blast. They built, played and admired all the creations around them. That concludes the recap of our trip; it was less than 72 hours, but they were good hours.
RAP
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Thing 1, 2, 3 And 4
Our vacation was only three days long, so their was no time to relax! On our second day in Florida, we voyaged to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. It was a really good park, full or attractions that we had never seen before. Again, the first ride of the day was rough for Michael; it was the Spider-man ride and it was very cool. 3D villains all around you; when they use flamethrowers you get hot, when they jump on your vehicle it shakes. It was tres cool.
After that, Michael loved every ride (even the ones that were much scarier than Spider-man) even roller coasters that went high and fast. In fact he wanted to ride the Dr. Doom ride that went 200 feet in the air; thankfully he was too small. Alex was scared to go on some rides, but we pressed him into it, and he loved them. He especially enjoyed 'The Flying Unicorn,' a simple fast roller coaster for kids. Both boys claim they enjoyed the Dr. Suess and Jurassic Park Islands the most. It was a fun day, and I suspect in a few years we will be back.
RAP
After that, Michael loved every ride (even the ones that were much scarier than Spider-man) even roller coasters that went high and fast. In fact he wanted to ride the Dr. Doom ride that went 200 feet in the air; thankfully he was too small. Alex was scared to go on some rides, but we pressed him into it, and he loved them. He especially enjoyed 'The Flying Unicorn,' a simple fast roller coaster for kids. Both boys claim they enjoyed the Dr. Suess and Jurassic Park Islands the most. It was a fun day, and I suspect in a few years we will be back.
RAP
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Epcot
We arrived a tad before midnight on Tuesday, but that did not stop us from sailing over to Epcot as soon as I completed my rehearsal Wednesday morning. Michael was bit tired and got freaked out on Soarin'; he really should not have, and later admitted that it was fun. He should have gotten freaked out on Test Track, but that ended up being his favorite attraction. He also dug the World of Energy because it had Bill Nye the Science Guy, who Michael finds amusing.
I had to leave them in the middle of the day to give my speech; they hung around the park for a while and then returned to the hotel for a break (we were on the Disney property). After my speech, we returned to the park and focused on the country exhibits. The boys loved Mexico, but weren't crazy about Norway. Both adored the fireworks and lasers; Michael kept saying 'Amazing!' as the sky was illuminated.
RAP
I had to leave them in the middle of the day to give my speech; they hung around the park for a while and then returned to the hotel for a break (we were on the Disney property). After my speech, we returned to the park and focused on the country exhibits. The boys loved Mexico, but weren't crazy about Norway. Both adored the fireworks and lasers; Michael kept saying 'Amazing!' as the sky was illuminated.
RAP
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Stunned by his Moxie
Our first stop at the Fall Festival was the cake walk; it was early and not every spot was full. Michael won a cake right away; of course he went ahead a made a point to explain that he could not eat it, but he was happy to win anyway.
Alex continued to try, and on one iteration they called number 7 after the music stopped. Ever astute Alex noticed that no one was on number 7. Being a cake enthusiast and quick witted, he ran across the room and jumped on number 7. Stunned by his moxie, they declared him the winner.
RAP
Alex continued to try, and on one iteration they called number 7 after the music stopped. Ever astute Alex noticed that no one was on number 7. Being a cake enthusiast and quick witted, he ran across the room and jumped on number 7. Stunned by his moxie, they declared him the winner.
RAP
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Eli Pinney PTO Fall Festival Fundraiser
Friday night was the big Eli Pinney PTO Fall Festival Fundraiser. It was a success, both for the PTO and for the children who participated. One of the games was a 'hockey shoot.' Alex went first and slowly dribbled the puck up, and slid it through the hole; violating the spirit of the rules, but never the rules.
Despite Alex's example, Michael lined up and did it the way it was supposed to be done. In a frantic blue streak Michael's stick made contact with the pucks and at great velocity and they went through the holes. It was most likely luck, but I did think to myself that maybe he should be playing hockey.
RAP
Despite Alex's example, Michael lined up and did it the way it was supposed to be done. In a frantic blue streak Michael's stick made contact with the pucks and at great velocity and they went through the holes. It was most likely luck, but I did think to myself that maybe he should be playing hockey.
RAP
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Angler
Last week Alex caught his first fish in his angling course; this week he moved to the head of the class as he caught a whopping 7 fish. Despite his lack of mastery in the lingo of the angler (he never says 'Arrrr' or 'Landlubber'), he is becoming a force that all the beasties of the deep fear. As his skills increase, so does his fame; the parent fish tell their guppies stories of Alex Patton to scare them when they are naughty. Beware little fish, their is a new angler in town.
RAP
RAP
Thursday, October 6, 2005
Lots of Good Days Since School has Started
Michael has had lots of good days since school has started, and we have been able to cut back on the overall levels of supplements and therapy. That has been nice, because he has less and less free time as he gets older. He seems to have a best friend, Connor, this year. Which is good; what is bad is that Connor seems a bit bipolar and Jekyll and Hyde-ish.
Michael's invitations have hit the street and the kids seem pretty excited, because the word has gotten out about how much fun last years was. We have a lot of work ahead of us to equal last year's celebration and between then and now I have to keep working all the time, prepare for my speech and spend three days in Florida!
RAP
Michael's invitations have hit the street and the kids seem pretty excited, because the word has gotten out about how much fun last years was. We have a lot of work ahead of us to equal last year's celebration and between then and now I have to keep working all the time, prepare for my speech and spend three days in Florida!
RAP
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
Dads And Donuts
Last week we participated in the Eli Pinney's "Dads and Donuts." Michael could not have a donut, but that is alright because Alex had two. He washed them down with chocolate moo, and it was good.
Don't cry for Michael, Agentina; he had a banana, orange juice and some dark chocolate discs that we brought from home for him. The boys saw many of their friends (those with lastnames from M-Z), and after socializing we cruised on over to their classrooms (they are two doors away from each other). Alex enjoyed showing me his classroom, but I think he would have rather had a third donut!
RAP
Don't cry for Michael, Agentina; he had a banana, orange juice and some dark chocolate discs that we brought from home for him. The boys saw many of their friends (those with lastnames from M-Z), and after socializing we cruised on over to their classrooms (they are two doors away from each other). Alex enjoyed showing me his classroom, but I think he would have rather had a third donut!
RAP
Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Lynd's Fruit Farm
Since it was the Ohio State bye week, we made our annual pilgrimage to Lynd's Fruit farm. It was spectacular autumn day; blue sky, crisp air and a bright sun. They seem to add something at Lynd's each year; now they stop during the hay ride, so that everyone can pick their own snack. Michael liked that idea; he ate his own apple and Alex's. They also built giant slides, which Michael and Alex both enjoyed many times.
After we harvested our pumpkins and apples (Red Delicious, Gold Delicious and Jonathan Smith), we went to the Cap City Dinner in Gahana. They have a gluten free menu, and Jenny had her best meal in a year (her words, not mine). What is great about this trip, is that they boys gain an intuitive understanding that what they eat comes from the earth and sky, and just doesn't just magically appear in produce aisle.
RAP
After we harvested our pumpkins and apples (Red Delicious, Gold Delicious and Jonathan Smith), we went to the Cap City Dinner in Gahana. They have a gluten free menu, and Jenny had her best meal in a year (her words, not mine). What is great about this trip, is that they boys gain an intuitive understanding that what they eat comes from the earth and sky, and just doesn't just magically appear in produce aisle.
RAP
Friday, September 30, 2005
Arrr
Arrr. Alex has started his fishing class, and even though he is still a landlubber with his feet on the shore, he has taken a fancy towards it. Arrr.
The best part was they used ye old hot dogs as the bait for the creatures skulking the deep. Arrr. No leviathan could resist such a treat, and as a consequence our little Ahab did catch a fish with his mighty pole. Arrr. It was not the great white whale, but it was a formidable opponent. Arrr.
RAP
The best part was they used ye old hot dogs as the bait for the creatures skulking the deep. Arrr. No leviathan could resist such a treat, and as a consequence our little Ahab did catch a fish with his mighty pole. Arrr. It was not the great white whale, but it was a formidable opponent. Arrr.
RAP
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Riders
The chore program we created seems to be working very well; most of the times the kids do everything without any prompting, and when prompted they do not complain. In particular, Alex has taken to it. Most mornings his teeth are brushed, his bed made and he is dressed before Jen sees him. Their participation has made keeping the house clean much less of a chore over the last 8 weeks and even makes the adults do their own chores (we have to make sure the dishwasher is unloaded so that the kids can wash their own dishes)!
RAP
RAP
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Big Bears
Last week, the boys had a 'late start day.' As the name implies, school started later than normal, so Jen decided to take them to the zoo for the morning. The bears were very active that day (wrestling and running around on 2 feet).
In addition to those wild animals, they ran into another pair: Karri and Kent. They boys were very happy to see their friends. Needless to say it was a great morning. Alex has now decided that he wants to work at the zoo when he is in high school and take care of the bears. This is not as outlandish as it sounds; Michael's godfather, Will, worked at the zoo in high school and took care of the creatures in the aquarium. This sort of opportunity is a nice benefit of living where we do.
RAP
In addition to those wild animals, they ran into another pair: Karri and Kent. They boys were very happy to see their friends. Needless to say it was a great morning. Alex has now decided that he wants to work at the zoo when he is in high school and take care of the bears. This is not as outlandish as it sounds; Michael's godfather, Will, worked at the zoo in high school and took care of the creatures in the aquarium. This sort of opportunity is a nice benefit of living where we do.
RAP
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
That Which Once Was, is Again
Michael is not the only one who was chosen his Halloween costume already; Alex has decided to be Batman's sidekick Robin (of course our kids are more familiar with Robin being the leader of the Teen Titans than part of Batman's dynamic duo). I am very glad he chose it, because it harkens back to my childhood; when I was in kindergarten I was Batman, John was Robin and Billy (in his walker) was Batmite (think of a small Batman). I know that this should bring a wave of nostalgia over my parents, as they see that which once was is again.
RAP
RAP
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Bruce Patton
These have been long days at the office; I am working 60 hours a week and coming in each Saturday and Sunday. As a consequence, the quality and quantity of my postcard production has fallen. I am sorry about that, and I promise that in a few short weeks I will be able to dedicate more resources into taking pictures and capturing the stories behind them. Despite the time in the office I was still able to get Michael's birthday invite (by now you should have it!) done this weekend and here is an out take from the shoot.
RAPatton
RAPatton
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
The Birthday Invite
Beep. Beep. Beep.
The Batwave has sounded to alert you...
Come in costume for games, dinner and cake at
Michael Patton's Birthday Party
in the Batcave at 5XXX Muirfield Place
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 16th Rsvp by Oct. 7 to 766-XXXX or jagrap@aol.com
The Batwave has sounded to alert you...
Come in costume for games, dinner and cake at
Michael Patton's Birthday Party
in the Batcave at 5XXX Muirfield Place
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 16th Rsvp by Oct. 7 to 766-XXXX or jagrap@aol.com
Go Bucks!
Each year we try to take the kids to an Ohio State game, and this year they saw the nefarious Aztecs of San Diego State. Some may call this a patsy bowl, but in the previous two seasons Ohio State and Michigan each barely beat them.
It turned out to be a really boring game, but the boys had fun. They clapped, they cheered and they yelled O-H-I-O. At one point it was too loud for Alex; he had his hands over his ears, but he screaming at the top of his lungs "DEFENSE!" Michael like to compare the ball carriers to Sonic the hedgehog, and got really excited for each Buckeye touchdown.
RAP
It turned out to be a really boring game, but the boys had fun. They clapped, they cheered and they yelled O-H-I-O. At one point it was too loud for Alex; he had his hands over his ears, but he screaming at the top of his lungs "DEFENSE!" Michael like to compare the ball carriers to Sonic the hedgehog, and got really excited for each Buckeye touchdown.
RAP
Thursday, September 8, 2005
The Last Snocone
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout;
But there is no joy in Dublin--the great snack bar is shut.
For the winter that is. Alex will have to wait an entire 8 months to taste that sweet manna from heaven that is the snocone. Oh the horror! What will keep him cool when he is hot? What will Alex do? Fortunately, the days will no longer be hot, and last year Alex discovered a treat that keeps him warm when it is cold. As the sun sets on snow cones, we can already feel the warmth coming from hot cocoa!
RAP
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout;
But there is no joy in Dublin--the great snack bar is shut.
For the winter that is. Alex will have to wait an entire 8 months to taste that sweet manna from heaven that is the snocone. Oh the horror! What will keep him cool when he is hot? What will Alex do? Fortunately, the days will no longer be hot, and last year Alex discovered a treat that keeps him warm when it is cold. As the sun sets on snow cones, we can already feel the warmth coming from hot cocoa!
RAP
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
The Helicopter
The days are growing shorter and Summer is coming to an end; soon the pools will close so we made an extra effort to utilize them to their fullest in the last days of the season. Among other things that means helping the boys do a variety of aqua-batics. The one before you is the most adventurous of all our stunts: The Helicopter. I spin Michael around just as a turbine would and he takes off to the amazement of the spectators. The only bad part is the belly flop (on his back) landing! Ouch!
RAP
RAP
Friday, September 2, 2005
On His Way
Tonight Jenny went to curriculum night, where Mrs. Coho lays out an academic agenda for the coming school year. Jenny wanted to ask Mrs. Coho how Michael has been doing this week, but Mr. Bates forbid the parents from inquiring about individual students at this time.
Jenny has been concerned about Michael's performance in school this week, because it has been a long summer, and he has seemed 'spacey' in the afternoons. As fate would have it, at the end of the session, Mrs. Coho came over on her own, and told Jenny how well Michael has done these first three days. He has been tired at the end of the day, but he has also been a very good boy.
RAPatton
Jenny has been concerned about Michael's performance in school this week, because it has been a long summer, and he has seemed 'spacey' in the afternoons. As fate would have it, at the end of the session, Mrs. Coho came over on her own, and told Jenny how well Michael has done these first three days. He has been tired at the end of the day, but he has also been a very good boy.
RAPatton
It the greatest day of my life
"It the greatest day of my life."
Alex Patton
August 31st, 2005
I would say that Alex enjoyed his first day in Kindergarten. He got to ride the bus to AND from school. He met a nice teacher (we guess she is the speech therapist) who plays with him, AND gives him candy at the end. He got to be with his big brother in the morning, AND have his mommy all to himself in the afternoon. Put in those terms, I guess I can understand why he thought it was such a great day. I just hope that he greets each coming day with as much enthusiasm.
RAP
Alex Patton
August 31st, 2005
I would say that Alex enjoyed his first day in Kindergarten. He got to ride the bus to AND from school. He met a nice teacher (we guess she is the speech therapist) who plays with him, AND gives him candy at the end. He got to be with his big brother in the morning, AND have his mommy all to himself in the afternoon. Put in those terms, I guess I can understand why he thought it was such a great day. I just hope that he greets each coming day with as much enthusiasm.
RAP
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Froghunt
For some reason, that utterly escapes me, the boys been wanting to go hunt frogs. On Sunday afternoon, while I was at work (which I will be a lot this coming month), Jenny took them to the creek by the Glick Road pool. The amazing thing was how almost a dozen other kids from the pool spontaneously joined in the search for their own frogs. At the end of the search they captured no frogs, but isn't it the journey that makes them richer?
RAP
RAP
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
The Karate Kid
This is a big week for Alex; you would think he would be overflowing with enthusiasm for the start of kindergarten, but he is not. Alex is insanely excited to start Tae Kwon Do. Yes, Tae Kwon Do. When Alex first walked into his Dojo his 'master' told him how they would be breaking paper soon; Alex was on a different page, he was ready to attack wood!
Alex's principal recommends Tae Kwon Do for all the active boys, and claims that it gives confidence and discipline. In addition to those qualities, I am happy to see that it is reinforcing the idea of earning what you want; all week long he has been talking about how he can earn a head band and a ribbon, and trust me he wants them!
RAPatton
Alex's principal recommends Tae Kwon Do for all the active boys, and claims that it gives confidence and discipline. In addition to those qualities, I am happy to see that it is reinforcing the idea of earning what you want; all week long he has been talking about how he can earn a head band and a ribbon, and trust me he wants them!
RAPatton
Monday, August 29, 2005
Message From A Bottle
This is one of the first pictures from our new camera; it is a Sony, and more importantly it is scarlet. Jen insisted on the color, and it seemed appropriate for the time of year.
Our old camera has been touch and go for the last few weeks. Most of the time the cover wouldn't close, which would damage the lens over time. Other times it would not turn on. At times it is still functional, but less than ideal. Which has led us to our new 'cute' (Jen's word) camera that Jenny will be carrying around this autumn.
R. A. Patton
Our old camera has been touch and go for the last few weeks. Most of the time the cover wouldn't close, which would damage the lens over time. Other times it would not turn on. At times it is still functional, but less than ideal. Which has led us to our new 'cute' (Jen's word) camera that Jenny will be carrying around this autumn.
R. A. Patton
Good bye Mr. Wiffle
In the final game of the season that our boys will play at the Osgood house, Michael finally hit a home run. As you can see from this picture, that ball is on it's way out -- Good bye Mr. Spalding, or in this case Mr. Wiffle. It landed over the fence (right field of course) in the neighbors yard, and under house rules was a home run. Michael was very excited and he did not even realize that he got an RBI also. Of course, he does not know what an RBI is!
RAP
RAP
Friday, August 26, 2005
Molly Gorman Memorial Baseball
The neighbors kids on Doresta road had a Molly Gorman memorial baseball game in her honor, complete with a rendition of the national anthem on the electric guitar. Of course, being the curious cats that they are Michael and Alex took their turns playing with the guitar. Michael in particular took a fancy to it. He would crank the speaker all the way up and let it blast as he picked away at the strings.
RAP
RAP
Friday, August 19, 2005
Summer is giving way to Autumn
One of the ways that you know that Summer is closing in Ohio is the appearance of thick morning fog, such as what enveloped us today. As I crossed the dam, I could only see about 10 yards in any direction; the world was white, and it appeared that only my car and a small stretch of road was in it.
Another sign that Summer is giving way to Autumn is the appearance of football players, in all shapes and sizes, practicing here, there and everywhere. Now that Michael is a football player, he is part of the scenery that defines the onset of Autumn, letting us all know that crisp, clear skies are on their way.
RAP
Another sign that Summer is giving way to Autumn is the appearance of football players, in all shapes and sizes, practicing here, there and everywhere. Now that Michael is a football player, he is part of the scenery that defines the onset of Autumn, letting us all know that crisp, clear skies are on their way.
RAP
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Hardly Working
Alex loves coming to work with me. Not surprising, since he does no work, gets to drink root beer and play video games. I'd like work too, if that was what it was like!
Michael likes coming to work also, but instead of playing video games he prefers to draw and write. He also partakes in beverages, but prefers diet Sprite from the break room vending machine.
RAP
Michael likes coming to work also, but instead of playing video games he prefers to draw and write. He also partakes in beverages, but prefers diet Sprite from the break room vending machine.
RAP
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