Zoo Crew

Zoo Crew
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

This was taken at the zoo during their winter light wonderland. It was a very busy evening at the zoo and the cars were stacked up on Riverside Drive. On the way out we even ran into the Schembechlers. However, we did not see anyone in animal costumes that evening, but if there would have been one, rest assured I would have engineered a picture with the boys. Those pictures are gold for the end of the year books and a chance to get an image of the boys with Simpsons or an oversized Koala cannot be missed! RAP (12.31.2007)

Michael And The Judges

Michael And The Judges
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Here is a picture of Michael with the judges from the writing contest; of course for his category Jenny had to recuse herself, so she was only on honorary judge for that round but he still wanted her in the picture. Despite his success, he has not been writing more prose and instead creating more issues of Kool Kid; I believe he is up to issue 18 now. On the other hand, Alex is busy typing away more adventures of "Kiddy." RAP (12.28.2007)

Joker

Joker
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

The boys have been playing flag football the past few weeks and are having fun. It is a 7 on 7 game and it is a good way to increase their football IQ. Alex's playing touch football at school was the driver behind all this. We figured it was a good way to continue it in the cold weather. I think we will sign them up for winter session also, and also some baseball clinics at the same site. It will be a busy winter!
RAP (12.26.2007)

In Launch Position

In Launch Position
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Getting ready for Christmas has been a sprint, but I think we are finally getting things under control. The boys are still at ages when Christmas is magical, but Jen and I realize there may not be too many more to come; it is good that Michael is the older child, because Alex is so street wise that it would end sooner. I have always said that Michael is a leader by example and recent days have provided me further evidence to prove my point. First, Alex has been writing a pretty good story in his journal, just like his big brother. In addition, Michael's teacher has started a comics club at school due to Michael's enthusiasm, and 7-8 other boys are in it! He doesn't say follow me, he just does, and others seem to follow. RAP (12.20.2007)

Backwards

Backwards
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

We finally had some snow last weekend and we took advantage of it to go sledding. On Saturday there was about 3 inches of snow, but overnight it rained and most of it went away. By the time we went sledding you could see the grass, but it was slick enough to have a few good runs down the hill. We did not stay that long because Jennifer thought that if Michael could snowboard down the hill with such grace, she could. Well, she couldn't and got a wee bit hurt. She is OK, but her elbows still feel a tad funny. We still had several trips down at Scioto Park and lots of fun. RAP (12.18.2007)

Someone To Look Up To

Someone To Look Up To
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Both boys have made their Christmas lists and both are rather short. Alex's is longer, but there really is not too much on it either. As of right now, Michael wants a journal and twister. That is it. Now, I know there are other things he wants, but he is not listing them, but I also know that there aren't too many things that he is not listing. The truth is they are happy with what they have and don't want things just to have them. The one thing Michael wants that I overruled is a sling shot; I can just see him killing someone, breaking a window or breaking our TV and do not want to take that chance. RAP (12.17.2007)

Troublesome Elf

Troublesome Elf
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Last Friday night, we went to Easton for dinner, a movie and the ever important visit with Santa. The boys wanted to wear their Santa hats, but mom would not allow that until after the pictures were taken. Jen had had her flu shot the day before and was in a lot of pain due to it riling up her immune system; as a consequence we did not stay that long, but we still did savor the Christmas atmosphere.
RAP (12.13.2007)

Keeping Warm

Keeping Warm
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Jenny is a judge in a school district wide writing contest. She was surprised to see that a certain young man was a finalist, and due to his achievement she had to recuse her self from judging the 4th grade entries. The work in question is called, "Crime vs A Dog," and it is good, but not one of his bests.
Even though she could not judge that round, she was allowed to listen to the deliberations of the panel about each of the entries (the judges did not know who the writers were). {INSIDE SCOOP WAS REDACTED} This is all top secret, and Michael will not to know that he did not get first (although he did medal) until next week, so mum is the word. RAP (12.11.2007)

Passing The Torch

Passing The Torch
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

I apologize for the delay since my last communication; we have been very busy lately. In addition to our normal Christmas activities (creating cards, writing the books, decorating the tree) we have also been doing work around the house. In fact, Alex told Jenny that she was making our house into her dream house. Bill, Wendy and Jake came to help with redoing the bathroom near the kitchen. The 80s wallpaper is now gone and it is painted the same color as the living room. Because the guy who lived in our house before us was a do it himself guy who did everything wrong we are getting an electrician to finish the lights. The good news, is that almost 10 years later we have almost undone every thing that he did! The roof leaked again so we had the roofers out once more and briefly had a scare that the fireplace would have to be rebuilt, but when they brought in an expert, they said it was fine --- woo!
RAP (12.10.2007)

He Could Go

He Could Go
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

In addition to back yard football, the boys have started flag football. So far it has been fun. Michael catches pretty well and takes good pursuit angles, whereas Alex has lots of enthusiasm. They play indoors at Sports Ohio, and I think they will also play again in the winter session. In addition, I think they will take some baseball classes there this winter, so it is a good thing they like being there, because we may be there a lot! RAP (11.28.2007)

Brace Face

Brace Face
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Alex's braces have been relatively easy and painless so far. I am very impressed with the process; you can visibly see that they are straighter already, and he does not complain too much. There are some foods he can't eat, but in our house that is nothing unusual. Plus, it is only for a year, and then they come off (until they come back on again in middle school). So this time next year, his braces will be gone and hopefully his teeth will be straighter!
RAP (11.28.2007)

Party Time

Party Time
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

It seems like we have been talking about Alex's party for a while, because much like his mother's, it spans multiple days. On his actual birthday, Jen made, and brought, brownies to the school. Alex did not eat them, but was very happy to be passing them out to his various teachers. For his class, Jenny provided mini-frosties from Wendy's. They were a big hit, and she likes that they stand out over the mundane birthday fare of cupcakes and cookies.
RAP (11.23.2007)

Ohio

Ohio
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Alex's party was a success once more; the Buckeye spirit was overflowing and the next day there was another triumph in Ann Arbor. In fact, Ohio State has never lost after an Alex beat Michigan party. The kids played games, ate cake, watched movies and spontaneously broke out into cheers and songs. Their school got smart and sells beat Mich-Again shirts now and as you can tell more than half the attendees bought them. RAP (11.20.2007)

Tree-ed

Tree-ed
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Last March, in San Francisco, Alex was jumping on the bed and Michael's DS came off and got a slight crack on it. It still worked, but was visibly damaged. Michel never complained and carried on. For his birthday, we got him the new version to replace it and he loved it. However, Alex loved it even more and word on the street is that he is getting one for his birthday also (even though his is fine). I have decided to give the their DSs to the maid's kids; they are very nice and Michael and Alex like them.

So I told Michael to give them to Blanca this week, but not to let Alex know (Alex does not get his new one until next week). Michael agreed and carried out my orders, but he went a step further. He found out that the games cost around 30 dollars each, and he gave Blanca 30 of his own dollars to her so that she could buy her kids a game to play on the systems. I am very proud of my oldest son.
RAP (11.19.2007)

Here Here

Here Here
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

We have been very busy lately, and as a consequence there have been a dearth of new pictures, so I have used an image from Alex's birthday invitation photo shoot. They do not make a kid's Tressel vest so we had to use a polo one and use computer magic. Thank heavens for computer magic!

With respect to Alex's party, most of the hay is in the barn; it should be a good time. Alex is doing well with his braces, but isn't thrilled with the dietary restrictions that come with them -- welcome to Michael's world!
RAP (11.16.2007)

Tree Football

Tree Football
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Some autumn days are warm, and some are cool, but most are pleasant to be outside. Two Sundays ago the boys and I were throwing the football in the yard, but then I had to go inside and clean. When I came back I witnessed the birth of tree football. Essentially your receiver is stationary and up in a tree; the quarterback runs around, making noises and heaving the ball up in the air to said receiver. The main thing is that it was fun! RAP (11.14.2007)

Gameboys

Gameboys
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Superficially this looks like a pretty antisocial group of kids, but in truth they are interacting before your eyes. They are using the wireless capabilities of their DSs to create a picture using a program called Pictochat. Through technology they were all working on the same image at the same time. I don't understand why, but they were. I never saw it, but Michael used the word surreal to describe it. Apparently their picture reminded him of something he did in art, but this time they are doing it together in a cooperative manner.
RAP(11.9.2007)

Gas Station Game

Gas Station Game
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

I had thought that the days of the gas station game had departed, but since Jake was with us I figured we could try it once more. Michael and Alex had fun, but more importantly little Jake was radiating belly laughs each time I popped up at a new door yelling "boo!" It is nice to see to that the game trancends beyond Michael and Alex, especially since they cheat now; they were locking doors and moved around in unbuckled seat belts. Jake, however, just enjoyed the moment.
RAP (11.8.2007)

Bear Bucks

Bear Bucks
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Alex is growing up and starting to adopt more adult passions, but he has not left his inner child behind. He gets excited for the Buckeye games, but he still loves his bears, so he dresses them up and has them watch the game with him. Honestly, no matter how much he protests, I do not think he is much of a spectator yet; he would prefer to play football outside over watching it, but he pretends to want to watch, and in AA they say that the first step to becoming is pretending.
RAP (11.6.2007)

Fancy Bath

Fancy Bath
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

The next time you see Alex he will have braces on his teeth. They look good and so far the transition hasn't been bad. Observing that Michael has gotten more birthday money as he gets older, Alex wants to know if anyone wants to give him an advance on his 100th birthday. If you do, you know where to reach him. We have started planning his birthday, I had to go get him a Tressel vest yesterday for the invite. RAP (11.1.2007)

Kool Kid

Kool Kid
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

While we were in Florida Michael acquired most of the final pieces to his "Kool Kid" costume. Yes, you read correctly, instead of buying something off the rack or imitating someone else's hero, Michael is going as his own creation for Halloween. I guess you could say he is proud of it. Since he has shared the material with his classmates they will be able to identify him, but heaven help those people on Halloween night; they had a hard enough time with Han Solo and Chewbacca last year!
RAP (10.30.2007)

Cockpit

Cockpit
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

By the time you get these postcards you have already seen the pictures, and have been able to infer what is going on in them. So, my purpose in sending these is to be Paul Harvey and share "the rest of the story." As we left Florida the crew of the plane did something I had not seen in a long time; they allowed Michael and Alex all the way in the cockpit to hang out with pilots. I did not think they allowed this since Sept. 11th, but I am glad that they did, because the boys loved it.
RAP (10.29.2007)

Hanging Out

Hanging Out
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

A side effect of having a cell phone seems to be that, occasionally, I am forgetting to take the camera with me. It weighs about the same and also goes on my belt, so subconsciously I think I have it, but when I want to use it, it is not there. Case in point, recently we went to Lincoln Ave in South Beach for dinner. We always have a great time there getting dinner, sorbet and visiting a particular bookstore. This visit the kids had a great time running around on a grass island with a gaggle of kids running between two bases, playing tag with huge smiles on their faces; I wish I could have captured it with a picture.
RAP (10.26.2007)

Beach Boys

Beach Boys
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Our trip to Fort Lauderdale went well. We visited the old ladies each day, but also had time for recreation. Alex vomited each day, but then felt immediately better. We thought it was food poisoning or motion sickness, but as we landed in Columbus (at 2am in the morning) Michael vomited. We kept him away from the elderly as a precaution, keeping him outside or even in the corner whenever we visited and now that Michael caught it I am glad that we did. Despite their sickness the boys had a great time. RAP (10.25.2007)

Blow Out the Candles

Blow Out the Candles
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael is now 10; I have been calling him a two digit midget, but he prefers the term "pre-teen." I think everything about his birthday went very well; the party, the cookies at school and the opening of present birthday morning all were perfect. One funny thing is, he was worried about being too grateful, because admitting that he wanted "x" makes him greedy. I told him it was OK, but it is nice to have such a good boy! RAP (10.22.2007)

Center of Attention

Center of Attention
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael's birthday party was a success this year. We took him and his friends to Dave and Busters in Hilliard; it ended up costing more than we would have guessed, because every single child invited came. In fact two sets of them are in boy scouts, and their dads were the troupe leaders, but they came (their dads could not because they were leading the rest of the troupe). This is a great indicator of Michael's social growth, and as such we were happy to cover it the additional cost.
RAP (10.18.2007)

Alicia & Ed

Choice 3
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Thank you for inviting us and making us part of your wedding; we had a wonderful time and enjoyed all of your wonderful friends. In particular we loved Candace, and were very impressed with Walter's toast. With a guest list as large as yours you would expect it to be filled with extras, but all your friends seem to have star power. Alcia, as cliched as it sounds, you appeared to be queen for a day; regal in every way. It was truly your day. Thank you for having us, and congratulations on a wondeful start to your new lives!
RAP (10.17.2007)

Breakfast Of Champions

Breakfast Of Champions
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

While we were in L.A. for Alicia's wedding this past weekend Billy, Wendy and Jake watched Michael and Alex. Bill's car broke down on the way to Columbus Friday, but it was repaired by the time he returned Monday. We did not get to see Wendy, but Jens and I enjoyed Bill's and Jake's company early Monday. He was a happy boy and in good spirits; you can always count of Jake for a nice smiley picture. :)
RAP(10.17.2007)

Scene Stealer

Scene Stealer
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Since we were part of the ceremony, Jens and I sat in the staging area off to the left and did not have the best view of the wedding; people frequently walked in front of us and the angle was awkward. However, the silver lining to these seats is we had a wonderful view of Vinnie's escapades. I don't know if you could witness it from where you were, but like any 1 year old, he thought he owned the place. He would walk in front of the ceremony, the walk back. Maybe have a seat, maybe take a nap. It was great. To be young and carefree!
RAP (10.17.2007)

Patton, Alex Patton

Patton, Alex Patton
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Alex has been much more physically active lately. In addition to his football games, he likes to race the bus in the morning; there is one that goes down our street before Michael and Alex's arrives. Alex sprints down the street, racing it all the way. One morning his bus arrived while he was racing the other and so he had to sprint all the way back! On a goofier note, we were walking through Whole Foods and Alexander dipped his fingers in the wine chiller. He pulled his hand out and used the water to bless himself. RAP (10.11.2007)

Veni Vici Vidi

Veni Vici Vidi
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Sunday we made our annual trip to Lynds' Fruit Farm. Due to the atypical weather in the spring, the apples throughout Ohio were not their typical quality. However, the pumpkin crop, we have been told, was the best it had been in years. For being the third weekend of picking, the pumpkins were amazing; there were great ones no matter where your eyes gazed. We arrived before noon to avoid the heat, but it was still really hot, so we did not stay as long as we usually do. We were there long enough to get our pumpkins, Jenny got her gourds and hay, and the boys say that food comes from the ground as opposed to the supermarket. RAP (10.10.2007)

Rock And Roll

Rock And Roll
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Saturday night was the annual Eli Pinney Elementary Fall Festival; this year it was held at a farm about 10 miles north of our house. The drive was pleasant and it took us through the small hamlet of Ostrander. I had never seen it before, and it had some charm. At the festival there were many activities that the boys enjoyed: pedal carts, zip lines, corn mazes, animals and the barrel roll. The fun was in the early evening so we missed the ending of the Texas Oklahoma game, but we made it home by 8 to witness the Buckeye domination of the Boilermakers.
RAP (10.9.2007)

Tie Guys

Tie Guys
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Jenny took a lot of pictures in New Orleans, and in most of the images Joey looks like Joey. However, there was one, in which he was in a white polo feeding Molly, where he strongly resembled Joe. I should bolstere that argument by having that photo on this postcard, but I like this shot so much better. Plus, it illustrates half my argument; the half where I say Joey looks like ... well, Joey, most of the time. RAP (10.8.2007)

Goodbye

Goodbye
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

I sent Kressi several things for her birthday, among them a candle set, so nothing you give her will hold a candle to my gifts! Furthermore, it appears that she has started collecting candles (I guess it is replacing spoons), because she refuses to light them because it will ruin them. So, for now on, each gift giving occasion I suggest we should find a new candle for her collection. Soon, she could be the Candle Queen of Colorado. RAP (10.8.2007)

Gigglepuss

Gigglepuss
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

I am sorry it took so long for me to get the pictures of your trip downloaded. We were busy with Alex's movie and my project. They were good pictures and most of them were of Jake. I think I have more pictures of him this year than Bill does; we have been seeing the little guy about once a month.

Jake continues to grow and continues to be a happy child. He did well as always. In his world he is the center of universe, and it will be interesting to see how he handles his sharing some of that attention with his little sister.

RAP (10.5.2007)

Molly

Molly
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Jenny adored seeing Molly in New Orleans; she really charmed her. Looking at her, and the boys, it is clear that Joe Gorman's hair genes are particularly dominant, as all his grandkids seem to have his hair. As she gets older it will be interesting to see what other features of hers that we can trace. When Skybus opened up their Gulfport route we jumped on it; soon the boys and I will see her hair for ourselves. RAP (10.5.2007)

Gameboy

Gameboy
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Alex has been football crazy lately. He has been taking his nerf football to school and plays a pickup game during recess almost every day. During Michael's soccer game, he had me throw him passes the entire time and would run for a touchdown each catch. All this effort from a kid who is supposedly lazy. Next year, we will move our August trip to July so that Alex can try the real thing.
RAP (10.2.2007)
[WRONG PICTURE]

It Should Be Right Here

It Should Be Right Here
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a special flyer for kids; it contains information about several prominant pieces within the museum, but the clever part is that it is organized as a scavenger hunt. That hook worked on our guys and they wanted to find each piece in the brochure ( In this image, they found the knight in the front right of the group). This approach allowed for a broad overview of the museum, seeing lots of the important items for a small amount of time, which was perfect for the ages they are now. If anything "sticks" they might want to go back one day and spend time in a particular area. RAP (9.28.2007)

Goofballs

Goofballs
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Last night we did our primary filming for Alex's new movie: Alex Patton, Science Enthusiast. I don't know if it will be as good as Alex Patton, Bear Expert, but we can hope. I really like the video camera I am using. I acquired this really cheap Flip Video Ultra and I am very pleased with the quality. Between the camera and the new computer this should be a much easier endeavor than in the past.
RAP (9.26.2007)

All Is Good

All Is Good
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

We did not visit the World Trade Center site while we were in New York, but that does not mean we did not talk to the boys about it. Whenever we had a view of the skyline, we pointed out where they used to be (top left, next to the building with a circle on top). Also, there are pieces of it all over New York that we encounted. The best of which we saw was the sculpture that they moved from the WTC site to Battery Park; it was damaged, but it was still art, and it lives on. RAP (9.24.2007)

One And Two Half Guys

One And Two Half Guys
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

On Jenny's list of places to go and things to do in her lifetime, visiting the Statue of Liberty was a prominent item. It was just behind Alcatraz. She can now strike it off her list, as we visited Liberty Island early Saturday morning. The people of the National Park service have implemented a lot of security that greatly slows down the trip, and they no longer allow you to go to the top. However, providence made up for man's shortcomings by providing spectacular weather; I would venture a guess that is was one of the prettiest days of the year in New York City. The air was clear that it seemed to magnify the City and the Statue, making them almost appear unreal due to their clarity. RAP (9.21.2007)

Crossing The Delaware

Crossing The Delaware
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Jenny is the keeper of the Michael and Alex stories, I just try to write them down. Unfortunately, my memory is really not that great and many slip from my mind before I commit them to paper. One thing she wanted to pass on is that when she drove them to school this morning to allow for more time for them to sleep. When they arrived at Eil Pinney, the boys sprinted from the car to school in the same way the way they sprint off the bus when they get home each day. I guess they are excited to return after their sojourn. RAP (9.20.2007)

Our Girl

Our Girl
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

The Michael and Alex American Tour 2007 completed the New York leg this weekend. We were there for only 2 nights, but they managed to get to Broadway, the Met, the American Museum of Natural History and, of course, Miss Liberty. You have to make the most of what you have! The city is cleaner than it used to be, but the cab drivers are just as unique as ever. Jen's favorite was a man that had to have his hands rubber banded to the wheel or they would shake violently.
RAP (9.19.2007)

Diabolical Plan

Diabolical Plan
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Things have been very busy for us lately, so you will have to forgive me for the lack of communication as of late. My project is going full steam and we have been preparing for our trip to New York. Speaking of which, they boys are very excited; Jen has been getting books about the city at the library for them, in order to build the anticipation. Overall nothing is too new with us; I just finished reading "The Runaways" to the boys; they liked it quite a bit. Michael was uncannily good in figuring out the information that was supposed to be secret, but would miss the points that you were supposed to infer. Whereas Alex was not able to intuit the secrets but honed in on everything the writer wanted you to know. RAP (9.17.2007)

Old Friends

Old Friends
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

It has been 4 years since Alex was last in the horseshoe, but the results were the same; the Buckeye defense suffocated the opposition. More importantly, Alex and Brutus hit it off like no time had gone by, but it is like that with old friends. Alex liked the game, but I think he preferred the "Dippin Dots", pizza and overall atmosphere. Our seats were in the endzone, but were right next to the field and had a great view of the game when it was on our side of the field.
RAP (9.11.2007)

Double Stack

Double Stack
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

More so than any other picture, this image captures the boys' summer. From May to September the boys playing in the pool has consisted, in some part, of a sort of goofy game where Alex "rides" his big brother. Michael protests, but it continues and they both laugh as he "tries" to escape. This sort of game would not have been possible in the past, but in the last 18 months Michael has grown quite a bit and, now, is definitely the big brother. RAP (9.5.2007)

Crazy Old Alex

Crazy Old Alex
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

An interesting phenomena has occurred in recent days; inspired by Michael's "Kool Kid" Comics, Alex has created his own characters in the Kool Kid Universe. All of Alex's creations have names that are variations of Alexander. These Alexanders do not live in the pages of comics like Kool Kid, instead they are cutouts that are used within a giant map he made on his wall. The main thing is that, like his brother, he is now producing entertainment instead of just consuming it.
RAP (9.4.2007)

Schools Out

Schools Out
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

A new school year is now underway; Michael started 4th and Alex 2nd. Both were looking forward to their first days, and both enjoyed their first days. Michael was excited that there is another boy in his class that likes to make comics, whereas Alex bonded with a new first year named Maxwell. For all that was new, it ended the same as it always does, with the boys sprinting off the bus with smiles on their faces. >>> RAP (8.29.2007)

Tada

Tada
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

In the waning days of summer, we have been going to the pool quite a bit, but you will have to take my word on that; for some reason we have been forgetting to take the camera with us. The pool has been very warm, benefiting from the recent heat, and Jenny has been taking advantage of that to swim laps. Alex has been taking advantage of the heat to buy chip-wiches and sno cones. To his, and his brother's, credit they have been taking and using there own funds at the snackbar.
RAP (8.28.2007)

Double Trouble

Double Trouble
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Everyone made it back from LA safely, and none worse for the wear. Jenny is tired, but is pleased with the work she was able to accomplish. She was also pleased with the trips to Hamburger Hamlet! Michael and Alex also enjoys the sojourns to the Hamlet in addition to seeing their cousins, going to the beach and spending time with a certain four legged canine.
RAP (8.27.2007)