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)

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Take Me Out To The Ball Game
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Jen and the boys have returned from LA none the worse for the ware. Jenny worked quite a bit while she was there; she gave many of her mom's books to the library, shipped the rest to us, organized the remaining books, took care of much of her dads correspondence and donated most of her mother's remaining clothes. She needs a vacation, from her vacation!
RAP (8.27.2007)

Beach Boys

Beach Boys
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

The boys have always loved challenging the waves and running along the ocean. Usually, they would stay near the shore, and jump over the waves or sprint away from them as they roll in. Recently they demonstrated a new behavior; they are going out chin deep in the surf. Even cautious Alex, is doing it, braving the sea and getting a mouthful of saltwater. It will be very interesting to see how they do in more tropical waters next spring. RAP (8.23.2007)

Alex Up

Alex Up
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Alex's reading has greatly improved this year, and now he is about two thirds through the first Harry Potter book. He would have finished it already, but he has an interesting reading style. Alex likes to stop to discuss the story about every other sentence. Also, he enjoys referencing the table of contents so that he can do calculations on the chapter's length (how much left, how big it compared to others etc.) The one academic subject that is not natural to Alex is spelling (I wonder where he got that from!), and it is my conviction that reading is the best remedy. RAP (8.21.2007)

The Simpsons

The Simpsons
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Out of all the attractions, old and new, Michael's greatest thrill at Universal Studios had nothing to do with speed, heights or special effects. It was meeting the first family of Springfield: "The Simpsons." He has always had a passion for comedy and this summer he believes he has stuck gold with these strange little four fingered yellow people. He has seen their movie, watched their show, read their comics and now he has met them (or at least costumed avatars).
RAP (8.20.2007)

Hulk Smash

Hulk Smash
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

When Jenny's cousin Christie heard that we would be in town, she immediately made a reservation to fly down from San Francisco to see us. They flew in on a Friday night, were with us all day Saturday and left on a Sunday morning. Essentially they came to town just to see us, so when they said they wanted to go to Universal Studios the only answer possible answer was "yes." They had never been before and were very excited; it as a good day, but very hot! RAP (8.15.2007)

Catch Of The Day

Catch Of The Day
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Last week the boys and Jens were in Milwaukee visiting my parents, and while they were there they were able to undertake their first fishing expedition. Alex had the most luck, but he also had a fishing class before. Michael is the one with the story about the fish that got away; he had a large one on his line that required a great deal of effort to reel in. Alas, paying this toll of sweat was not enough; the beast of the deep was strong enough to break his line and escape, in doing so becoming a legend.
RAP (8.9.2007)

Camp Invention

Camp Invention
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

August has come, and with it August weather: hot and humid. It was only seventy eight degrees this morning when I grabbed the paper, but it felt oh so warm. The good news is that this will pass; in a few weeks we will have foggy mornings, and after that clear crisp fall days. The autumn has always been my favorite time of year, and the nice thing about this August weather is that it reminds us that fall is not far away. RAP (8.8.2007)

Ohio Theater

Ohio Theater
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Last Saturday night I took the boys to the Ohio Theatre to see the original James Bond film, "Dr. No." It was part of CAPA's 38th annual summer movie series. We sat in the 4th row, because the screen is surprisingly small for such a giant theater. They said they enjoyed it; I like taking the boys to the Ohio because it harkens back to a more elegant age when movie theaters were warmer and not so sterile.
RAP (8.2.2007)

Paper Bear

Paper Bear
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Sunday afternoon Michael said grace, and the highlight of his speech was that he was thankful for his gia-normous baked potato (he picked it out himself). It was really big. Later that evening we decided to go to the pool, and right before we arrived Jen could hear Alex praying in the back: he was praying for the snack bar to be open (it was closed last time we were there)!
RAP (8.1.2007)