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)