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)