Clearly the biggest hit at Legoland was the Volvo Test Track where the kids drove their own cars through a Lego world. They had the freedom to drive wherever they wanted, which made it a much better than rides where you have to follow some sort of guide rail.
This philosophy was also carried on in a boat ride that the boys navigated later. At the end of the boat ride, Alex told Jenny that he was "a crazy speed boat driver," which made me smile. Alex is a smart kid, but he is completely in the dark with regard to the origin of that phrase. If you can remember years past, you will recall that Tim Huff first used that phrase to describe Grandpa's driving of a van, and it has been part of the Patton vernacular ever since.
RAP
Friday, January 13, 2006
Thursday, January 12, 2006
The Rose Buffet
One of the nice things about Jenny coming from San Marino is that she has connections to people in the Tournament of Roses. In the past that has led to tickets, and this year it granted us special access to the floats the night before the parade.
After the floats are done and judged our kids were walking (and running!) around and admiring them. This float, the dinosaur one, was their favorite. It was pretty cool; half of it was fruit (which is legal), so we joked that after the parade their would be the Rose buffet.
RAP
After the floats are done and judged our kids were walking (and running!) around and admiring them. This float, the dinosaur one, was their favorite. It was pretty cool; half of it was fruit (which is legal), so we joked that after the parade their would be the Rose buffet.
RAP
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Big Blue
Our recent journeys (which have been the root of my recent tardiness in our correspondence) took us to the original Sea World in San Diego. After a slow start, it turned it out to be a hit. It is interesting combination of theme park rides and wild animals. Michael loved the dolphins and (of course) the whales.
He has had a recurring dream for some time now of riding on a Blue Whale (he calls him Big Blue). At Sea World you actually see the trainers ride the dolphins and Orcas, and while they were not Blue Whales, Michael was quite impressed. Impressed enough that he would consider dreaming of riding on Shamu and friends.
>>> RAP
He has had a recurring dream for some time now of riding on a Blue Whale (he calls him Big Blue). At Sea World you actually see the trainers ride the dolphins and Orcas, and while they were not Blue Whales, Michael was quite impressed. Impressed enough that he would consider dreaming of riding on Shamu and friends.
>>> RAP
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Dinocoaster
Study this card well because this could be you guys in a few years; your dad enjoys being a grandparent, and he is getting to be quite a pro at it. He knows Sea World, Disneyland, California Adventure and Legoland. Give him some time and he will be as knowledgeable about children's destinations as anyone in the Southland.
On the roller coasters he had his arms up and screamed the loudest. It was fun to see the kid in him laugh and play. Take care and enjoy your vist with Joe.
~ Robert
On the roller coasters he had his arms up and screamed the loudest. It was fun to see the kid in him laugh and play. Take care and enjoy your vist with Joe.
~ Robert
Bears and Alex, Alex and Bears
Bears and Alex, Alex and Bears; those two have gone together ever since there has been Alex, and at this vantage it feels like they will be commingled forever. Of course things change, and eventually his fire for Bears may dim, or even be eclipsed by something else. However, I am fairly certain that if that day comes, it too will pass when he has his own children, and they have their own Bears.
RAP
RAP
Turns The Tables
Thank you for opening your house to us and letting us fill your cabinets with food you have no interest in eating and take over your TV room. Thank you, too, of course for going with us to Legoland and Sea World.
Your grandsons have always enjoyed spending time with you, and like all relationships that is not something that just happens; it has taken the effort and care you have invested to make it what it is today. It takes shared experiences and enough time together to get moments like the one in the picture. I know you have been busy and have tons of things to do at year end, but I think that this was the best way you could have used your time and I thank you for it.
RAP
Your grandsons have always enjoyed spending time with you, and like all relationships that is not something that just happens; it has taken the effort and care you have invested to make it what it is today. It takes shared experiences and enough time together to get moments like the one in the picture. I know you have been busy and have tons of things to do at year end, but I think that this was the best way you could have used your time and I thank you for it.
RAP
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
A Christmas Story
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
RAP
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