Mr And Mrs Patton

Mr And Mrs Patton
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Our fears or thunderstorms and tornadoes never materialized and our 4th of July celebration was a success once more. One of the benefits of the party this year was Jens and I were in a good picture together (see the front). That is rare! Next year we decided that we may go up to 4 tables, if we stay with Boston Market seek more variety with the side items and we will put the dinner time on the invite. Also, if we can't be in the center, I think being on the north side would be better.
RAP (7.10.2007)

Go Michael!

Go Michael!
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael and Alex's hair had gotten a bit too shagadelic recently. I had kept it long until Nana and Joe saw it, because they are fans of the 70's era hair, but it needed to go. The Monday after Nana headed back to Milwaukee, Jens took them to get their hair cut. For the first time the boys had a shampoo with their cuts, and as Michael was getting his hair washed by Ainsley (his stylist) he said out loud "a guy could used to this!" RAP (7.3.2007)

See Ya Later

See Ya Later
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

When I conduct an "achievement hour" (give them a small reward for answering questions) I am often amazed at how the boys treat their reward differently. Michael greedily gobbles each candy as soon as he gets them. On the hand, Alex, for the most part, will store them away for later. It does not dampen his enthusiasm, he still wants to get as many as possible, but he just may not eat them now. You might infer that the reward does not matter, that he just wants the thrill of victory, but that is not quite true; if the reward is something he doesn't want he will withdraw from the contest. I think this ties into Alex's behavior to not over consume, which is good because I think he has my metabolism. RAP (7.2.2007)

I Want To Be Where The People Are

I Want To Be Where The People Are
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

One thing you can say about us, is that, as a group, we are a maternal set of men. All of us, Michael, Alex and myself all enjoy and are good with babies. At times, some of us may have more (Michael) or less (Alex) interest in the wee ones, but when we are engaged with them we all do well. I don't really know why, but I suspect to an extant it is because we are all still child-like and the little ones recognize that.
RAP (6.29.2007)

Jacobee

Jacobee
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

As I am certain you know, Jacob came to visit us this weekend. He is an easy baby, who loves to laugh and is quite handsome. I had to laugh at one point, Billy called him "Jacobee" which is my nonsense nickname for him based on "Shadobee" from the Music Man. Who knows, maybe it will stick! The boys enjoyed spending time with their cousin, and the good news is that they will see him once more in 10 days!
RAP (6.26.2007)

Alex

Alex
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Playing in the more advanced division has taken some of the luster off baseball for Michael this year. He still likes it, but walking is not as much fun as hitting. I am sure that next year, when he is one of the oldest kids in his division, he will have more fun.

Overall Alex, has been enjoying his games more as time go on. He is paying attention more and being less of a clown. Occasionally it is too hot and that leads to a meltdown, but overall it has been very good.
RAP (6.25.2007)
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Goodbye

Goodbye
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

The other day Michael was talking about how excited he was to go to Middle School in a few years. My first instinct was to caution him, because Junior High is a different world with it's own problems. However, I bit my tongue because it is good that he is ready for the challenge, I want him to be a person who looks forward to new things with a smile, but I also want him to appreciate what he has. Looking forward can be good, but it is also good to look around and appreciate where you are now.
RAP (6.22.2007)