A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

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

Next Stop, Afganistan

Next Stop Afganistan
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Last week we were able to ship a package off to Afghanistan, so that my cousin David might have a bit of Christmas cheer. Hopefully it will bring him a some solace and happiness to know he is not forgotten.

In the package was an iPod, a motorcycle book, chemical heat warmers, hot cocoa and a few other goodies to help pass the days in central Asia. Alex was a big help to Jenny mailing the package, both in carrying the parcel and charming the people at the post office. Everyone there was very nice, despite the lines and Jens said she could sense the Christmas spirit all around in the air of civility.
RAP

A Carol Told by a Merry Gentleman, Full of Snow and Fury; signifyingChristmas

That Girl
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

On Sunday we made our annual pilgrimage to see the Mr S. Claus (aka K. Kringle) at Easton. Being a very popular gent this time of year, it was a long line, but with a bit of elfin magic it moved quickly. Each of our guys had a list with a handful of items that they could not wait to share. After our visit we went for a bit of window shopping in small winter storm. It dissipated quickly, but it was fun while it lasted. All in all, our Holiday expedition was a carol told by a merry gentleman, full of snow and fury; signifying Christmas.
RAP

Deck the Halls and Trim the Trees

Ornaments
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

We are still a bit behind, but at last it is starting to look a lot like Christmas on Muirfield place. With our annual secret project complete and our kitchen painted (several times, in several colors, before we settled on Gaelic Blue), we finally were able to deck the halls and trim the trees. It turns out it was just in time too; as you can see out our window Jack Frost had just arrived, and every boy and girl knows that St. Nick can't be too far behind him.
R. A. Patton

Tae Kwon Do

Attack
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Sometimes Michael says he does not enjoy Tae Kwon Do, but whenever I watch him through the glass he seems to be having a fantastic time. I would not say he is a prodigy or exemplary, because some of the time he does not pay attention, but occasionally some of his raw athletic ability shines through and it is like 'wow.' He did this high kick the other night that was straight out of a Bruce Lee movie. I was impressed when I saw it, and another father, Joe Campenero's dad, came over to me to praise it also.
RAP

Rock And Roll McDonalds

Rock And Roll McDonalds
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Chicago has always been one of our favorite places to visit; there is so much to see and do each time. In this picture, we are on our way to check out the newly remodeled Rock and Roll McDonalds; not to eat, just to experience it. There is nothing rock and roll about it anymore, but is very cool on the inside with modern art decorations.

On the opposite side of the cultural spectrum, we also visited the new Frank Geary designed Millennium Park. It is spectacular. I would really like to see a concert there one summer. It appears to be the ideal place to see a show.
RAP

Will They Still Love it in Late February

Counter Attack
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

As you can tell, the boys still like the snow quite a bit; of course it is the first snow of the year, which brings a smile to the faces of all but the hardest curmudgeons. The question is, will they still love it in late February? I think they will; we don't usually experience enough of it to wish it away. What is interesting is that our 6 year old's enthusiasm for snow is growing and is getting closer to that of his brother.
RAP