Kool Kid

Kool Kid
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

While we were in Florida Michael acquired most of the final pieces to his "Kool Kid" costume. Yes, you read correctly, instead of buying something off the rack or imitating someone else's hero, Michael is going as his own creation for Halloween. I guess you could say he is proud of it. Since he has shared the material with his classmates they will be able to identify him, but heaven help those people on Halloween night; they had a hard enough time with Han Solo and Chewbacca last year!
RAP (10.30.2007)

Cockpit

Cockpit
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

By the time you get these postcards you have already seen the pictures, and have been able to infer what is going on in them. So, my purpose in sending these is to be Paul Harvey and share "the rest of the story." As we left Florida the crew of the plane did something I had not seen in a long time; they allowed Michael and Alex all the way in the cockpit to hang out with pilots. I did not think they allowed this since Sept. 11th, but I am glad that they did, because the boys loved it.
RAP (10.29.2007)

Hanging Out

Hanging Out
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

A side effect of having a cell phone seems to be that, occasionally, I am forgetting to take the camera with me. It weighs about the same and also goes on my belt, so subconsciously I think I have it, but when I want to use it, it is not there. Case in point, recently we went to Lincoln Ave in South Beach for dinner. We always have a great time there getting dinner, sorbet and visiting a particular bookstore. This visit the kids had a great time running around on a grass island with a gaggle of kids running between two bases, playing tag with huge smiles on their faces; I wish I could have captured it with a picture.
RAP (10.26.2007)

Beach Boys

Beach Boys
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Our trip to Fort Lauderdale went well. We visited the old ladies each day, but also had time for recreation. Alex vomited each day, but then felt immediately better. We thought it was food poisoning or motion sickness, but as we landed in Columbus (at 2am in the morning) Michael vomited. We kept him away from the elderly as a precaution, keeping him outside or even in the corner whenever we visited and now that Michael caught it I am glad that we did. Despite their sickness the boys had a great time. RAP (10.25.2007)

Blow Out the Candles

Blow Out the Candles
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael is now 10; I have been calling him a two digit midget, but he prefers the term "pre-teen." I think everything about his birthday went very well; the party, the cookies at school and the opening of present birthday morning all were perfect. One funny thing is, he was worried about being too grateful, because admitting that he wanted "x" makes him greedy. I told him it was OK, but it is nice to have such a good boy! RAP (10.22.2007)

Center of Attention

Center of Attention
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael's birthday party was a success this year. We took him and his friends to Dave and Busters in Hilliard; it ended up costing more than we would have guessed, because every single child invited came. In fact two sets of them are in boy scouts, and their dads were the troupe leaders, but they came (their dads could not because they were leading the rest of the troupe). This is a great indicator of Michael's social growth, and as such we were happy to cover it the additional cost.
RAP (10.18.2007)

Alicia & Ed

Choice 3
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Thank you for inviting us and making us part of your wedding; we had a wonderful time and enjoyed all of your wonderful friends. In particular we loved Candace, and were very impressed with Walter's toast. With a guest list as large as yours you would expect it to be filled with extras, but all your friends seem to have star power. Alcia, as cliched as it sounds, you appeared to be queen for a day; regal in every way. It was truly your day. Thank you for having us, and congratulations on a wondeful start to your new lives!
RAP (10.17.2007)