Honeymoon

Honeymoon
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

I have been trying to get all our photos up on Flickr where we all have access to them and where they are protected from damage. Part of that project has been scanning old photos, and I came across this one the other day. I thought that with our impending return to Hawaii this picture from our honeymoon would be a nice postcard. We had fun last time, but I think we will have more this time because the boys will be able to share it with us. RAP (2.29.2008)

Pattons

Pattons
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

The boys had Monday off and Jenny wanted to do something special with them. Originally she planned to take them to the Columbus Museum of Art; it is something they do together on days like this, but unfortunately it was closed. So she queried each child about what they would like to do.

Alex said "Cooking!" Alex loves to cook, and ultimately decided he wanted to make lasagne. Even though Alex loves to cook, and lasagne in particular, he is not a big eater. That would be a good attribute if he wants to make it his living. Michael had a harder time thinking about what he wanted, but eventually you could see a light bulb go off in his excited eyes. Excitedly, he exclaimed that he wanted his special activity to be eating the lasagne!
RAP (2.22.2008)

Dangerous Pandas

Dangerous Pandas
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

I took the boys to the 11 AM showing (you only pay 4 dollars before noon) of the Spiderwick Chronicles. I like to joke that Alex likes anything packaged in a "chronicle." Like Narnia, Alex had read some of the books and he liked the movie. Michael and I thought it was good too, but it was not great, but it was nice to go to a movie for the first time in a while. There was nothing kid appropriate in January.
RAP (2.21.2008)

My Brother

My Brother
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

The boys did not have school on Monday due to the observation of President's day. Jen has an exercise class at the Dublin Recreation Center tomorrow morning, and she was concerned that she would ruin the boys' holiday by not allowing them to sleep late. I chuckled because the boys are still at an age where sleeping in is not on their mind. What they look forward to now is staying up late.
RAP (2.19.2008)

Challengers

Challengers
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Today was the rarest of all holidays, the snow day! The snow will melt quickly over the next few days, so it was imperative to take the boys sledding. I worked from home, so during lunch we ran to the park for 45 minutes of fun. Jenny had to work :( so it was just the guys this time. She is not a fan of the cold, but she has learned to love sledding since she was introduced to it 15 years ago. The only thing she did that was similar was ice blocking in La Cañada. While it is snowing it is not that cold. Really cold weather comes when the skies are sparkling blue and their are no clouds to insulate the heat.

RAP (2.13.2008)

Teacher's Pet

Teacher's Pet
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Alex had a secret plan. It existed before we went to Mardi Gras. For weeks has been scheming to bring Mardi Gras back to Dublin. When he returned, he used all his acquired loot as throws, so he could be his own one man Krewe. He tooks bags of stuffed animals, beads, cups and even a boa to school. He threw them out to his classmates, and for a shinning moment, Alex Patton was King of the Carnivale. RAP (2.11.2008)

Good Haul

Good Haul
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

The boys once again had a lovely Mardi Gras, and acquired a lot of beads, stuffed animals and trinkets. When Michael returned his teacher asked him what he said to the people on the floats. He replied that yelled "Hey beautiful, lady!," just as his dad instruted him to do. Smart kid. That is why we succeeded. The boys and I charmed all the girls on the floats, I even had the boys blow kisses as thank yous! One float in particular in the Muses parade, the girls would not stop giving us stuff. We even got a coveted high heel shoe, which is a huge Mardi Gras trophy. RAP (2.7.2008)