Much ado about ... the saxaphone!

Jack is on fire! Look out New Orleans gin joints!

Jack turns 9

Our little guy isn't so little anymore.  He still plays video games but soccer and saxophone have become much bigger parts of his routine.  Winter basketball is on the horizon. 

He is doing well in fourth grade and enjoying his first male teacher.   

His birthday celebration involved a small gathering of neighborhood friends for cake and ice cream.  Mom took him and a friend to a "7-D" ride experience too. 

The best part was the remaining bit of little kid in him who got most excited when we asked him if he wanted us to decorate the house a bit with streamers and balloons.  Yes!!!!!!! was the answer. 

 

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Mountain biking with Quinn (and friend)

Today was a picture perfect Hudson Valley day.  Beautiful blue skies, balmy temperatures and brilliant autumn foliage all in one  A great day to visit Minnewaska State Park, a truly unique spot that we are fortunate enough to have close to home.

 Your intrepid author, fighting an energy sapping head cold, popped some extra medication last night to ensure quality sleep.  Getting up early in time for the park opening was worth it.  I knew it was going to be a popular spot today.

Quinn and his friend had an abbreviated school field trip to the park last week and hungered to see and explore more.  They even pointed out a crevice / cave that I rode by many times without even noticing.  The boys' mothers probably would not have enjoyed watching the climbs up or down but the boys did fine.

We rode about 10 miles and at times it is strenuous.  There are many scenic overlooks begging to be photographed.  Quinn took many of his own and I took many of him.  The photos below are a nice sample.  Jack is chomping at the bit to join us but he needs another year or so (and a new bike) before I take him with us.

  

Quinn joins Dad at Minnewaska

Dad played hooky from work and took Quinn,  just a few days shy of his 13th birthday,  on an 8 mile ride through Minnewaska State Park yesterday.  We were hoping to swim at Lake Awosting but it was a no go. Nonetheless, it was a good ride and Dad feels fairly confident there will be other times. 

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Medium sized doins'

It's been awhile but I've got a couple of nice things to share.

The highlight is Quinn in his first marching band performance.  Highland annually rolls out its finest to salute our fallen soldiers.  Here's the link to the short video on our YouTube page along with some action shots from Cindy.

https://youtu.be/utwe7BiGIEA

Here's a nice still shot of the big guy too.  He wouldn't want me to point it out but he has some noticeably black hair above his lip.  I keep waiting for him to ask me how to shave but he's only mumbled on occasional complaint about it to Cindy thus far.  He'll be 13 next month.

Now some random items.  Here are a few of your blog host with his trusted side kick during a hike only one short month ago when it was 43 degrees.  9 miles and two Catskills peaks at about 3600' were enough to tucker out this ragtag duo.

While this next photo certainly could have been taken after our hike, it actually wasn't.  It just shows our guy's devotion to his alpha.  

And last but certainly not least, is the uncompromising Jack "enjoying" his circus hat.  We went to the current Ringling Brothers show a couple of months ago which is still a good time.  We both got a kick out of the fact the circus protesters were fenced in near the entrance like the animals they were defending.  We really did have a great time but Jack has gone from most photogenic in our house to most uncooperative.