Vermin Love Supreme for President!

That's who Cindy and I are voting for.  His platform makes sense in this crazy, work-a-day world.  Look him up.

If you're thinking of voting in a traditional fashion, consider this sketch from Quinn.  He did it (as a joke, he tells us) this past spring in school.  We think it's quite good.

Quinn moves on up to high school

Just days before his 14th birthday, Quinn completed junior high school.  He did exceedingly well there.  His grades were fantastic, he formed a nice circle of friends (rumor alert - he may have a girlfriend) and he matured measurably, especially this year.  We are proud of him and look forward to his future accomplishments.

He'll be building his computer skills this summer, taking mini courses in website building and other things at the local community college.  We're going to take him and his brother to Cape Cod, too. The upcoming birthday weekend will require yours truly to marshal the troops to the local water park for a day of madness.  That will be followed Monday with ... yes, it's true ... a haircut.  

Click on the video link below!  It's awesome!


Quinn moves on up to high school

Jack - First Concert and Field Day 2016

    Look at the locks on this boy!  He looks like a modern day Samson in this action photo from today's fourth grade field day, full of races and other feats of strength (okay, mostly races).  It was a beautiful day to be outside (I'm told).  

   Last night, Jack performed in his first concert.  He has worked hard on his alto saxophone skills all year.  His effort culminated with the band's rendition of Beethoven's 9th (abbreviated).  He smiled all night and didn't even complain when Cindy tucked in his swanky shirt.  He makes us very proud.

Happiness is ...

reaching the finish line.   This is how it looked mere steps away from the end of my first (only?) marathon.  I ran about 250 miles in the 6-7 weeks training for the race.  It was challenging. There was cold, snow, wind and one day of absolute hard rain.  There were hills, fall downs and a nagging foot injury I still haven't completely recovered from.  I'm glad to have done it but was also glad it was over.        

It's all about the big guy

Quinn is nearly as tall and big as I am.  He has also demonstrated considerable maturity this year. All of this is a reminder of how quickly time passes.

His grades were nearly perfect this past quarter.   He continued playing percussion in the school band (see the link below for the latest and greatest concert footage) and joined the eighth grade team to participate in this year's inter-scholastic "Science Olympiad".  They placed 2nd out of 8 teams and are on their way to the state finals in Syracuse.  We're very proud of him.

March 9 2016 - scholarship concert

Our swim with the Hawaiian sharks!

It's the video you have all been waiting for, stylized and edited (somewhat) for your viewing pleasure.  You'll want your speakers turned up at a couple of parts which I highlighted.


https://youtu.be/RPfVG5OjSLM

Cindy's video book trailer - The Crown of Stones Trilogy

This is really cool! Click here!

Jack solves the Rubik's Cube

Jack solves the Rubik's Cube

He pursued this all on his own.  It is remarkable to listen to him discuss the "algorithms" necessary to solve it.