Thanksgiving 2010 - Vermont edition

Gramma Jeanne and Papa Jeff enjoyed a visit from their preferred son (the one that not only calls but visits too) and his model family.  We contributed the homemade stuffing and the elder Schneiders popped for the rest of the big day meal.  Cindy and Gramma braved a trampling and went to Toys R Us at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Night along with the rest of non-bovine Vermont population.  To think they only got back at 3 a.m. too.


Jack and Quinn were treated to a tour of the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory in bustling (not true at all - it is a very tiny town) Waterbury, Vermont.  It is a very short tour but the payoff (free ice cream) made the boys' day.  It's enough to satisfy a little kid.  Ok, that's not true either I had to buy them a "Peace Pop" too.  Actually, Quinn found the tour interesting.  He's definitely getting older but is just as smart as always.  First report card - all A+ and A.

The boys also enjoyed St. Albans Bay while joining Maki the Mutt on her morning constitutional.  There were nice icicle formations along the banks for Quinn to smash with a piece of lumber while Jack enjoyed picking up a variety of shells.  Dad had notions of summertime camping with Quinn at nearby Burton Island.  We'll see how the backyard campout goes first .... after the next 5 months of winter.

Other kid activities included piling stuff on Paddy the cat and wrestling in all the wrong places inside Gramma and Papa's house.  Dad tried out his flask and was surprised to learn it still worked great!   

Jack turns 4!

Let's face it people.  We're all old and miserable.  We'd give anything to feel the uninhibited joy a 4 year old experiences unwrapping his birthday gifts.  Well, these photos of our son Jack are the closest thing you'll probably be able to find so enjoy them.  Cindy and I certainly did.  Jack warms our hearts everyday.  Happy birthday son. 

Blogmeld - The Next Generation

There is only one piece of photographic evidence that the "Clan O Shannon" and "Highland Schneiders" were actually physically located in the same place on October 2, 2010.  I know.  It is hard to believe.  It's like looking at that same photo of Champy, the Lake Champlain Monster, that gets trotted out for every "Legends of Bigfoot, Lochness etc." TV show.  You want to believe it's real but it's so utterly ridiculous your mind won't let you.

But it's true!  It happened!  In the contemplative and serene surroundings of Chuck E. Cheese in Latham, NY.  It was all in honor of two year old Alexander Shannon's birthday party.  It had everything.  Blinking lights, earsplitting sounds, missing children (just for a few heartstopping moments), pizza, chocolate cake smeared onto every surface.  It was impossible to think all of the children would remain stationary long enough to click off a photo of them all so three out of four will have to do.

(left to right - Alexander Shannon, Jack, some hideous guy --- oh wait, that's Mr. Paul Shannon, Bryan's friend of over 20 years and author of the fine "Clan O Shannon" blog, and Little Paul Shannon)