Bringin' Down The House

May has been the month of school performances.  Jack kicked things off as the Walrus in the kindergarten alphabet concert.  I will try to post video of his solo another time but the blog site is giving me fits at the moment.

After practicing all school year, Quinn and the entire 4th grade band debuted their talents tonight.  The joint was jammed and jumping.  Quinn is a percussion master. He plays the drum, bass drum and the bells (xylophone).  Again, the technical difficulties are preventing me from posting video now but I will try again.

The band played well, much better than Cindy and I anticipated.  It was alot of fun and Quinn was beaming at the end (he was very quiet and moody before leaving home).

Only 15 school days left this year.  The boys have excelled academically but are already counting down the days until summer vacation.

Jack is t-rrefic!

We owed it to Jack to give him a formal blog post in recognition of "Opening Day" ceremonies for his t-ball league.  Those ceremonies consist of standing around and letting all local kids get their photo taken and then lining up around the infield diamond so each child can be announced and introduced for all present.  Jack and the other kids acknowledged their introduction with a tip of the cap which was kinda cute.

Games start this week.  Jack has taken to t-ball and baseball in general much more than his big brother.

The boys continue to thrive in school, each bringing home excellent report cards all year long.  Jack asks for summer vacation every day.

Cindy got her wish and redecorated the living room this spring with my help.  New paint, curtains and some furniture go a long way.

We're trying vegetables in the garden this year.  They are off to strong starts.  Our thumbs get greener with each passing year.

Holidays 2011

I have not been so diligent with the family blog lately.  The boys are thriving.  Quinn just received his green belt at his karate dojang and is coming up on 3 years in his studies.  He has also made it through his first semester of individual percussion practice and now will start playing with the elementary school band (we hope!).  Jack is doing well kindergarten but occasionally pines for his preschool days because they are shorter.  He wants to play t-ball in the spring which gives Dad hope there may be a little sports buddy in the making. 

Cindy continues to chip away at her writing but admits it has been a challenge with all of the school functions and active social life she has cultivated.  She is very happy.

Dad had a good year too.  He is most proud of the progress he made with his running.  He and Uncle Kevin remotely encourage each other to push harder and go farther, faster.  Dad believes his running is metaphorical for so much in his life.  He is basically forced to the treadmill now with the cold dark mornings and the cold in general but looks forward to getting back outside.

We wish everyone well.  Be grateful for what you have.

Thanksgiving 2011

Mom and her boys

Mom and her medicine