Duffy Family Tribune

what's up?

2010-03-27T18:42:00.003-04:00

Basketball! Elite Eight and watching. Can't wait 'till Final Four and Baseball. GO RED SOCKS and BRAVES!

Elf on the Shelf

2008-11-29T20:29:00.005-05:00

A Lydia/Mommy production. See us on Facebook!

2008-11-19T18:50:00.004-05:00

Sienna just chewed up a juggling ball.-Lydia-
My truck fall off.-Finn-
Makkamakadeen!-aunt Becky-
SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!-Amelia-
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!-Sienna-
thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-15T13:34:00.002-05:00

Does any one like............ I mean LOVE horses? DO YOU? How about u? SOMEBODY TELL ME THEY LIKE HORSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese)

2008-11-14T20:56:00.003-05:00

riddle!!
What's 2 + 2?

Ann's New Work Blog

2008-08-11T16:08:00.001-04:00

Follow along the test-run of my new blog. Name, look, feel to change, but I'm trying to figure out what kind of content should be here.

What do you think? http://insideglisi.blogspot.com/

2008-07-24T21:41:00.003-04:00

Here are some photos that Uncle Jim took recently.

Before he heard the rule about giving Matt a 3-second warning before taking his picture:

After he learned of the rule:

As Uncle Jim said, "What a difference three seconds make."

2008-04-29T07:45:00.000-04:00

The perfect necklace.

Another fab shot

2008-03-11T16:42:00.001-04:00

My Headshot

2008-03-10T22:54:00.002-04:00

Is this what I look like?

Happy Valentine's Day - Arf Arf!

2008-02-11T10:19:00.000-05:00

A PUPPY has been born in Japan with a large, clear, love-heart-shaped pattern in his coat. The Chihuahua was born in May as one of a litter to a breeder. Shop owner Emiko Sakurada said it was the first time a puppy with the marks had been born out of a thousand she had bred. She had no plans to sell the puppy, which has been named 'Heart-kun'. The long-coated male Chihuahua puppy was born in Odate, northern Japan. It's true!

The Wii

2007-12-26T15:49:00.000-05:00

Yes, we got one. Pretty tough to tear Jake away. That's him boxing. I found that I had to take off my sweatshirt after a few minutes boxing -- it's quite a workout!

Our Holiday Card -- now on the World Wide Web!

2007-12-21T07:51:00.001-05:00

The past year saw the Duffys continue on their path of middle-class surburbitude. The lawn is alight with an every-growing assortment of holiday statues. The backyard is dotted with various sports accouterments and a little-used treehouse. And, the house remains in a near-constant state of clutter.

Ann’s continuing her goal of improving educational leadership — that’s school principals to the rest of us. She has shifted her PhD work to the University of Georgia in Athens. The nearly two-hour commute to Athens makes for good book-on-tape listening. Please send any recommendations her way.

Matt’s continuing his shift into academia, starting work on his PhD in public communication at Georgia State University. He’s now teaching at both the community college and the university. He really loves teaching.

The kids are doing very well in school. The current extracurricular activities include: Kids Chess for both, karate for Jake (7) and gymnastics for Lydia (8). We may have to drop the chess lessons as Jake has taken to beating his father. Matt’s looking into Adults Chess.

Our dog June was named after June Carter Cash; but, the kids refer to her as “June Bug” or just “Bug” or even “The Bug.” She really enjoys chasing tennis balls in the back yard. Every time anyone gets out of their chair, June Bug imagines that she’s probably going outside to chase some balls. She’s disappointed a lot.

Much love from The Duffys.
Ann, Matt, Lydia and Jake — and June Bug

My Amazing Sister

2007-12-11T12:01:00.000-05:00

RJ Designs has taken on the challenge of Christmas at the mall. Becky & Tim are superstars!

John & Tiff are married!

2007-12-09T10:43:00.001-05:00

The planned elopement was successful. Follow along here and click through to the recognition.

Congratulations Uncle John & Aunt Tiffany!

Lydia & Aiden

2007-12-01T17:07:00.000-05:00

Lydia created this. Merry Christmas!

Jake and June Elves

2007-12-01T15:22:00.000-05:00

Jake's creation and voice.

Elfin in Roswell

2007-11-30T07:39:00.000-05:00

Duffy & Gardner Elves. Tee Hee!

Caching videos

2007-11-25T16:53:00.000-05:00

So I've figured out how to upload videos to YouTube and post them here. I haven't quite figured out how the Khanjars keep their videos so short - but I'll work on it. Thanks, Grampy, for the digital camera!

Here are three videos from today's caching at Big Creek in Roswell. See post below for regular pics.

It's between the log and the tree.

Found it!

Signing the log

Big Creek Multi-Cache

2007-11-25T16:39:00.000-05:00

A cold rainy day at Big Creek Park. This is why I love geocaching!

Lydia and June on the way to Stage 1.

Jake finds Stage 1.

Jake & June at Stage 2.

On our way to Stage 3.

Victory at the cache!

2007-11-23T13:47:00.001-05:00

Much like Crazy Horse, Jake Duffy prefers to avoid having his picture taken.

Jake Practicing

2007-11-21T19:58:00.000-05:00

2007-11-02T14:22:00.000-04:00

These pictures don't quite tell our tale of Halloween. Jake had a meltdown about having his picture taken, but then happily went out trick-or-treating. Lydia was happy to have her picture snapped, but came home after 20 minutes to throw up.

Anyhoo, Jake's a Ninja and Lydia's Daphne from Scooby Doo. Ann designed Lydia's costume practically from scratch. I bought the Ninja costume at the Dollar Tree.

Late Night Snacks - Lydia style

2007-10-06T10:56:00.000-04:00

Last night Lydia made us all a late night snack. We were staying up watching the Red Sox game. Can you tell what it is?
That's right. Popcorn, unshelled peanuts, hot dog buns & raisins - all tossed with cinnamon sugar. Delicious!

Putting lipstick on a pig

2007-10-03T09:49:00.000-04:00

I am a big fan of this phrase. Cute image, too.

My talented siblings

2007-09-23T09:26:00.000-04:00

Last night, I was procrastinating by surfing the net. I did a few click throughs on this blog and rediscovered the artistic talents of two of my siblings. John & Becky (aka Rebecca). My talents are limited to canning.

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Cub Scout inspection

2007-09-18T11:34:00.000-04:00

Jake has his first Pack meeting tonight. He has inspection - which requires him to have clean fingernails, uniform, etc. My favorite rule: In order to "be prepared", a scout must have a bandaid and 50 cents in his pocket. You never know when, as you purchase a pack of gum, that you might get a paper cut.

Ming Tombs

2007-08-29T08:11:00.000-04:00

The Sacred Way. Giant stone statues of animals - first one sitting, then one standing. An awkward, but accurate translation.
The entrance.
The ubiquitous huckster...

The Great Wall

2007-08-29T08:02:00.001-04:00

It's a long, hot walk along the wall in August. Tons of people and stunning views. An astonishing feat. Not without it's commercialism....
It ain't flat. And those steps aren't all the same height. Some were as high as 2 feet.

When we got to one of the turns, this is what we found. Snacks, cold water, and trinkets.

Food in China

2007-08-26T10:53:00.000-04:00

Lots of good food in China. Mostly Chinese, of course. Here's a typical lunch or dinner. Many dishes on the lazy susan, tiny plates for each person, beer or coke to drink, and watermelon for dessert. We only ate western food once - when we couldn't stand the thought of another whole-group Chinese dinner. Fortunately, there was a Fridays in the hotel compound where we were staying. Unfortunately, our stomaches didn't enjoy the burgers as much as we did.

Forbidden City forbidden

2007-08-26T10:51:00.001-04:00

For some reason, the Geocache that I found in the Forbidden City is now no-where to be found on geocaching.com. I don't think I'm being paranoid. It was there before and now it's not. Can the Chinese Gov't make that happen? If it was the GC folks, the cache would be listed as disabled, but it's just not there.

Wierd - and disappointing. Now I only have 2 caches in China.

Geocaching in China

2007-08-25T17:37:00.000-04:00

Yes I did! I'm now global. 1) Tianaman Square, 2) Forbidden City, 3) Buddist Temple in Beijing. They were all virtual and added some fun to sites we probably would have seen anyway. You can't see China on Google Maps, but the GPS still works.

China

2007-08-24T17:03:00.001-04:00

So many pics from China that I'll just jump in. For more, you can visit Matt's Blog or the new blog of my China presentation partner, Katy Anthes.

You are welcome to stop by the house for a traditional slide show, if you'd rather!

Breakfast at the hotel. Dumplings, cold meat, veggies and, at 2:00, a Chinese doughnut. The doughnut is pretty good, especially after you put sugar on it.

I'm standing in the center of the Temple of Heaven, talking to the gods.

We ate at this restaurant for lunch the first day. Since we were with a big group, I never saw the menu. But, I'm pretty sure I didn't eat this.

The ubiquitous trinket vendor. This one is at the Temple of Heaven, but they were everywhere. Good thing we finally bought another suitcase...

2007-08-21T08:36:00.000-04:00

Check out that great headware!

Montsweag Flea Market

2007-07-14T09:59:00.001-04:00

Lydia and Matt open for business.

Table rental: $10
Sales Revenue: $10
Donation to Animal Shelter: 1/2 of Sales.

Maine was great - as usual

2007-07-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

2007-06-05T15:06:00.001-04:00

So I cleaned out the top shelf of our linen closet. Was going to use it for storage, but Lydia decided it made a great secret reading room.

3 out of 4

2007-04-23T20:56:00.000-04:00

Jake, Grammy and Ann spent Saturday afternoon geocaching in Alpharetta - just a few miles north. We hit 4 caches and found 3. 75% isn't too bad - and one was a multicache called Twin Towers. This cache had the first clue hidden under the skirt of a lightpost (see pic of Grammy & Jake) then we had to puzzle out the clue to find the actual cache (pic of Ann & Jake - see why it's called Twin Towers?).

In the last pic, Jake has found a Jeep TB. That was impressive enough that he had to put down his bug vacuum.

2007-04-22T22:32:00.000-04:00

Here's Lydia and her friends asking for permission to buy ice cream at school last week. I succumbed.

2007-04-13T14:29:00.000-04:00

Picture of Lydia from Japanese Day at her school. Luckily one of the other parents remembered to get a picture of our daughter. (Thanks, Laurel!)

2007-03-03T16:03:00.000-05:00

Here's Jake and Lydia sledding on our last morning in South Lake Tahoe. We were waiting for the tubing area to open, but we ended up having more fun on this little hill. Check out those giant snowflakes.

2007-02-24T22:46:00.001-05:00

Lydia won a boatload of stuffed animals at Circus Circus where they have a carnival-like midway. She's named them all.

2007-02-24T22:32:00.000-05:00

We're in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Here's Jake's first attempt at a show angel. It's beautiful here.

2007-02-18T20:22:00.000-05:00

Lydia insisted I find her an editing test online for her to work on. She's got the right color pen.

Geocaching Returns

2007-02-13T08:49:00.000-05:00

I was just in Phoenix for a meeting and flexed my geocaching muscles again. My first finds in quite a while! They were witnessed by muggles-no-more Kate & Kristen, who joined me on two of the urban caches around Scottsdale. Our hard hunting was rewarded with a margarita & chips, but I don't think they'll be rushing out anytime soon buy their own GPS.

2007-02-11T18:28:00.000-05:00

Here's the second half of Lydia's message in which she pleads for my help in selling Girl Scout cookies. Note the pronunciation of Samoas -- she's always had trouble with that one.

2007-02-07T14:37:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen to a voicemail I got from Lydia a couple of weeks ago.

Holiday Hospital Room

2006-12-21T11:08:00.000-05:00

Martha & I also took it upon ourselves to "brighten up" the hospital room where the Bush's stayed for a few days last week. It's amazing what you can do with a little scotch tape and wrapping paper.

Happy to be Home from the Hospital

2006-12-21T10:52:00.000-05:00

Becky, Aidan & Finn are home and ready for Xmas. What a healthy baby!

While Martha & I were at the Bush's, Aidan learned how to sing Jingle Bells. He's really good at the "Hey!" part. Those reindeer antlers actually play the tune if you press a button on the headpiece. It works really well if you keep pressing it - over and over and over.

Broadway Santa

2006-12-21T10:40:00.000-05:00

The great Xmas play - Unity style. That's Lydia as "Cupid" second from left.

2006-12-15T21:09:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of Ann with her new nephew Finley.

2006-12-12T20:31:00.000-05:00

Jake had a wonderful birthday at the Chuck E. Cheese's. I've never seen a bigger smile on his face than when Chuck E. pointed to him and gave him a "thumbs up" while the crew sang Happy Birthday.

We've really resisted having the party there, but overall I'd say the kids had a blast. They certainly know what they're doing over there.

One big bone

2006-12-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

We got June a giant bone at the Wal-Mart. She's been sitting on her bed for the last three hours chewing on it.

Loose tooth

2006-12-05T20:34:00.000-05:00

Jake's tooth is so loose that even the clerk at the Verizon store was begging him to let her pull it out. She was telling us that her grandmother had the fastest hands in the West. Grandma would insist that she just wanted to wiggle the tooth -- then it'd be gone.

Jake was unconvinced. His head's a blur because he was shaking it "no."

Ultimately, Jake won the day. The tooth remains.

2006-11-13T17:10:00.000-05:00

Here's a video of my brother Greg singing with Sammy Hagar. Go to the middle of the video to hear him solo a portion of Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll."

2006-11-01T08:29:00.000-05:00

Lydia and Jake before their Halloween expedition last night. The kids had a great time and I stayed home to hand out candy. Put a red light and some recorded spooky moaning noises in the garage, but none of the kids who rang the doorbell seemed particularly spooked out.

2006-08-29T20:28:00.000-04:00

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We got a dog from a friend a mine. Her name is June -- in honor of Johnny Cash's wife. We figured that was a sign that we needed to adopt this dog.

She's incredibly sweet and well behaved. Click on the video for an introduction.

Embassy Suites

2006-08-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

Note to self - stay at Embassy Suites as much as possible.

Their new brand is "everything for a reason" - as in "because sometimes it takes a closed door to keep a family together" or "there is a good reason for you not to knock right now". In addition, there is Ann's "because I like my omlettes with ham and cheese" "because I need half-and-half", "because I like sheet/blanket/sheet" and "because I enjoy unlimited beer on tap and my peers like mixed drinks - for free".

Oh, and it's a good spiritual philosophy, too.

Here's what Geocaching is all about...

2006-08-13T19:33:00.000-04:00

Someone found my cache on the northern tip of Westport Island today.

Log Date: 8/13/2006We've lived in Wiscasset more than 30 years, but never went to the N. end of Westport until now. Nice spot. We dropped off a superball & a keychain. Took Motherlode2's iron pyrites and moved Benny the Backpacker t/b. 73 de K1CGZ

Of course, Kathy Khanjar, Barbara Duffy, Dottie Brown & Gini Russell have all been there, too. I love that! Now I'm connected to Westport all year round. :-)

Geocaching Obsession

2006-07-26T08:11:00.000-04:00

My geocaching obsession is now officially out of control. I'm in Big Sky, MT for a conference and took an open afternoon to do a little caching. This is the most extreme hike I've ever been on - and I didn't even make it to the cache, which is at the top of Lone Peak Mountain. I came within 100 feet of the summit, but rain and time started to work against me so I turned around. In hindsight, it was incredibly stupid of me to attempt this one without the right gear and without another person. Look at the pic - that's taken from about 1/3 up the trail. The terrain is all loose rock. I made it up past a few barrier fences to the final sheer rockface (see the small indentation at the top?) and saw some July snow along the way. It might be time for a geocaching hiatus.

2006-07-18T19:22:00.000-04:00

Here's a great photo of Lydia and Jake. I miss 'em. (Don't worry, they're just on vacation with their mom.)

DuffyRocksOn

2006-07-14T08:22:00.000-04:00

I've created my own geocaching identity - duffyrockson (get it?) - because when I travel for work I like to find a geocache or two. The kids aren't so excited about these finds, most of which are urban micros and it takes away their goal of getting to 100 as DuffyRocks. So, you can now follow DuffyRocksOn, too. Fun fun fun!

Here's my favorite cache so far - based on the movie Office Space. I couldn't figure it out so it is a DNF for me, but I did waste a lot of time taking the Office Space quiz.

Name TBD

2006-07-10T07:11:00.000-04:00

We bought a boat! The current name is Blue Bird, but that's sure to change. It's docked in Maine for the summer and we had many fun rides during our stay at the houseboat. Yup, that's Andrew Jones piloting her along the Sheepscot.

Jake Bowling

2006-06-08T06:15:00.000-04:00

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what's the best part of a trip to New Orleans?

2006-06-01T17:13:00.000-04:00

The hotel, of course.

For a more practical description of our experience, visit Matt's Blog.

Last Day of School

2006-06-01T17:10:00.000-04:00

It's summer vacation....

Brownie Initiation

2006-05-16T17:06:00.000-04:00

Lydia's Brownie troop had the initiation ceremony today. That's me - pinning 11 girls. "Twist me and turn me, and show me the elf. I looked in the mirror and saw _______"

Treehouse!

2006-05-13T17:05:00.000-04:00

Daddy's new project is almost done and the kids are excited. First the rope ladder, then the floor with a trap door. Railings are next.

Daddy's eating a celebratory doughnut.

Micro-Caching can be fun, too!

2006-05-09T12:11:00.000-04:00

We visited Willie's Ride in Ackworth. The Caboose is always the best part of the train.

2006-04-22T13:14:00.000-04:00

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Here's Jake with his cowboy hat and tamborine singing the "Imperial March" theme from "Star Wars." Lydia -- and her play-dough snake -- help out with the end.

2006-04-18T21:41:00.000-04:00

Here's Lydia with her loot at the American Legion Easter egg hunt on Saturday.

And here's Jake with his treasure.

2006-04-13T20:39:00.000-04:00

For desert last night, Jake ate Sun Chips dipped in yogurt. No kidding.

Baby Bear's Birthday Party

2006-04-05T18:42:00.000-04:00

The kids had a birthday party for baby bear. Baked a cake and everything. Ann's never seen a couple of hours that couldn't be filled by baking a cake.

Here's the video:

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Hmm? What? Oh, what's that in the picture? Oh that's a sock with grass sticking out of it.

Clifford's weekend with Lydia

2006-03-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

Lydia brought home Clifford for the weekend. He got to do everything: geocaching, sleepover at Grammy & Grampy's, banking... Clifford even got to go to Mass with G&G.

Geocaching with Grammy.

Even reading with Daddy.

Reading with Daddy

2006-03-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Video Sharing at DropShots.comI'm experimenting with this Web site DropShots. They make it pretty easy (and free) to post videos on your blog.

Matt joins DuffyRocks

2006-03-12T21:43:00.000-05:00

Matt joined the family on his first geocache today - and it was a bust. A small micro-cache in a heavily muggled area and we couldn't find it. Oh well. The nearby playground and the blue Kool-aid drink pouches were hits.

Our caching hit rate has been pretty low recently. We've missed 3 of the last 5. Thank goodness there is a cache nearby that is always well stocked with toys and hidden enough to excite the pre-school crowd. We've gone there a few times as a consolation prize.

2006-02-19T13:45:00.000-05:00

The Duffys went to the circus yesterday. I've got to admit that "Greatest Show on Earth" pretty much nails it.

I asked the concession guy where all the employees live when they're in town. Do they stay in hotels?

"No," he answered. "We live on the circus train."

The circus train. How awesome.

Here's a video of the horse act. Pretty lame compared to the rest of the show, but I forgot to video the really incredible stuff. Too mesmerized.

Lydia's Valentine

2006-02-10T21:30:00.000-05:00

Here's Lydia reading her Valentine message ... to you!

cookie update

2006-02-10T21:26:00.000-05:00

Lydia sold 98 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. That's enough for a patch!

Cafe cookies showed a strong second, but thin mints came in first. Who doesn't like a good thin mint (except Grammy, of course).

geocaching

2006-02-06T20:15:00.000-05:00

It's the best! We've been with Grammy & the Khanjars & our neighbors. What's not to love? Purposeful, free, outdoors & exercise (bonus!).

This pic is of our first find last month with Grammy, who was smart enough to give Matt the GPS device for Xmas. Perfect present! Bonus surprise: Aunt Ginny had already been there a year earlier.

We are "duffyrocks" and we leave a small package of beads with each find. Next time we visit you, we'll be geocaching in your backyard.

Porch looks like it's always been there...

2006-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Note the fantastic facia & matching paint.

Girl Scout Cookie Time!

2006-01-22T19:21:00.000-05:00

Lydia's selling Girl Scout cookies and I've already had a few ethical dilemmas.

2) Earlier on Friday afternoon, before school got out, I got a call from a coworker. She was in the office looking at an order form from someone downstairs and wanted to know if I was selling. If so, she would by from me. Now, I SWORE I would never do it, but how can I resist the not-even-trying-to-sell-sale? So I agreed to bring in the order form on Monday. The next thing I know, I've sold 24 boxes to coworkers. I'm now one of those people. Is that ethical?

3) Lydia is an excellent sales person. At the Cookie Rally last Thursday, all of the girls got to sample the new Cafe cookie. Lydia loves it. So she tells everyone that it's her favorite cookie. Of course, she hasn't tried any of the others, but she's taken in more orders for Cafe cookies than for Thin Mints. She even got Grampy to buy one. Is that ethical?

4) I'm open to taking any orders from friends and family. Just tell me what you want and we'll get them to you (upon payment, of course). Is that ethical?

This seemed so much easier when I was the Brownie....

2006-01-15T13:17:00.000-05:00

Never let the man tell you what to do.

Mystery substance

2006-01-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

Ann put this in our fridge. What is it? It frightens me.

The Screen Porch

2006-01-08T21:25:00.000-05:00

I'm building a screen porch over the back patio. I'd say it's about half-way done. Jake's helping me install the flashing so that the roof won't leak. All that's left to do is install the fascia, apply the screen, insert a door (on the far wall), hang a ceiling fan, and cover the ceiling. Simple project, eh?

After that, I'm going to build my boat. Here's the model.

2006-01-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

Jake, Lydia and Daddy hanging out on the porch roof. Lydia's wearing shorts -- Atlanta in January, baby. Daddy's sporting a cool toolbelt, but any masculinity points are automatically deducted due to the day-glo green-colored utility knife protruding from the pocket.

Potato Guns!

2005-12-26T22:07:00.000-05:00

They shoot little pellets of potato. Great old-school fun.

xmas lessons 2005

2005-12-26T20:57:00.000-05:00

Lessons from xmas 2005:
1) You never really know which toy is the hit and which is a miss, and
2) Grandparents always have the best gifts.

A "mood ball" that changes color wherever you touch it.... HIT. (Also note new clothes... HIT.)

Daddy got a book about bugs, complete with three-d glasses... HIT

Jake added to his collection of pirates... HIT

The only MISS was Santa's. Apparently, Santa was supposed to bring Matt a Stars Wars III DVD. Unfortunately, Santa didn't get the memo, so Matt had to go out and buy it for himself today.

Ho ho ho. :-)

Jake's 5th Birthday Party

2005-12-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

Just had a big party at our house for Jake's 5-year-old birthday. Planned on some outdoor activity, but bad weather prevented it. I'd say, it worked out fine. Note the Power Ranger theme. Thanks to Barbara Duffy for all these great photos.

2005-12-05T08:41:00.001-05:00

Six classmates in your bedroom. Now, that's good fun.

2005-12-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

This party practically ran itself.

2005-12-05T08:40:00.000-05:00

Beading. The perfect party activity.

2005-12-05T08:39:00.000-05:00

Everybody limbo!

2005-12-05T08:38:00.000-05:00

What party is complete without the Chicken Dance?

2005-12-05T08:37:00.000-05:00

Followed by a Conga line, of course. To the tune of Buster Poindexter's "Hot! Hot! Hot!"

2005-12-05T08:36:00.000-05:00

By the time the Conga line reached the living room, the pizza was set out, ready for kid-consumption. This party ran like clockwork, baby.

2005-12-05T08:35:00.000-05:00

We decided to make rules about what behavior was appropriate. "No hitting." "No being mean." "No pulling eyeballs out of your head."

2005-12-05T08:34:00.000-05:00

The best ride ever.

2005-12-05T08:27:00.000-05:00

By the end, we were all ready for some relaxation!

At the Lapin Agile

2005-12-01T15:18:00.000-05:00

Lydia learned all about Picasso in her art class. Does it show?