Pup showed up at our house circa 1973. I don't think we ever learned where he came from, but the going theory was always that my great uncle Doug Ford dropped him off. Pup was a reddish, longer-haired dog, possibly a Border Collie mix (as best I remember). I don't know why he took to us kids like he did, because I used to do stuff like trying to cut his hair with lopper shears (as long ago as that was, I have a fleeting memory of that).
The rest of this story is from stories that have been told and re-told through time and may, or may not, be the whole truth, but it is the truth as I know it.
Pup took it as his personal mission to protect Kellie and I. When Kellie was a toddler, and I was still a babe, Mom used to let Kellie out in the yard when she hung the laundry on the line in the back yard. Pup would keep watch over Kellie and if she started toward the road, pup would run in front of her and trip her, so she couldn't wander into danger.
He would also actively protect us. Back then, Dad was a gear head and shade tree mechanic, and Eddie Wayne would come up and help him work on whatever project was in the driveway. One night, they were out there working on a car and we were in the front yard playing. Eddie Wayne walked toward us, for whatever innocent reason, and Pup, sensing a potential threat, bit him. Eddie Wayne threw the timing chain he had in his hand at Pup. Dad told Eddie Wayne that he'd go get a shotgun so he could kill Pup (an eye for an eye, so to speak, as would be expected), but Eddie Wayne said no, he was just trying to protect the kids.
There was a man in the community at the time that was mentally challenged. I don't know what his condition was, but he used to ride his bike up and down Egypt Road. (it wasn't Glen, these folks lived up near the Adams) One day, he threw the chain, or some similar bike trouble, and got off and started pushing his bike. He was on the side of the road next to our house and Pup perceived that he was coming toward Kellie and I, so he (you guessed it) bit the poor guy. As I remember it, Mom and Dad put him in their car and took him home, apologized profusely, and offered to pay his doctor's bill. His mom and dad understood and said everything was forgiven, and they'd take care of their son.
Some years later (when Pup was very old), we got a phone call, rather early early in the morning. It seems that Pup was asleep in the road, and someone ran over him. The person recognized Pup and knew he belonged to us and called to tell us what happened.
If this story was repeated today, my parents would be destitute from the law suits, and there would be a campaign to outlaw border collie mutts. However, back when people still had common sense, they recognized that sometimes bad things happen due to unfortunate circumstances. Everyone involved recognized that Pup was only trying to protect "his" kids, and they, unfortunately, appeared to be a threat.
Sometimes, life just sucks like that and any attempt to place blame is either futile, or a dishonorable attempt to take advantage of others.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Way back in the day - a Beagle named Penny
Christy Chavies Tripp posted something on Facebook tonight that made me think of this.... Waaay back in the day, maybe 1976ish(?), we had a female beagle named Penny. I don't remember where she came from, probably a neighbor. She was mostly white with black spots. Well, as those "female dogs" will do, Penny got knocked up. One night she went up under the shed behind the well house (which is right behind the house) and had eight puppies - eight!
With eight puppies running around, you couldn't hardly step out the door without stepping into a "pile". I mean, it was like trying to cross the Korea DMZ without stepping on a land mine. Mom even tried putting sandwich bags over our little shoes to keep us from getting poo ground into our shoe soles and tracking it into the house.
We had a real problem on our hands. We had the only dog we needed. We we certainly didn't need eight more beagles. We gave every neighbor a puppy who would take one, but we still had a bunch that needed homes.
At that time, John Green still ran the little store up at the intersection of what is now Egypt Road and Hampton Mountain Road. There were three or four boys who would walk by our house every couple of days, on their way to Green's store. They lived somewhere on HWY 179, over a mile from the store, but back then, you could (and would) still walk that far to the store to buy a coke and some peanuts to put in it. Every time they came by our house on their way home, they'd come up in our yard and pet the puppies, and they'd end up taking at least one home. I think they ended up with at least five beagle pups.
When they took the last pup, Mom convinced them to take Penny too (because she was a walking time bomb of beagle puppies). She even drove them home, because we had no use for leashes and didn't have one, and Penny was too heavy to carry all that way.
That didn't last. A few days later, Penny came running up into the yard. I still don't know if those boys' parents brought her back and dropped her off close to the house (It's like hot potato, the one that owns the bomb when it goes off owns the pups), or if she found her way home.
Christy's Facebook thing was about kids of the 50's - 80's and how our childhoods were decidedly different from the modern kids. I think this story is a perfect example. Here we have kids walking well over a mile, alone, just to go to the store (just to go); people giving dogs away (check out a pet store today and price a beagle pup), and without some kind of application, background check, and home visit; kids walking up into a strangers yard (and strangers letting them) without fear of a lawsuit for some reason; and kids getting into cars with strangers, and yet we all lived and are none the worse for wear.
I have no idea who those boys were, or what they are doing now, but I can only imagine that they are like me, trying to raise their own kids, the best we can, the realities of modern life not withstanding.
With eight puppies running around, you couldn't hardly step out the door without stepping into a "pile". I mean, it was like trying to cross the Korea DMZ without stepping on a land mine. Mom even tried putting sandwich bags over our little shoes to keep us from getting poo ground into our shoe soles and tracking it into the house.
We had a real problem on our hands. We had the only dog we needed. We we certainly didn't need eight more beagles. We gave every neighbor a puppy who would take one, but we still had a bunch that needed homes.
At that time, John Green still ran the little store up at the intersection of what is now Egypt Road and Hampton Mountain Road. There were three or four boys who would walk by our house every couple of days, on their way to Green's store. They lived somewhere on HWY 179, over a mile from the store, but back then, you could (and would) still walk that far to the store to buy a coke and some peanuts to put in it. Every time they came by our house on their way home, they'd come up in our yard and pet the puppies, and they'd end up taking at least one home. I think they ended up with at least five beagle pups.
When they took the last pup, Mom convinced them to take Penny too (because she was a walking time bomb of beagle puppies). She even drove them home, because we had no use for leashes and didn't have one, and Penny was too heavy to carry all that way.
That didn't last. A few days later, Penny came running up into the yard. I still don't know if those boys' parents brought her back and dropped her off close to the house (It's like hot potato, the one that owns the bomb when it goes off owns the pups), or if she found her way home.
Christy's Facebook thing was about kids of the 50's - 80's and how our childhoods were decidedly different from the modern kids. I think this story is a perfect example. Here we have kids walking well over a mile, alone, just to go to the store (just to go); people giving dogs away (check out a pet store today and price a beagle pup), and without some kind of application, background check, and home visit; kids walking up into a strangers yard (and strangers letting them) without fear of a lawsuit for some reason; and kids getting into cars with strangers, and yet we all lived and are none the worse for wear.
I have no idea who those boys were, or what they are doing now, but I can only imagine that they are like me, trying to raise their own kids, the best we can, the realities of modern life not withstanding.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Why I LOVE Duck Dynasty
If you are reading this, you are probably a friend of mine. If you're a friend of mine, you probably watch Duck Dynasty, or have at least seen it. In case you haven't, it is a "reality" show on A&E about the Robertson family that started and still runs the Duck Commander company. They specialize in making some (rather high end) duck calls. Although they are stinkin' rich, they are still very "red neck". Just like all "reality" shows, there is a lot of staging and scripting (if you don't believe me, watch the Clint Bowyer episode), but I must believe the heart of the show is really the heart of the Robertson family.
What I love:
First, the characters. I think we all know someone like one of the Duck Commander family. You can't script those personalities! I can identify with them - even crazy Uncle Si. Who doesn't have a mother, grandmother, or aunt like Miss Kay?
Second, they play with guns. I don't mean "play" in a derogatory sense. I mean they use guns for sport and have fun with them in line with their intended purpose - like when Phil and Si were shooting golf balls that Jase and Willie were hitting off tees, or when Phil had the little girls trying to shoot duck decoys with their BB Guns from their playhouse "duck blind". Despite all that gun play, no one is hurt, or ever feels threatened by a gun. Guns are useful and fun, and a perfectly normal feature in a family setting.
Third, they hunt and fish. They kill things, and they clean them and eat them. There is no shying away from killing or the messiness that comes from killing your own food. On the other hand, they don't kill just to kill. Everything has a purpose.
Finally, this is one of the few (possibly only) "reality" shows that has values. I say the show has values because every episode is permeated with family values. The family participated in a Christmas program at their church, Phil is constantly working to teach the next generation his values, and in the end of every conflict, family wins out. Put on top of that, every show ends with the extended family gathered around the table together for supper, and they always join in prayer. No other show on TV would be so bold (and its a shame that I consider that bold).
If you've never seen it, re-runs are on every Wednesday and new episodes are on Fridays on A&E.
*Disclaimer - none of the pictures belong to me. They were on the internet and assumed to be public domain for non-profit use.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Comedy Gold
The kids were on fire at the supper table tonight, giving quote after quote that made me hide my face behind my napkin, almost crying from laughter.
We had Digiorno's "freezer pizza" for supper tonight. We had a left over Papa John's dipping sauce, which Joseph will literally drink, so Jeni warmed it up in a microwave proof sauce cup and let Joseph have it. I asked him if I could have some and he said yes and then kept telling me to "dip your pizza Daddy" while I tried to explain that I only dip the crust and I hadn't eaten all the way up there yet. When I did start dipping, he only let me have about 3 or 4 dips and I guess he thought I'd had enough. He, very demonstratively, picked up the cup and moved it to the other side of his plate (away from me) and said, "That's enough Daddy!"
I'm currently taking a class I need in order to be certified for my next job, at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) (a high falutin' name for an institution that issues no degrees). Making kid friendly conversation, Jeni said, "Daddy, what did you do at school today?" Janelle piped right in and said, "Daddy, what did you have for snack?!", echoing what I often ask her about her day at "school".
They will probably go to Tyson's Galleria to see Santa tomorrow, because there is no line on weekdays, so I asked Joseph what he was going to ask Santa for. He said, "an Army truck!". I haven't heard that before, so I asked, "an Army truck?" Joseph gave me a perfect Pentagon salute, you know, shoulder shrug, elbows bent, and palms up, "I don't have an ARMY truck Daddy. I'm going to ask for an Army truck."
Then Janelle asked Jeni what she wanted. Jeni told her she wanted a vegetable peeler (something simple the kids could "get" her). Janelle asked what else. Jeni said maybe a rubber whisk. Janelle asked what else and Jeni said, "I'll make you a little list", to which Janelle replied, "but Mommy, I can't read!"
Finally, Joseph announced, "I need to go potty." Jeni said, OK, go potty. Janelle, never one to be left out, announced, "I need to go potty too", and took off for the bathroom. Joseph said, "I'll go upstairs to potty". Janelle announced from the bathroom, "You can go here when I get done!" Joseph said, "OK, I'll wait right here, on my truck." (sitting on his ride-on fire truck)
You can't make this stuff up. I can't express their vocalizations in type, so maybe you had to be there, but I could have sold tickets to dinner at the Ford house tonight.
We had Digiorno's "freezer pizza" for supper tonight. We had a left over Papa John's dipping sauce, which Joseph will literally drink, so Jeni warmed it up in a microwave proof sauce cup and let Joseph have it. I asked him if I could have some and he said yes and then kept telling me to "dip your pizza Daddy" while I tried to explain that I only dip the crust and I hadn't eaten all the way up there yet. When I did start dipping, he only let me have about 3 or 4 dips and I guess he thought I'd had enough. He, very demonstratively, picked up the cup and moved it to the other side of his plate (away from me) and said, "That's enough Daddy!"
I'm currently taking a class I need in order to be certified for my next job, at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) (a high falutin' name for an institution that issues no degrees). Making kid friendly conversation, Jeni said, "Daddy, what did you do at school today?" Janelle piped right in and said, "Daddy, what did you have for snack?!", echoing what I often ask her about her day at "school".
They will probably go to Tyson's Galleria to see Santa tomorrow, because there is no line on weekdays, so I asked Joseph what he was going to ask Santa for. He said, "an Army truck!". I haven't heard that before, so I asked, "an Army truck?" Joseph gave me a perfect Pentagon salute, you know, shoulder shrug, elbows bent, and palms up, "I don't have an ARMY truck Daddy. I'm going to ask for an Army truck."
Then Janelle asked Jeni what she wanted. Jeni told her she wanted a vegetable peeler (something simple the kids could "get" her). Janelle asked what else. Jeni said maybe a rubber whisk. Janelle asked what else and Jeni said, "I'll make you a little list", to which Janelle replied, "but Mommy, I can't read!"
Finally, Joseph announced, "I need to go potty." Jeni said, OK, go potty. Janelle, never one to be left out, announced, "I need to go potty too", and took off for the bathroom. Joseph said, "I'll go upstairs to potty". Janelle announced from the bathroom, "You can go here when I get done!" Joseph said, "OK, I'll wait right here, on my truck." (sitting on his ride-on fire truck)
You can't make this stuff up. I can't express their vocalizations in type, so maybe you had to be there, but I could have sold tickets to dinner at the Ford house tonight.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Boys Afternoon
Mommy and Janelle went to a "Princess" birthday party this afternoon, so I cross loaded Joseph's car seat into my truck and we set out to have a boy's afternoon out. Joseph loves to ride in my truck, he says he want's one like it when he's big, but he doesn't get to do it much. Our first mission was to get me a haircut. Joseph loves to go to the barber shop and he wanted a cut, too, but he really didn't need one.
The barber shop was really crowded but we found two seats and sat down. As an irrelevant aside, I go to a Vietnamese barbershop (every soldier knows the Korean barbershops outside the gate). It is a really modern shop and they have a fish tank and a little area with some kids chairs and a little table and a bin of toys for the kids. The barbers have names like Qui, Luke, Andy, Hung, and Jennifer.
When we got there, Joseph and I sat down and looked at some car magazines until it was my turn. When I got called, I told Joseph he could go sit in the little chairs and look at the fish or play with toys. He was such a little man. He went over and got a little chair and turned it around and looked at the fish tank. At some point, Jennifer (the barber), was sweeping up hair, and Joseph turned his chair square around, so he was facing the barber chairs and Jennifer. This caught her a bit off guard and she said, "Hello there". He didn't throw the toys about or cause any kind of fuss. He just sat there and waited for me to get through. When I got done, my barber (the young lady who is a George Mason Pharmacy grad who cuts hair on Sunday) asked me if she could give him a sucker. Needless to say, I was very proud of him.
After the barber shop, we went to CostCo. I told Joseph that he would have to stay very close to me, because CostCo is crazy crowded, and he did the best he could. After a while in CostCo, I put Joseph on my shoulders and was playing a little game with him... lean this way, "don't fall"... lean that way, " don't fall". After a while, my shoulders were getting tired, so I asked him if he'd like to get down.... silence.... "Joseph, do you want to get down?".... silence. "Joseph, I can't see you nodding your head, you need to talk". He leaned over, right next to my head and nodded, so I let him down.
After CostCo, we went to the Giant grocery store to get some juice for the kids. We got two each one quart bottles of juice and Joseph wanted to carry one. It was a handful for him and he hugged it up against his body, "holding it with two hands, daddy". We went by the floral section and Joseph wanted to smell the flowers. They had some really expensive Orchids and Joseph went over and smelled and asked all kinds of questions. "What is this?" "That's a bud, son, a little flower that hasn't opened up yet." "Daddy, what's that yellow thing in the flower?" "I don't know, son, it's just part of the flower. Don't touch it, that's a very expensive flower if you break it" Then he carried his bottle up to the self check and we paid out and went to the truck.
There was a moped one park over and in front of us. A guy got on it and rode off. Joseph said, "Look daddy, he's on a motorcycle." I said, "Well that's not really a motorcycle, that's more like a scooter." Joseph said, matter-of-factually, "Scooters are pink, that's a motorcycle".
While we were out driving, Joseph was asking questions and learned all kind of things. He learned what blinkers are and what hazard flashers are. I tried to explain what that "big lever" in the floor does, and what the "little lever" (4 WD shifter) does and why the "clocks" on the dash (the speedo and tach) go up when we leave a red light. I told him about engines and when we got home, I had to pop the hood and show him the truck's engine. He told me he wants a "motor like that when I get big".
After we got home, he wanted to ride his bike. He has a little-bitty Diego bike with training wheels that he rides like a little demon. His only problem is that he tends to turn it too sharply and tips it over, but he usually gets up and dusts his hands off and gets back on. When he's sitting still, and is trying to get it going, he kind of hops on it to get some momentum going forward, but also spins the rear wheel. Once, this afternoon, he hopped, his petals spun really fast, and he banged his knee on the handle bars. He really wanted to cry, but I told him "If you're going to ride a bike, its going to happen. Keep riding. Pedal it off. It will quit hurting. Go". After he got going, it was all forgotten.
I really enjoy the one on one time with the kids. Together, they are hell on wheels, and can be unbearable at times, but when there is only one, we make serious quality time together. I love that.
The barber shop was really crowded but we found two seats and sat down. As an irrelevant aside, I go to a Vietnamese barbershop (every soldier knows the Korean barbershops outside the gate). It is a really modern shop and they have a fish tank and a little area with some kids chairs and a little table and a bin of toys for the kids. The barbers have names like Qui, Luke, Andy, Hung, and Jennifer.
When we got there, Joseph and I sat down and looked at some car magazines until it was my turn. When I got called, I told Joseph he could go sit in the little chairs and look at the fish or play with toys. He was such a little man. He went over and got a little chair and turned it around and looked at the fish tank. At some point, Jennifer (the barber), was sweeping up hair, and Joseph turned his chair square around, so he was facing the barber chairs and Jennifer. This caught her a bit off guard and she said, "Hello there". He didn't throw the toys about or cause any kind of fuss. He just sat there and waited for me to get through. When I got done, my barber (the young lady who is a George Mason Pharmacy grad who cuts hair on Sunday) asked me if she could give him a sucker. Needless to say, I was very proud of him.
After the barber shop, we went to CostCo. I told Joseph that he would have to stay very close to me, because CostCo is crazy crowded, and he did the best he could. After a while in CostCo, I put Joseph on my shoulders and was playing a little game with him... lean this way, "don't fall"... lean that way, " don't fall". After a while, my shoulders were getting tired, so I asked him if he'd like to get down.... silence.... "Joseph, do you want to get down?".... silence. "Joseph, I can't see you nodding your head, you need to talk". He leaned over, right next to my head and nodded, so I let him down.
After CostCo, we went to the Giant grocery store to get some juice for the kids. We got two each one quart bottles of juice and Joseph wanted to carry one. It was a handful for him and he hugged it up against his body, "holding it with two hands, daddy". We went by the floral section and Joseph wanted to smell the flowers. They had some really expensive Orchids and Joseph went over and smelled and asked all kinds of questions. "What is this?" "That's a bud, son, a little flower that hasn't opened up yet." "Daddy, what's that yellow thing in the flower?" "I don't know, son, it's just part of the flower. Don't touch it, that's a very expensive flower if you break it" Then he carried his bottle up to the self check and we paid out and went to the truck.
There was a moped one park over and in front of us. A guy got on it and rode off. Joseph said, "Look daddy, he's on a motorcycle." I said, "Well that's not really a motorcycle, that's more like a scooter." Joseph said, matter-of-factually, "Scooters are pink, that's a motorcycle".
While we were out driving, Joseph was asking questions and learned all kind of things. He learned what blinkers are and what hazard flashers are. I tried to explain what that "big lever" in the floor does, and what the "little lever" (4 WD shifter) does and why the "clocks" on the dash (the speedo and tach) go up when we leave a red light. I told him about engines and when we got home, I had to pop the hood and show him the truck's engine. He told me he wants a "motor like that when I get big".
After we got home, he wanted to ride his bike. He has a little-bitty Diego bike with training wheels that he rides like a little demon. His only problem is that he tends to turn it too sharply and tips it over, but he usually gets up and dusts his hands off and gets back on. When he's sitting still, and is trying to get it going, he kind of hops on it to get some momentum going forward, but also spins the rear wheel. Once, this afternoon, he hopped, his petals spun really fast, and he banged his knee on the handle bars. He really wanted to cry, but I told him "If you're going to ride a bike, its going to happen. Keep riding. Pedal it off. It will quit hurting. Go". After he got going, it was all forgotten.
I really enjoy the one on one time with the kids. Together, they are hell on wheels, and can be unbearable at times, but when there is only one, we make serious quality time together. I love that.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Look at yourself
This is an amazing story. On one hand I just want to post this and say, "look at yourself", and remind us all about the blessings we have, just to be "normal", and what an inspiration this guy is.
http://www.wimp.com/watchingthis/
But then I thought, we have soldiers like this. I've seen them, up close and personal, and it's simultaneously heartbreaking and inspirational. They aren't hopping around on stumps like this. See this young man here: http://youtu.be/dwO0_uWTR8k I'm not trying to take anything away from anyone. I'm just trying to say that our Warriors are the greatest in the world, and our military medicine is making leaps and bounds progress over the civilian world in this area, because we have to, to keep our covenant with our Warriors and our never quit Warriors will not settle for anything less.
I'm not disparaging anyone. Both men mentioned here are truly inspirational, both are making the most out of the cards they've been dealt, they just have different ways of going about it. Neither is more right, or more inspirational than the other. My point is, we take care of our own, and we're doing it extraordinarily well and our Warriors will accept nothing else. We owe it to them.
http://www.wimp.com/watchingthis/
But then I thought, we have soldiers like this. I've seen them, up close and personal, and it's simultaneously heartbreaking and inspirational. They aren't hopping around on stumps like this. See this young man here: http://youtu.be/dwO0_uWTR8k I'm not trying to take anything away from anyone. I'm just trying to say that our Warriors are the greatest in the world, and our military medicine is making leaps and bounds progress over the civilian world in this area, because we have to, to keep our covenant with our Warriors and our never quit Warriors will not settle for anything less.
I'm not disparaging anyone. Both men mentioned here are truly inspirational, both are making the most out of the cards they've been dealt, they just have different ways of going about it. Neither is more right, or more inspirational than the other. My point is, we take care of our own, and we're doing it extraordinarily well and our Warriors will accept nothing else. We owe it to them.
Friday, November 23, 2012
What I want
That established, what do I want? I want them to be able to grow up in the same America I grew up in. I want them to know that hard work is the way to get what you want, but when neighbors need help, you help, no matter what. I want them to understand that a wage is a wage, and the only way to earn it is hard work. The way I worked hard for a neighbor, picking produce for a meager wage (but I was darn proud to get it) when I wasn't old enough to legally earn the minimum wage, but at the same time, if he needed help with something, we'd be down there helping out. Just neighbors helping neighbors.
I want them to understand that there is nothing they can't do if they are willing to put themselves out there and work hard for it. That they can be a starter on the sports team, even if they aren't the most physically talented, because they are willing to work harder with what they have. That they can be an A+ student and captain of the scholars bowl team because they are willing to study harder than the other kids. That they can go to the university they want to go to, and not the second best choice, because they can find a way to reach their dream, and if that university is Auburn, that's OK too if their dream is to be an architect or a chicken farmer (sorry, couldn't resist that).
I also want them to understand the simple things in life. I want them to be able to go into the woods on their own land and listen, and watch, and find a squirrel or rabbit, and shoot it with their own .22 rifle, bring it home, skin it out, and eat it. I want them to know that death is part of life and that death supports life and that's why God gave humans providence over the animals. I want them to bait their own hook and clean their own fish.
I want them to understand that people are what matter. The IPhone may connect you and make things much more convenient, but it connects you to people and the people are what matter. The old lady that lives down the road, and still dials the phone, also matters because she is a person and a child of God.
I want them to be self sufficient, not relying on any other man, or the government, for their own well being. I want them to be able to plant their own food, harvest their own game, make their own living, and make their own way in life without taking from others, but always willing to give to others who truly need their help.
Most importantly, I want them to know God. God, who gave us all life and has blessed us with all our gifts. I want them to know and serve him, because that is the only way to eternal life.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Cookie Monsters
Here's a little short tale about my little monsters and what they get into.
Today was my second unscheduled day off. At lunch, the kids didn't eat much. They were more interested in playing and goofing off. We told them, "If you don't eat lunch, no snacks. You'll be hungry but nothing to eat until supper." They just deserted lunch and went off to play anyway.
This afternoon, Jeni went out to get some groceries. The kids kept asking for some oranges, some cheese, a cookie, etc. but I just kept saying no and explaining that they didn't eat lunch, so they would just have to wait until supper.
At some point, I went to the latrine (or potty, for you civilians). When I came out, one of their little blue chairs was pushed up against the kitchen island that holds the stove and the cookie jars. I didn't notice (emphasis on notice) anything amiss (because I'm almost like a visitor here. I don't notice all the details), so I took the chair and put it under their little table and carried on.
At supper, Joseph ate lots of baked chicken and most of the rest of his plate. After supper, Jeni said, "Joseph, you ate very good. Would you like a cookie?" Joseph said, "Yes, are the cookies under the TV?" Jeni, "?No, the cookies aren't under the TV." Joseph, "I think the cookies are in the cabinet under the TV." Jeni, "??I don't know what you're talking about. The cookies aren't under the TV. I'll get you a cookie in a minute." We were both thoroughly confused about what he might be talking about, so we went on our way, clearing the table and cleaning the dishes.
Well, moments later, Joseph crawled up into our TV stand cabinet, under the TV, and came out carrying the tupperware box that all their homemade Halloween cookies are stored in. The little stinker had stolen away with it when I was indisposed and he knew exactly where it was, even if he wasn't able to keep the secret.
Today was my second unscheduled day off. At lunch, the kids didn't eat much. They were more interested in playing and goofing off. We told them, "If you don't eat lunch, no snacks. You'll be hungry but nothing to eat until supper." They just deserted lunch and went off to play anyway.
This afternoon, Jeni went out to get some groceries. The kids kept asking for some oranges, some cheese, a cookie, etc. but I just kept saying no and explaining that they didn't eat lunch, so they would just have to wait until supper.
At some point, I went to the latrine (or potty, for you civilians). When I came out, one of their little blue chairs was pushed up against the kitchen island that holds the stove and the cookie jars. I didn't notice (emphasis on notice) anything amiss (because I'm almost like a visitor here. I don't notice all the details), so I took the chair and put it under their little table and carried on.
At supper, Joseph ate lots of baked chicken and most of the rest of his plate. After supper, Jeni said, "Joseph, you ate very good. Would you like a cookie?" Joseph said, "Yes, are the cookies under the TV?" Jeni, "?No, the cookies aren't under the TV." Joseph, "I think the cookies are in the cabinet under the TV." Jeni, "??I don't know what you're talking about. The cookies aren't under the TV. I'll get you a cookie in a minute." We were both thoroughly confused about what he might be talking about, so we went on our way, clearing the table and cleaning the dishes.
Well, moments later, Joseph crawled up into our TV stand cabinet, under the TV, and came out carrying the tupperware box that all their homemade Halloween cookies are stored in. The little stinker had stolen away with it when I was indisposed and he knew exactly where it was, even if he wasn't able to keep the secret.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
More of Joseph and My Job
I put the beginning of this story on Facebook, so you may or may not have heard it before.
Jeni and the kids quite often pick me up from work at the Metro station. They also occasionally drop me off there, always so I can "go to work".
Also, several months ago, Jeni brought the kids down to the Pentagon on the Metro, just to have lunch with me. You can do that, a badged Pentagon employee (me) just has to sign them in and escort them. Well, if you've ever been to the Pentagon on the Metro, you know that the train stops right under the Metro bus stop and you just walk out of the Metro station into the Pentagon entrance facility. Little eyes and little minds might not perceive that they'd ever left the Metro system.
That evening, I was talking to Joseph about his day and coming to see me. I asked him, "Where does Daddy work." He said, "The train station!" I asked him what Daddy does at work. He thought for a moment and said, "Rides the train". I guess you can't argue with his three year old logic.
Today, Jeni had a doctor's appointment and we couldn't get a baby sitter, so I stayed home this morning with the kids. However, I needed to take a conference call, so I told the kids that I had a very important call with work and they needed to be very quiet and watch the TV show I put on for them.
I sat on the couch with my Blackberry on speaker and as you could have guessed, Joseph came in and climbed up next to me. He pointed at the Blackberry and said, "Daddy's what's that?" I told him I was on my important phone call with work. He said, "With the train station?!" Trying to get on with my call, I said, "Yes, go watch your show." He didn't. Just then, a person started talking on the call. Joseph's eyes got as big as saucers and with much awe and wonderment he said, "Is that the train (unintelligible)!!??" I just said yes, go back to your show, I need to talk to the train station. At last, he did and I had my call.
You can't argue with his logic.
Jeni and the kids quite often pick me up from work at the Metro station. They also occasionally drop me off there, always so I can "go to work".
Also, several months ago, Jeni brought the kids down to the Pentagon on the Metro, just to have lunch with me. You can do that, a badged Pentagon employee (me) just has to sign them in and escort them. Well, if you've ever been to the Pentagon on the Metro, you know that the train stops right under the Metro bus stop and you just walk out of the Metro station into the Pentagon entrance facility. Little eyes and little minds might not perceive that they'd ever left the Metro system.
That evening, I was talking to Joseph about his day and coming to see me. I asked him, "Where does Daddy work." He said, "The train station!" I asked him what Daddy does at work. He thought for a moment and said, "Rides the train". I guess you can't argue with his three year old logic.
Today, Jeni had a doctor's appointment and we couldn't get a baby sitter, so I stayed home this morning with the kids. However, I needed to take a conference call, so I told the kids that I had a very important call with work and they needed to be very quiet and watch the TV show I put on for them.
I sat on the couch with my Blackberry on speaker and as you could have guessed, Joseph came in and climbed up next to me. He pointed at the Blackberry and said, "Daddy's what's that?" I told him I was on my important phone call with work. He said, "With the train station?!" Trying to get on with my call, I said, "Yes, go watch your show." He didn't. Just then, a person started talking on the call. Joseph's eyes got as big as saucers and with much awe and wonderment he said, "Is that the train (unintelligible)!!??" I just said yes, go back to your show, I need to talk to the train station. At last, he did and I had my call.
You can't argue with his logic.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Why We (They) Do It
I said we, because I am in the Army, but this is really about they because I'm not allowed to do the real stuff any more. I just wear a really cool uniform to my office job every day.
Back in 2004, when I was helping to mobilize the 1-148th Field Artillery, I met "Father John". I don't remember his last name and he was widely called just Father John, but he was also a Captain (CH), the Battalion Chaplain for 1-148 and same rank as me, so we could converse without any formality. Father John was a good man, he shepherded two Catholic Parishes in SE Idaho, at once. In Idaho, Catholics are scarce as hens teeth, and I thought it odd that a Catholic Priest was the Battalion Chaplain for a Battalion that was probably 70% LDS (Mormon).
Like I said, Father John was a good man, and he loved the soldiers under his pastoral care. I remember him going over to another camp at Ft. Bliss, where one of the battalion's soldiers had apparently been bitten by a Brown Recluse spider, but wasn't being treated properly. Father John went to the leadership and raised cane to get that soldier taken care of. The Brigade Chaplain (a real political type) dressed him down over that and told him to "stick to his job." His reply, "I AM doing my job. I'm caring for my flock. I thought that was a Chaplains first duty". He was livid and vented to me, and whoever else was in the vicinity at the time. By the end of the deployment, Father John was the Brigade Chaplain and a Major.
He was also a pragmatic guy and a "real" person. He told CW3 Tim Kindle (a fellow member of our AC/RC detachment and a good friend) and I at lunch one day how he was educated at the University of Idaho and how he used to go across the border to Montana on weekends because the drinking age over there was 18. He also told us that he believed the Church should allow Priests to marry because the European Church believes that man can only do one thing at a time well but American Priests believe they can be both a good husband/father and Priest.
But anyway, to the point of the story: I ran across this picture on facebook tonight. It is from SemperToons. They're a good bunch to follow if you're looking for some motivation. The caption said, "This is why we fight and fight we will...., forever!"
Now, you're probably asking, what does this have to do with an unmarried Catholic Priest from Idaho. Well, I went to one (several, but I remember this one, and its relevant) of Father John's services while we were down at Ft. Bliss. [Let me digress for a moment here. In the military, Chaplains have their own faith/denomination, but they minister to all faith groups. Their messages generally focus on our shared faith in Jesus Christ (if they're Christian, others I assume, are more specific). Hence, a Catholic Priest serving in a LDS Battalion.] Well, at this service, he chose to address the doubts the soldiers might be having. He spoke about "Why we're doing this". He recounted his personal story of one of his last days in his Parish when, after Mass, a little five year old girl ran up to him, hugged him around his legs, and said, "I love you Father John!" He told the gathered soldiers that is why he was going, so that little girl could have a bright future, a future without the fear and apprehension we had all experienced after 9/11. A future where she wouldn't have to deal with all that because, "We went before."
I think that is why they all go. They may not even have kids, or nieces or nephews, but they all want a better, safer, stronger country for those who are coming after them. Its not about them, its about those next in line.
P.S. I loved Father John, too.
Back in 2004, when I was helping to mobilize the 1-148th Field Artillery, I met "Father John". I don't remember his last name and he was widely called just Father John, but he was also a Captain (CH), the Battalion Chaplain for 1-148 and same rank as me, so we could converse without any formality. Father John was a good man, he shepherded two Catholic Parishes in SE Idaho, at once. In Idaho, Catholics are scarce as hens teeth, and I thought it odd that a Catholic Priest was the Battalion Chaplain for a Battalion that was probably 70% LDS (Mormon).
Like I said, Father John was a good man, and he loved the soldiers under his pastoral care. I remember him going over to another camp at Ft. Bliss, where one of the battalion's soldiers had apparently been bitten by a Brown Recluse spider, but wasn't being treated properly. Father John went to the leadership and raised cane to get that soldier taken care of. The Brigade Chaplain (a real political type) dressed him down over that and told him to "stick to his job." His reply, "I AM doing my job. I'm caring for my flock. I thought that was a Chaplains first duty". He was livid and vented to me, and whoever else was in the vicinity at the time. By the end of the deployment, Father John was the Brigade Chaplain and a Major.
He was also a pragmatic guy and a "real" person. He told CW3 Tim Kindle (a fellow member of our AC/RC detachment and a good friend) and I at lunch one day how he was educated at the University of Idaho and how he used to go across the border to Montana on weekends because the drinking age over there was 18. He also told us that he believed the Church should allow Priests to marry because the European Church believes that man can only do one thing at a time well but American Priests believe they can be both a good husband/father and Priest.
But anyway, to the point of the story: I ran across this picture on facebook tonight. It is from SemperToons. They're a good bunch to follow if you're looking for some motivation. The caption said, "This is why we fight and fight we will...., forever!"
Now, you're probably asking, what does this have to do with an unmarried Catholic Priest from Idaho. Well, I went to one (several, but I remember this one, and its relevant) of Father John's services while we were down at Ft. Bliss. [Let me digress for a moment here. In the military, Chaplains have their own faith/denomination, but they minister to all faith groups. Their messages generally focus on our shared faith in Jesus Christ (if they're Christian, others I assume, are more specific). Hence, a Catholic Priest serving in a LDS Battalion.] Well, at this service, he chose to address the doubts the soldiers might be having. He spoke about "Why we're doing this". He recounted his personal story of one of his last days in his Parish when, after Mass, a little five year old girl ran up to him, hugged him around his legs, and said, "I love you Father John!" He told the gathered soldiers that is why he was going, so that little girl could have a bright future, a future without the fear and apprehension we had all experienced after 9/11. A future where she wouldn't have to deal with all that because, "We went before."
I think that is why they all go. They may not even have kids, or nieces or nephews, but they all want a better, safer, stronger country for those who are coming after them. Its not about them, its about those next in line.
P.S. I loved Father John, too.
Administrative note: Truth in advertising, after thinking about it, this sermon was probably at Gowen Field, ID, during their Annual Training assembly (the two weeks a year). I know the conversation about drinking in Montana and Priest marriage happened there in the little snack bar. At that AT, the Battalion knew they were going, but didn't know all the details, so they were training strictly on pre-deployment tasks instead of the normal Artillery mission.
Also, after doing a little Google research, I found that Father John is still ministering in the Pocatello and Soda Springs area.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Sesame Place Weekend
We spent this past weekend at Sesame Place with the kids. We drove up on Friday and stayed through Sunday morning, so we could have a very full day at the park without having to endure the 3 1/2 hour drive on either end. We stayed at the Quality Inn and Suites in Bensalem, PA, about 10 miles from Langhorne, PA, and the park. If you want to see my review on the hotel, you can check it out at TripAdvisor.
First of all, Sesame Place is the place to be, in my opinion, if you're within a reasonable distance and have kids in the 3-7 year old window. Earlier than three, and they won't get anything out of it. Older than seven, and they've outgrown most of it. The 3-7 year old group is their main target and it is absolutely great for them. I don't think there is any activity or ride in the park that kids in that age group can not participate in with, at least, a parent riding along. There are also several attractions they call "all by myself rides" (most aren't actually rides - more on those later) that they don't need parents for and many don't even have ques, just free play.
As a welcome offset to our costs for the weekend, Anheuser Busch picked up our admission tab. They will do that once a year at any one of their parks for any military family. Now, I've said before, I am no hero, but if Anheuser Busch wants to call my kids hero's for all they do, without even knowing they're special, well... that's pretty darn cool and just fine with me.
We got there just after they'd opened at 10:00 and parked about as close as you can. We decided to take advantage of being there early and went straight to the "Vapor Trail" roller-coaster. Its a relatively small coaster, but it does load up the Gs and I thought it was pretty intense for the audience it is intended for. When we got off, I asked Joseph how he liked it. He said, "I was only a little scared." Later we rode it again and Joseph rode with me that time. As we were going up to get on, Joseph told me, "I won't be scared this time". It was by far the favorite of the day and we ended up riding four times because, in the afternoon, there was no one there. We just got off, walked around, and got right back on.
The kids had never been to a theme park before, so they had no concept of "good" attractions and everything they saw was what they wanted to get on, even if it was just a fire truck model or a carousel like they could ride any weekend at Frying Pan Park. It's all fun to them.
Next, we continued on to the "dry" side of the park. We rode "Elmo's Cloud Chaser" (you've done something similar at any amusement park in America), then the "Flying Fish", and "Big Bird's Balloon Race".
After that, the kids climbed on "Cookie Mountain" a little bit, and played in "Big Bird's Court". While they were playing, I walked around some and discovered that we could get in to see a live rendition of "Elmo's World" and rushed them out to come to the theater. I told them that "We're going to see Elmo, come on!" After the show, Joseph was very upset that he didn't get to personally interact with Elmo. He thought he was going to meet Elmo, not to watch him way down there on the stage.
We exited the park to eat a picnic lunch at the car. We'd planned that, but as I was wandering around, I also checked out food prices, just in case we might want to change plans. Lunch in the park would run about $11 each, so we ate our picnic.
After lunch, we tried out the "wet side" of the park. Jeni went with the kids down "Big Bird's Rambling River". I didn't get into any of the big water attractions because, although I was wearing swim trunks (in case you're wondering about my shorts), I didn't want to trust the ziplock bag to keep my wallet dry. As a side note, the website says that "proper swimwear is encouraged for water attractions". I suppose "proper swimwear" has different meaning to different people, because some of those folks had a bunch of junk spilling out of their trunks, if you know what I mean. It should have said, "proper swimwear for your body type", but it probably wouldn't have mattered.
The characters at Sesame Place aren't as persistent as they are at, say, Disney. They make brief appearances on the main "Sesame Street" drag, but they come and go on unpredictable and unpublished schedules. I saw Oscar, who Joseph really wanted to see, but by the time they got out of the water, he was gone. We found out that Elmo and Abbey were at 123 Smile (which is where they make pictures of your kids with the characters to sell you later), so we headed down there. Janelle wouldn't get close to any of the characters, although Abbey, much to her credit played a little bit of hide and seek/chase with her, but Joseph loved them. He ran right up to Elmo and gave him a big hug, but I wasn't ready for the picture.
After that, they played on "Elmo's Mattress", which is just a huge bounce house, and at some point they went down "Bert and Ernie's Slip and Slide", which is a very big water slide. They both went down on their own and loved it.
By now, it's getting kind of late in the day, but Janelle really, really wanted to go on "Net's and Climbs". Think about the McDonald's play place, with the platforms and tunnels, except everything is nets, and on a grand scale. This thing is about three stories tall and about 100 - 150 foot square. It's huge, and it's a "all by myself ride", so it is totally up to you how much you shepherd over your kids. We initially went up to the first open entry to the nets, on the second level, and the kids jumped in. I was ready to just watch them go. Joseph was a pig in mud. He was just going. Janelle got to the first seam and decided that she couldn't go any more, so I went out and met her and encouraged her the rest of the way across.
When we got to the other side, there was a tunnel entry. (Remember this is all net) I told them that if they went in the tunnels, they were on their own. They could crouch and walk. I would only be able to crawl, with my knees on those hard ropes. Joseph just raced ahead. Janelle looked back for a long second and said "OK". I visually followed them the best I could and positioned myself where I thought they'd come out. Joseph popped out of the tunnel, happy as a clam, but no Janelle. Jeni was there with me, and we had no idea where Janelle was in this multi-level maze of nets and tunnels. Jeni went over to the other side of the maze, as we both frantically tried to figure out where Janelle was. We had no idea where she might come out, or if she was in one of the enclosed areas where tunnels meet, afraid to go on. I was afraid I was going to have to crawl all over this tunnel system to figure out where she was. Eventually she popped out of a tunnel right in front of Jeni.
After that, I'd had enough of nets, but Joseph would have nothing of it, until he went "to the very top". That little dude is fearless. So we went to the top level and I went across with him because, first, it was a steep drop into the nets and he needed a little help and I didn't want him on the other side left to his own devices without direct supervision. He did lose a shoe on the way that I had to recover, and I helped him get his foot out of the net once, but like I said, he was a pig in mud.
By now, Joseph was getting very tired and becoming very combative and uncooperative, so we decided it was time to go. The kids had been fondling the merchandise on every souvenir stand all day, and we'd told them that we didn't want to carry around souvenirs all day, but we would let them pick something before we left. We went to one of the shops, and Joseph picked an Oscar T-Shirt, but Janelle was steadfast that she didn't want any souvenir. All she wanted was to get her face painted at the face painting stand outside.
We had seen the weather before we left DC and rain was expected Saturday, but not until late afternoon. We got some intel, listening to the girls at the face painting stand converse, that some scunion was coming and wasn't far off.... possible severe weather within an hour, so we headed on out.
On the way out, we had to make a couple of more pics that we hadn't made during the day. This one is at 123 Sesame Street. I'm not sure who lives there on the old show, but it is right next to Oscar's alley and Big Birds house with all the multi-colored doors.
And one last souvenir picture with the front gate as a back-drop.
At the end of our big day, we didn't have the energy to go out, so we just went through the Chick Fil A drive through and took it back to the hotel. Just as we parked at the hotel, the rain started. We made it just in time.
Now, you my very well think that I'm a bit silly for making this much over a kid's theme park (or for even wearing those swim trunks, for that matter), but if you'd been there to see the joy on Janelle's face riding the roller-coaster, or to see Joseph hug Elmo, you'd understand why a 41 year old guy gets excited about a kid's theme park. This is what life is made of and you only get one chance at it.
First of all, Sesame Place is the place to be, in my opinion, if you're within a reasonable distance and have kids in the 3-7 year old window. Earlier than three, and they won't get anything out of it. Older than seven, and they've outgrown most of it. The 3-7 year old group is their main target and it is absolutely great for them. I don't think there is any activity or ride in the park that kids in that age group can not participate in with, at least, a parent riding along. There are also several attractions they call "all by myself rides" (most aren't actually rides - more on those later) that they don't need parents for and many don't even have ques, just free play.
As a welcome offset to our costs for the weekend, Anheuser Busch picked up our admission tab. They will do that once a year at any one of their parks for any military family. Now, I've said before, I am no hero, but if Anheuser Busch wants to call my kids hero's for all they do, without even knowing they're special, well... that's pretty darn cool and just fine with me.
We got there just after they'd opened at 10:00 and parked about as close as you can. We decided to take advantage of being there early and went straight to the "Vapor Trail" roller-coaster. Its a relatively small coaster, but it does load up the Gs and I thought it was pretty intense for the audience it is intended for. When we got off, I asked Joseph how he liked it. He said, "I was only a little scared." Later we rode it again and Joseph rode with me that time. As we were going up to get on, Joseph told me, "I won't be scared this time". It was by far the favorite of the day and we ended up riding four times because, in the afternoon, there was no one there. We just got off, walked around, and got right back on.
The kids had never been to a theme park before, so they had no concept of "good" attractions and everything they saw was what they wanted to get on, even if it was just a fire truck model or a carousel like they could ride any weekend at Frying Pan Park. It's all fun to them.
Next, we continued on to the "dry" side of the park. We rode "Elmo's Cloud Chaser" (you've done something similar at any amusement park in America), then the "Flying Fish", and "Big Bird's Balloon Race".
 |
| Daddy was having fun too! |
 |
| About to extend her wings. |
After that, the kids climbed on "Cookie Mountain" a little bit, and played in "Big Bird's Court". While they were playing, I walked around some and discovered that we could get in to see a live rendition of "Elmo's World" and rushed them out to come to the theater. I told them that "We're going to see Elmo, come on!" After the show, Joseph was very upset that he didn't get to personally interact with Elmo. He thought he was going to meet Elmo, not to watch him way down there on the stage.
 | |
| Elmo, playing the crowd during the Elmo's World show. |
After lunch, we tried out the "wet side" of the park. Jeni went with the kids down "Big Bird's Rambling River". I didn't get into any of the big water attractions because, although I was wearing swim trunks (in case you're wondering about my shorts), I didn't want to trust the ziplock bag to keep my wallet dry. As a side note, the website says that "proper swimwear is encouraged for water attractions". I suppose "proper swimwear" has different meaning to different people, because some of those folks had a bunch of junk spilling out of their trunks, if you know what I mean. It should have said, "proper swimwear for your body type", but it probably wouldn't have mattered.
The characters at Sesame Place aren't as persistent as they are at, say, Disney. They make brief appearances on the main "Sesame Street" drag, but they come and go on unpredictable and unpublished schedules. I saw Oscar, who Joseph really wanted to see, but by the time they got out of the water, he was gone. We found out that Elmo and Abbey were at 123 Smile (which is where they make pictures of your kids with the characters to sell you later), so we headed down there. Janelle wouldn't get close to any of the characters, although Abbey, much to her credit played a little bit of hide and seek/chase with her, but Joseph loved them. He ran right up to Elmo and gave him a big hug, but I wasn't ready for the picture.
 | ||
| This is the Sesame Place, computer edited photo from the "green screen". Yes, we bought it. |
By now, it's getting kind of late in the day, but Janelle really, really wanted to go on "Net's and Climbs". Think about the McDonald's play place, with the platforms and tunnels, except everything is nets, and on a grand scale. This thing is about three stories tall and about 100 - 150 foot square. It's huge, and it's a "all by myself ride", so it is totally up to you how much you shepherd over your kids. We initially went up to the first open entry to the nets, on the second level, and the kids jumped in. I was ready to just watch them go. Joseph was a pig in mud. He was just going. Janelle got to the first seam and decided that she couldn't go any more, so I went out and met her and encouraged her the rest of the way across.
When we got to the other side, there was a tunnel entry. (Remember this is all net) I told them that if they went in the tunnels, they were on their own. They could crouch and walk. I would only be able to crawl, with my knees on those hard ropes. Joseph just raced ahead. Janelle looked back for a long second and said "OK". I visually followed them the best I could and positioned myself where I thought they'd come out. Joseph popped out of the tunnel, happy as a clam, but no Janelle. Jeni was there with me, and we had no idea where Janelle was in this multi-level maze of nets and tunnels. Jeni went over to the other side of the maze, as we both frantically tried to figure out where Janelle was. We had no idea where she might come out, or if she was in one of the enclosed areas where tunnels meet, afraid to go on. I was afraid I was going to have to crawl all over this tunnel system to figure out where she was. Eventually she popped out of a tunnel right in front of Jeni.
After that, I'd had enough of nets, but Joseph would have nothing of it, until he went "to the very top". That little dude is fearless. So we went to the top level and I went across with him because, first, it was a steep drop into the nets and he needed a little help and I didn't want him on the other side left to his own devices without direct supervision. He did lose a shoe on the way that I had to recover, and I helped him get his foot out of the net once, but like I said, he was a pig in mud.
By now, Joseph was getting very tired and becoming very combative and uncooperative, so we decided it was time to go. The kids had been fondling the merchandise on every souvenir stand all day, and we'd told them that we didn't want to carry around souvenirs all day, but we would let them pick something before we left. We went to one of the shops, and Joseph picked an Oscar T-Shirt, but Janelle was steadfast that she didn't want any souvenir. All she wanted was to get her face painted at the face painting stand outside.
We had seen the weather before we left DC and rain was expected Saturday, but not until late afternoon. We got some intel, listening to the girls at the face painting stand converse, that some scunion was coming and wasn't far off.... possible severe weather within an hour, so we headed on out.
On the way out, we had to make a couple of more pics that we hadn't made during the day. This one is at 123 Sesame Street. I'm not sure who lives there on the old show, but it is right next to Oscar's alley and Big Birds house with all the multi-colored doors.
And one last souvenir picture with the front gate as a back-drop.
At the end of our big day, we didn't have the energy to go out, so we just went through the Chick Fil A drive through and took it back to the hotel. Just as we parked at the hotel, the rain started. We made it just in time.
Now, you my very well think that I'm a bit silly for making this much over a kid's theme park (or for even wearing those swim trunks, for that matter), but if you'd been there to see the joy on Janelle's face riding the roller-coaster, or to see Joseph hug Elmo, you'd understand why a 41 year old guy gets excited about a kid's theme park. This is what life is made of and you only get one chance at it.
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