The Never-ending Update
Boy do I have a lot to catch everybody up with. Let me start with the annual “crazy cookie creation day”™ this past November 15th. Basically this is a day where Danith invites her sisters, cousins, and her mother to make holiday cookies. This year both sisters, one of her cousins, Lynn, her two girls, and Danith’s mother attended. They made plenty of good cookies which were slowly eaten and sampled as the day wore on. They also make a batch or two anatomically correct ginger bread men, but you will have to ask Danith to show you pictures of these cookies.
On the 22nd of November, Brandon’s cub scout pack participated in a Space Derby. This is similar to the pine wood derby, but instead of cars they make rockets. The rockets are propelled by a rubber band and a propeller. I was in charge of winding the rockets prior to the races and after winding 30 rockets that raced at least twice my fingers were sore by the end of the day. Brandon’s rocket one the first race and then came in second, ok lost, twice. I have the picture on my facebook site and it can be seen directly here.
Next was the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Danith and Brandon got up early Thanksgiving morning and ran in the family 1.5K while her sister, Megan, ran the full 5K. The bonus was that Brandon’s picture to the left, was featured on the sites homepage since he looks so awesome running. After the Turkey Trot Danith and her sister came home and helped cook a full turkey and trimmings for the Thanksgiving dinner we hosted at our house.
On Black Friday I tried to brave the crowds to get something special for Danith at Wal-Mart. (Sort of an oxymoron, but hey). Due to the trampling death at a east coast Wal-Mart they opened the doors early so all the good items I was after were already taken. Instead I picked up some smaller items for the boys. Later that morning we drove down to Rochester to meet up with my Mother and my step-brothers, Jim and Jason, and their family. My mother rented out the party room at Jason’s apartment complex which has an attached pool. We ate a lovely ham dinner and than the boys and I got to swim. Aiden had a great time and of course Brandon was showing off how close he is to being able to swim by himself.
And finally the snow has come to Minnesota. It is predicted to remain white through Christmas this year which will be a blessing and a curse. With the snow I took Brandon skiing for the first time. He had a blast and should pick it up in no time. I expect by winters end he will be able to ski most of Afton Alps. Now I just need to get Danith out on her new skis!
Have a happy Holidays as at my normal posting rate it will be the middle of January before my next post.
Chucky Cheese visit
This was actually from Monday the 10th, I have other topics to blog about, but since these pictures were in my phone… Chucky Cheese posting here we come.
I am not sure why but the kids and I go to Chucky Cheese at least once a year. Well I suppose the reason is the kids always have a good time. If they didn’t have fun then the only reason I could think of is that I must be a masochist to endure the torment Chucky Cheese brings. You may ask, What possible torment is there at such a children friendly place? Kids running free with little to no supervision, “adults” (I use the term loosely as some of these parents are barely 18) that have already given up on child rearing, and the general rude atmosphere.
(Be sure to listen to the screams in the background and think of staying here for a few hours)
All that aside the kids love the place. Games galore, each one only one token which can be gotten for under 15 cents each. I have to admit that I enjoy a few of the games myself, skee ball, air hockey and a few of the coin slide games. For those that have never been to a Chucky Cheese the main draw for the kids it to win tickets. With careful play your $10 in tokens can buy your kids about 50 cents of plastic fun.
Also let me leave you with a dance that Aiden did for us on the floor. I did not make a movie just a few quick pictures that I have turned into an animation. Enjoy his dance.
