Christmas Eve, 2010

Cookies are out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer!

Time to ring the bells for Santa!

Christmas at Hidden Lake

Due to the coming snowstorm in Raleigh for Christmas, we decided to change our travel plans. Originally, we planned to go to HL Christmas Day, then travel to PA the day after Christmas. A forecasted Nor'easter changed that. At first, the local forecasters thought it would be pretty bad. They quickly eased off on that, but then each day, starting about 3 days before Christmas, they changed from a dusting, to 1-3", to 2-4", to 3-6", to 4-8".

We knew it was definitely time to change plans. We went to Hidden Lake for Christmas Eve, and then headed to PA after opening presents Christmas Day. Gave me lots of opportunities for free Sheetz Cupoccinos (had two). We did get to see the Hidden Lake folks, opened presents, and enjoyed some Ping Pong. Fun times!

Happy New Year!

What a great winter vacation! Now we get ready to go back to work and school tomorrow, but we had a great time, and lots of great things coming up in 2011

Christmas Eve!

Hard to believe, but here we are once again. We planned to go to our church today, then to Kerry's folks tomorrow, followed by my folks on Sunday. Mother Nature decided otherwise. With a possible winter storm coming to Raleigh (White Christmas!!!!), we decided we'll visit K's folks today and head to PA tomorrow. Lots of free Sheetz capuccino enroute!

It Was a Hockeeeee Night In Raleigh...

Went to the Canes game last night with a friend I used to work with at the State. Did some frigid tailgating--quite windy, but the warm Bojangles chicken kept me semi-warm. Game was pretty good, except for a terrible call--they called Cole for a boarding 5 minute major. And then Montreal scored twice, winning. Grrrr...Now we have the All Star Game coming, and then Rod Brind'Amour night where they will retire #17!

Got My Car!

Yesterday I traded in the Focus for a 2010 Kia Forte. Love it already, although Kerry and I both struggled with the different shift pattern. Will be on to report more later, but if you use the NC State Employee's Credit Union--you HAVE to take advantage of their car buying program. EASY PEASY!

Still Snowing in Raleigh...

Been mostly rain today, but as you can see by my EVO, it is beginning to turn back to snow. School cancelled tomorrow. New car delayed until Saturday...

Merry Cyber-mas...

Yup, that's the tree at work. We decided we had all those software cds we did nothing with, so let's put them on our tree!

Not Too Bad...

But enough to keep us out of school and keep me from having my new car delivered. Yes, finally found my Kia Forte. A silver 2010 LX. I went through the State Employee's Credit Union--what a treat. You give them what you want, they find it, negotiate, present you with the offer, and bring it TO YOU! Wow. What customer service. Look for pics this weekend!

You Know What This Means...

This was Capital Blvd two days ago in anticipation of this morning's snow and ice.

Magic Kingdom, Day 4

Ok, so today there really were Magic Early Hours. We got in at 8, or at least into Fantasyland. We did Dumbo again (and Froze!), Tea Cups, Cinderella's Carousel, and Winnie the Pooh. It was definitely pretty cool that morning. We moved down to do another turn on It's a Small World, then we wanted to head to my favorite thing, the Haunted Mansion. Very neat.

We went back and hit some things we did not, like Swiss Family Robinson's treehouse. Twice. Then we tried to hit a bunch more things we had not, like Tomorrowland Speedway, another ride on Space Mountain for me, and just some hanging out, some pics in front of the Castle.

And then it was time to head back to the hotel to catch the bus back to the airport. We definitely did everything we wanted. We stopped for some food at the airport, looked through the Disney, Universal (where you can buy HP wands!), and Sea World stores, then went to our gate. We all sacked out on the floor, waiting for our DELAYED plane. Finally got on and got home with a plane full of girls soccer players. Fun. Myra fell asleep on me on the way home, and we got right on our shuttle to our car.

A FUN trip. Lucy asked when we would go again, and Kerry gave the best response ever, 'The next time you're here will be with your family.' Great! While definitely enjoying ourselves, we are not meant for the Disney thing. We did it once, had fun, but I do not think any of us could do it annually like many do. We did it, check it off, and let's move on...

Day 3: Magic Kingdom

While it was a cool, gray day (NO RAIN!), as a friend said, even a rainy day in Disney is better than a workday at home. So we thought (ok, I thought) early hours were today, so we got there a little after 8. Guess what, early hours were not until the next day. But, we got to wait at the gate for 45 minutes. That was fun (not!).

After Mickey arrived on the train, off we went--Lucy and I went right to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We were FIRST in line, so we went to the FRONT! It was fine, but not what I expected. We met Myra and Kerry and headed to some other rides. No one was back in Adventureland, so we got quick rides on Pirates of the Caribbean, Aladdin, and then we headed for the Haunted Mansion. We ALL liked the Haunted Mansion. Fun!

We worked out way back through, grabbing rides on Dumbo, Tea Cups, and a lunch at Cosmic Rays. Lucy and I got on Space Mountain. That ride was much wilder than I though. Lucy got right on front again, and that's head blurry head! (-: We did a few more rides, but then decided to head home and rest before coming back for the parade. See those pics in the next post.

Trip to Epcot

Day two featured our Princess lunch at Epcot. It was going to be a hot one--close to 90! When we arrived, we went to some of the things in future world. One of the first was the Nemo attraction. A fun ride through (in a clam), then a great interactive auditorium-style attraction with Crush the turtle. Fun!

I decided I wanted a spin on Test Track. Pretty neat. You are a 'crash dummy' going through an indoor trial of antilock breaks (not working the first time!), elements tests, and then the big finale--revving up, breaking through the wall, and out on the outdoor track. Pretty fun!

We wanted to go searching for the princesses, so we headed to the bridge to France. It did not open until 9, so we needed to wait a little, recharge with water, and of course, snacks. When it did, we began our day of princesses. We saw Belle (in her blue dress) and then Marie of the Aristocats. That was fun as Marie bowed to the girls (in their princess dresses), then fluffed up her hair for pictures. We waited in line for Aladdin and Jasmine, but then the girls did not want to see them. We crossed back to go looking for Alice. Daddy's favorite part! We began to see how the princesses really get into character. More snacks followed, especially the girls chasing some weird little birds!

We continued our search of the princesses, meeting Mulan, Snow White, and finally it was time for our lunch at Norway--Akershus Princess Dining. A decent lunch, and then we met Belle in her yellow dress, Cinderella, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White. Wow! What fun!

After that, about 2ish, the girls were definitely slowing down. Time for a rest back at the resort. But we did try Maelstrom, a Norse ride on a boat (pretty good too!) and Spaceship Earth, inside the big silver ball. The heat wore us all out, so we went back to the hotel. We got to the pool playground after some rest, ready for the next day back at Magic Kingdom.

Yummy Disney Bars!

Great news! The Mickey ice cream bars were gluten free. And extra yummy, as you can tell by Myra...

Disney Day One

Felt like we did everything in one day. After the early plane trip, we boarded the Disney Magical Express to our hotel. We actually were able to check in to our hotel early, so we dropped things off and headed to the bus for Magic Kingdom. Upon arrival, we ran into a parade right away. Girls were pretty intimidated right away, so we decided to stop for lunch. Pecos Bill for some Mexican was just what the doctor ordered. Gluten free cheeseburgers, yogurt, and gf cookies for the girls. Taco salad for me. After we started around on some rides, It's a Small World, Carousel, Tea Cups, and our Disney Ice Cream. A few more things, then we headed back to the hotel. A trip to our hotel pool was next. A water slide for Chris, and some swimming for the girls. Then we decided to head over to Downtown Disney for some shopping. Picked up our Christmas ornament, as we do every time we travel. Bed came next, in anticipation of the big day at Epcot--princess lunch! More to come...

We're Baaaaack!

Ok, been back for a couple days now, but it has taken this long to recoup. One more day, then back to the grind. Look for a full recap soon, but we had an AWESOME time!

Tomorrow's The Day!

The airline tickets are printed.

The luggage is packed.

The girls are up, anticipating an early bedtime.

We are ready for Disney!

2011 NHL All-Star Ballot Presented by XM

2011 NHL All-Star Ballot Presented by XM

Happy Thanksgiving!

Can you believe Thanksgiving is here! Where did this year go? Some things we're thankful for:

1. our two amazing daughters!
2. both having jobs
3. our home
4. professional development opportunities
5. our health, and the ability to run when we want to
6. our city we live in--lots to do, lots of affordable things to do, great climate
7. our family, who support us regardless

Cornholio

Ok, so this is the first time with children I thought I need to remind they are my kids and not my pals. The other day, out of the blue, I pull my shirt over my head and did the Beavis Cornholio routine. Tonight, they wanted me to keep doing it. I did it once or twice, then thought I wanted them to see it, so I found a little YouTube clip. Then later, we are sitting there, and I hear something out of the corner of my ear...I turn, Myra has her shirt over her head, 'I am Cornholio.' LOL! So proud...

My Princesses

Lucy and Myra went to a birthday party yesterday. Of course it was a 'Princess Party,' so they had to dress up, not that they minded! A good prep for Disney World next week!

Nothing Says Christmas Like the Stormtroopers!

How can you have Christmas without Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers? It just isn't Christmas without them!

2010 Raleigh Christmas Parade

Another great Raleigh Christmas Parade to start the Christmas Season! We went down with Kerry's folks for the 3rd time. Weather was much more moderate than usual, and that led to record crowds--about 60,000 people. Lots of great things--Stormy, Santa, and of course, the Stormtroopers!

Christmas Parade Weekend!

Yeah, you know we're excited! This marks the start of the holiday season. With our Disney trip, this will be an even busier season, but bring it on!

Low Key Weekend

Besides going to the Lake for the day, it was a pretty slow weekend, which we all appreciated. We're all getting over colds, and with our travel two weeks away, we definitely can use the rest.
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Played checkers with Lucy for the first time today. She actually got the hang of it pretty quickly and already started thinking a few moves ahead.
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Myra-ese--'owie'--she always gets her owies! So cute!

November Is Here

So here we go. A month of meetings, travel, conferences, and DISNEY! And of course, Christmas Music has begun in our house!

Getting Too Old!

So I went as a chaperone on Lucy's field trip to Hill Ridge Farms yesterday. We had a great time. I looked after a little group, obviously including Lucy. So, at the end, Lucy is taking her time finding a pumpkin. She finds one, and goes running. I asked, 'Where you going, Lucy.' "To walk with Connor." Argh, a father's nightmare begins already!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween weekend has come! I get quite excited, not for Halloween, but for starting Christmas music the next day. We got a little more creative with pumpkins this year. Kerry made the cat and I made the ghost. Looks like a fun weekend ahead, then a couple weeks until Disney!

Bliss

Love how our girls can get creative and entertain themselves. Myra pulled the cooler and stool out, put the balloons out, and began punching!

Pool Sharks?

Anything to prepare our girls for the future!

SMART Board for My SMART Girls

We recently went to Lucy's school's Literacy Night. We had some time to kill, so we fired up Kerry's SMART Board. Boy, how the girls loved it! And they pick it up second hand, digital natives indeed! Oh, and they are in jammies because that was the theme!

Scootin' Around the Neighborhood

Lucy got her scooter! She was so excited and both her and Myra have been riding it nonstop since!

Fun With the Girls!

Kerry is in Maryland this weekend for the Flanigan Female weekend, so it's the girls and I. As you can see by their outfits this morning, we're off to quite the creative start!

Mmmmm...Ice Cream...

You Are a Cookie-Browine-Sundae

Totally sweet, delicious, and comforting. You are a total glutton for... everything!

What Kind of Sundae Are You?

Blogthings: Cheaper Than a Therapist

Happy Birthday, Lucy!

Wow, my little girl turns SIX today. How awesome! She can ride a bike w/o training wheels, she is doing great in kindergarten, and she will open up a scooter in a little while. Awesome!

Fun With the Fan

Fun at the Farm

What a great weekend! Lucy's birthday party at a Paint Your Own place yesterday, and the pumpkin farm today. What a time! Hay ride, corn crib (think ball pit with corn instead of balls), animals, and so much more! What a great day. And we got to take FOUR pumpkins home!

Myra's Ready Too!

Looks like it is about time for a 2 wheeler for Myra...

Proud Parents!

Amazing how something seemingly insignificant can make you so proud!



(turn your monitor for full access...lol! crazy phone...)

We Had Pretty Good Seats!

Hockey, 2010 Style

Lucy and I played hooky from work and school on Friday to take in an afternoon hockey game. Just an exhibition, before the Canes head to Europe to open the season, but a fun time!

Harvest Moon

Ok, so apparently, a harvest moon only comes once every 20 years. We went out (in our jammies) to look for it initially the other day, but did not see it. I figured I would check again a little while later, and sure enough, a brilliant harvest moon!

Pictures From George Washington Exhibit

Lucy, writing with a quill pen
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Myra and President Washington
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George Washington's Teeth

Cross off another thing on my to-do list. This morning I saw actual teeth that were in George Washington's mouth. Also a cannon that Knox and his men dragged through the snow from Fort Ticonderoga, changing the whole outlook of the Revolutionary War.
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We went Downtown today to the NC Museum of History for a great Family Colonial Days. Lots of fun crafts for the girls, and Kerry and I actually got a few chances to look through some things.

UNC CTO

I am spending the next two days at UNC-Chapel Hill (boooo Tar Heels) in the CTO program from the School of Government. Pretty neat, working with 35 fellow tech directors across the state over an 8 month period. In November I will 'graduate' and receive a certification. Great for the resume...

Being a Parent

Yeah, tough sometimes. A struggle can come up at any time. You can feel so bad at the blink of an eye. You can want change so much, to help your child learn a lesson, all the while wanting to stop the tough love. Just a tough game, as those moments fly by so quickly.

Another Fun Weekend!

With our crazy schedules lately, the weekends certainly are our chance to unwind. We plan to do just that this weekend. We'll drop Lucy off at a birthday party, then stop by Kerry's folks to test out their new Foosball and Pool table. Maybe drink a yummy Harvest Moon as well. I LOVE PUMPKIN ALES! Just some running, chilling, enjoying each other planned for the rest of the weekend.

September--Keepin' Busy

Yeah, we're still here. Just super busy, as usual. Everyone went back to regular schedules today, after the three week track out. Now 9 weeks, and then DISNEY! We can't wait!

Summer PA Trip In the Books...

Last week at this time we were up in the Mountains. Now home again, but we had a great time. Between our trip to the Carnegie Science Center (thanks, Aunt Cheryl!), helping out in New Florence with the house, and just hanging out, we had a great time. Then this past week students came back, so we've been busy yet again, but things should slow down relative this week. Kerry and the girls continue their track out, so they will enjoy the week. I am trying to find a day to take off so we can head down to Wrightsville Beach this week.

ANDROID Arrives at Our House

Yup, we recently cancelled AT&T and moved to Sprint so I could snag the Evo. Kerry got the Samsung Intercept, also running Android. Wow. After about a week, and I LOVE THIS PHONE. It does everything I want. 8.0 megapixel phone/camcorder, two navigation programs, 4G service, wifi, just so much. So excited about the possibilities for this phone.

Busy Weekend, Busy Week, The PA Bound...

With the Cel-Kids event yesterday, a trip to the Dump Playground today, and a 6 mile run along the Falls Lake Trail, we stayed busy this weekend. Now we have a pretty busy week. Laura and Kiera will stop by, we'll pick up Sue from the airport, and then my County's teachers come back Thursday. Friday, I'll pick the girls up, wash the Kia, and we'll wait for Kerry before heading up to Pittsburgh.
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Sounds like lots of fun up there. Aunt Cheryl wants to go down to the Carnegie Museum, so that will be a good time. We'll spend some time going through things at my Grandma's, which may be a little bit of a sad time, but I am excited to bring some things down here to remember them by. They will always be in my heart, and are always a part of me.

Cel-Kids Outing

Another Cel-Kids outing yesterday. We went to PlayNation in Morrisville for some bouncing/climbing fun, then sampled Happy Tummy Baking Company's frozen pizza crusts. Yum! Lots of fun for the girls!

Fun With the Girls

Nice calm weekend.  Not much going on...just some playground fun and much needed rest.  I went for a 6 miles yesterday that wasn't too bad.  Maybe I will do the 1/2 marathon afterall.