Birthday Shopping Spree

The little guy turned 7 last Friday and received a few gift cards as presents, so the three of us headed out to Target this morning. Josh knew he wanted the Indiana Jones Lego set, but the skateboard was kind of an impulsive purchase- not too sure what mom's reaction is going to be, however.

Josh and I figured that we'll blame it on the two year old (who by the way got her own special present today too- a Diego potty seat. (Can't you just see the contained excitement on her face?)

Roller Coaster Tycoons

Unbelievable...what began the day by riding the kiddie bumper cars evolved into a whirlwind of inaugural rides for Josh on the Gemini, Magnum, Mean Streak, and the Millennium's 300' first hill drop/ 90 mph ride! The little dude impressed his big sis with his bravery/ kindergarten Mojo while conquering Cedar Point's collection of coasters. Leave it to the 13 year old, though, to actually "pose" for the rider's photo action shot...Marie informed us that she knows the camera locations on all of the rides...such vanity...next thing you know, she'll probably start up her own blog!

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. We all got to the park at 10 a.m. and stayed till closing. We had a brief 1/2 rain shower around 4, but Josh and I were currently getting drenched on one of the water rides at the time, so the rain really didn't bother us too much.

Top Three "All Time" Father's Day Gifts

Love Those Wings...

Ever sit through a 2 hour rain delay with a 6 year old? You know what they say about the best laid plans...

Our "game plan" was to arrive in Cleveland around 6:00ish and have dinner at the Winking Lizards- just a few blocks away from the stadium. Well, we got to downtown a bit later that I had wanted, and we were just finishing up our dinner/ watching on the TV in the restaurant as the Indians were batting in the bottom of the 1st inning. Josh and I no sooner watched Grady Sizemore hit his lead off inning home run...and then the rains came. Having already put away a heaping mound of chicken wings, I somewhat foolishly asked Josh if he had room for some dessert- knowing full well I wasn't about to head outside during the torrential downpour. So, about 1/2 hour/ chocolate brownie killer sunday later, we took off towards the stadium, with the rain subsiding a bit.

Josh was so looking forward to this evening- maybe not so much in watching the actual ballgame, but taking in the surroundings, visiting the gift shop, and watching the fireworks after the game. However, we weren't in our seats for more than 10 minutes, and the skies really opened up. By 9:30, there was no end in sight, so the little guy and I decided that we should call it a night and head home (after a quick stop in the team shop, of course)

We arrived back in Barberton by 10:00...just in time to hear Tom Hamilton on the radio announce that the tarp had just been pulled and the game was ready to resume...UGH! (Oh yeah, the Indians won 9-5)

Road Trip

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I can't say that I was thrilled to drive 225 miles only to see my beloved Tribe blow a 7th inning lead to the Tigers, but Comerica Park is really cool. I met my cousin Mike along with my sister Becky and her husband Troy up in Mo-town to watch the ballgame together. We couldn't have asked for better weather, and our seats were perfect- right over 1st base- Mezzanine level- with an awesome view of not only the stadium but also the Detroit skyline.

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"Congratulations! The faculty and staff of St. Matthew Parish School are delighted to recognize your child as last month's recipient of 'The Pride of St. Matthew.' This is a program to showcase students each month, who have caught the teacher's attention above and beyond the other students in their class. These children are the heart of our school community by providing exceptional role modeling and influence over their peers. The sense of "caring" they generate is infectious and must be nurtured to spread over all our boys and girls."

As I told Marie later that night after having received this letter in the mail- as important as grades are in school, equally important is your character and how others view you as a class leader- one who has a knack for showing compassion and helpfulness. No doubt, this was a transitional year for Marie as she transferred over to this school back in November, but she really did an exceptional job in embracing both the program and her new classmates...culminating with this end of the year award presented by her principal.

I couldn't be more proud of you, Marie.