Allegany ‘08

Our quaint little cabin was a far cry from the Residence Inn that we stayed at towards the end of the week, but the kids had a great time playing in the creek, swimming, hiking, and cooking out over a fire.

We all left Sunday afternoon and arrived at our villa around 6 in the evening. Although it was equipped with a stove and refrigerator, indoor plumbing was not a luxury for us. Luckily, the bathhouse was a very short walk away, so it wasn’t too big a deal. We spent the afternoons at the Redhouse Area Lake swimming, paddle boating, and eating ice-cream. For me, I enjoyed the drive over to the lake as much as the boating and swimming. It was a meandering, 25 minute loop through the state park to get to the lake, and since the weather was spectacular, we all crammed into the Wrangler and enjoyed the windy ride.

My brother-in-law’s family has vacationed here for well over 40 years, so it’s a type of reunion for not only his family but the many friends that they have made in this remote- yet absolutely beautiful part of New York. No doubt, little Sarah provided the entertainment each night at the campfires. Marshmallows appeared to be her food of choice, and I’m guessing her sugar intake for the week far surpassed what most sane parents would want their children to consume.

I have to say the highlight of my week was the four mile trek that the little guy and I tackled on Tuesday. At first, I feared that it might be a tad ambitious for Josh, but with his very cool Allegany Park souvenir walking stick in hand, he was a trooper and the two of us had some real quality father-son time together as we completed the trail in just a little over two hours. I’m not sure if I ever have engaged in a two hour- non-stop conversation with my son before- actually, he did most of the talking…with topics ranging from his friends at school, favorite foods, middle-child blues, which I could relate to!, Biblical stories, and the nagging concern as to whether or not I knew where we were going, which truthfully, I had my own doubts at times. This was not a clearly marked trail like we have back home in the metro parks. About 1 mile before the end, Josh and I came across a young doe standing less than 100 feet away- amazing! The only time Josh complained was when we finished the trail only to find out that we had a one mile walk back to the campsite. Believe me, by that time, I too was dragging butt. However, this will be one of those experiences with the little guy that I’ll look back on later in life and truly cherish.

After three 3 ½ days of roughin’ it, we drove ½ way back to Erie PA on Wed. afternoon and enjoyed a much needed good night’s rest in the Residence Inn- after playing laser-tag that evening. For anyone who has never played this game before, let me tell you…it takes about 10 minutes before you get this Rambo-type of adrenaline going, and you have one single goal in mind- don’t get shot and pick on the little guys cause’ they’re easier to catch!

The next morning, we hung out all day at the water park, Splash Lagoon before driving back to good ole’ Barberton. It wasn’t quite as nice as the ones up in Sandusky, but Marie and Josh appeared to have a ton of fun swimming from 10 in the morning till’ 7 at night. Not wanting to go yet, I convinced them that they were indeed water-logged enough and we needed to pack up and head on home. I know I was tired- course those two crashed no sooner we hit the interstate while I made the drive home in peace and quiet...all part of my master plan.

What? No text-messaging up here? I can't handle it!

Love that chocolate ice-cream!

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Trust me, Dad...I won't toss her in the creek!
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Daddy Boot-Camp Day #3

Having all of July off from work, so far, so good. The three of us had an awesome day out at Silver Creek today. Couldn't have asked for nicer weather, and Sarah and Josh LOVED the sand beach. And I LOVED the two hour nap that the two year old took when we got home...only because I'm in the middle of painting a swing in the backyard...what a pain that has been, I might add!

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.