Leaves Leaves Leaves

It's that time of year again!  Where every weekend for the next few months will be devoted to blowing, raking, bagging, dumping, tarping leaves.  
Not this year!!

We built a compost over the weekend to help us manage our leaves.  So no more 12 bags every weekend going to the landfill.  Our 2 neighbors with the nice green lawns will be adding in their yard waste to help our compost work.  

DIY: 4 cinder blocks, 16 landscape timbers, 4 metal rods.

Our off the Couch Weekend!!!

Friday Night -- Movie night. Now if I would have asked Matthew and Adam if they wanted to watch E.T. they probably would have said no - because other than the ride at Disney World - they have no idea who or what E.T. is. So, I had to be a little tactful - because I really wanted to watch E.T.
"Hey Adam and Matthew you guys want to watch a movie tonight? (YEAH) -- How about E.T. -- we can watch this with POPCORN and ROOT BEER."

They didn't hear E.T. all they heard was POPCORN and ROOT BEER! Yeah, I feel a little bit guilty... but the movie is awesome!! and now they think so too...

Saturday -- Melinda went for her long run (11 miles) -- that just sounds crazy to me. I don't even want to drive 11 miles on the weekend... But she did it -- was it cold - yeah, a little rainy - yeah. Should we have breakfast ready for her when she gets home -- Yeah!!
The sun popped out -- the kids were off to a birthday party -- and I was off to go Kayaking. What an awesome way to spend an afternoon -- in the middle of a lake with no one around -- very relaxing... Also, trying to cross the lake looks easy from the shore -- in a 9.5 foot long Kayak not so easy.

Sunday -- Got off the couch and out of the house at 7:00 a.m. to go run the Midlothian Blaze 5k. My goals were simple:

1. Show up
2. Finish
3. Run the 3 miles without stopping
4. Don't Come in last
5. Try to finish in 30 minutes

Well I got the first 4 done... But my time was 32:13. Hey I'm just happy I finished.

Next 5k -- American Family October 13

The Weekend is Coming!!

Last week was only a 3 day work week for me -- So this week having to actually work a full week and doing some other work in the evenings has made this a very long week. So how will we enjoy the weekend.. Another Trip to Chincoteague.. Unfortunately -no.

Friday -- kids pick movie night -- (I'm pushing ET)

Saturday -- Melinda does her long run - in prep for the Maymont 1/2 marathon. Kids off to a friends B-Day party at the playroom, for me Kayaking in the new Kayak (see above) in the Swift Creek Reservoir. Bike Rides on the trails. Hopefully, getting the 4 year old off the training wheels...

Sunday -- Off the couch and running my first 5K -- The Midlothian Blaze. It's only 3 miles -- I say only... Church, rest, maybe convince Melinda to watch 300 one more time.

Chincoteague Island

A much needed 3 day weekend. We finally got away and went to Chincoteague Island. It has been a really long time since the 2 of us have gotten away without the kids. Chincoteague was awesome.

When we finally arrived on Friday -- We spent much of the day walking around the island -- plenty of shops and things to check out and surprising a lot of good restaurants to choose from.

Saturday -- We spent much of the day kayaking in the Assateague Bay - great views all day - and a great workout -- with that current. We really wanted to rent some bikes - but by the time we finished kayaking and going to the beach on Assateague the shops were closing up their rentals -- maybe next time.

Sunday -- We got up and did some running on the island. I ran a whole 3 miles. Melinda strolled on and ran 6. We probably should have stayed most of the day - but I was anxious to get back across the Chesapeake bay Bridge Tunnel -- thought that the tropical storm even though it was far away - might bring some strong winds - which would not have been good for carrying 2 kayaks on top of the car.

--- We did see some wild horses but they were really far way. - maybe next time. Also, found it interesting that no one locks anything up. I was really nervous about leaving 2 new kayaks on top of my car overnight - but their were plenty of other people who did not lock theirs or their bikes for that matter. Their were bikes everywhere and no one locks. -- pretty unheard of especially if you have ever had your bike stolen in Richmond.

It took all Summer...

It took all Summer but he was finally was able to do it!!!
Awesome!!!

what's happening this weekend

Tonight -- friends, grill, chicken and a movie - wild hogs

Saturday -- trashing all leaded toys, kids crying, make up -- hours upon hours at the pool. maybe go see the birds

Sunday -- visiting a new church, yard work, rest

Good Stuff: Pandora Radio (thanks)

Thanks -- Made in Richmond

A couple of weeks ago. Ms. Catrow of Made in Richmond had a little trivia contest on her blog. Well, lucky me - I WON (still can't believe that I couldn't get the Biloxi Blues quote).

Anyway, The best part -- their were prizes to be had. Not knowing what the prize was going to be I anxiously -- waited by the mailbox for days. I was hoping she was sending this --- but excited to have received an awesome movie theater gift card - that we used immediately to go see the Bourne Ultimatum. (good movie!!)

Thanks Again for the prize!!!

our wii is blue

a metroid prime demo
a little disappointed that its only a video

but happy to see some new stuff.

Things to do!!

* Make a Tabletop Biosphere.

* Use this -- Wikipedia on the go.

* Ipod This -- Leeland

* Can this be True? Guitar Hero III for the Wii

The James River is Awesome

Friday -- All of our schedules worked out and every was home - so we finally made it to a Braves Game this season... Great Weather -- lots of junk food -- a couple of foam fingers -- and VCU Coach Anthony Grant -- Braves got a win... Yeah - it was a great time.

Saturday -- Cruised up to Scottsville to go Tubing on the James (here). The website said 6 years old and up. So the 4 year old didn't make it. He went to the Watermelon Fest at the Chesterfield Berry Farm instead.

Anyway, tubing on the James is Awesome -- Basically you sit on a tube for 3 hours and relax. Stopping along the way to eat lunch on an island - play football -- whatever. We had a great time. If you go bring some goggles - We saw some pretty big fish and a couple of turtles along the way. Matthew had us convinced we saw a beaver - turned out to be a dog... We were also amazed by the amount of beer people would bring on their tubing trip. But don't let that stop you from going - it was actually pretty funny - how some people will react to being in a tube drunk.

We plan to back in August - and with the 4 year this time. We pleaded are case - explained all $$ we spent on swimming lessons etc,etc...

Sunday -- a day of rest needed -- not sure how relaxing on a tube the previous day makes one so tired...

Thanks Florida!!

We just got back from a much needed vacation. And it was probably the best vacation I have been on in a long time... The kids are finally old enough where you don't have to chase them all over the beach - you can actually sit down - relax and watch them play. We had lots to be thankful for on this trip compared to last year.

Thankfully, this year no one got their arm stuck in a vending machine at South of the Border. Thankfully, we got to Ormond Beach in 10 hours instead of 12 (yes, 2 hours makes a big difference). and Thankfully, the kids actually slept some in the car.

Things we learned on our weeks vacation --
* You cannot walk through sliding glass doors - no matter how fast you are walking
* The FastPass Machine/Lanes at Animal Kingdon is the best thing in the world...
* Don't let Drunk Strangers take your Family Portraits.
* Interstate 95 is the name of the road not the speed limit.
* No matter how many times you stop at South of the Border it will never be how you remember it when you were a kid.
* No one uses a Beach Umbrella anymore -- you must have a canopy.
* Really, you can't walk through sliding glass doors - no matter how clear the view of the ocean is.

GRANT is Back!!!

Okay, he never really left -- but I bet for a minute he thought about what that paycheck would have looked like if he had gone to Florida. Read the story on Donovan here.
Looks like he wants out of the Contract and the Orlando Magic will let him do so. It's really good news for everyone -- Good News for VCU and good news for Florida...

Carytown 10K

This past weekend was the Carytown 10k. It was a good race - not nearly as popular as the Ukrops 10k. No one dressed up funny and no one from another country flew in to take the prize money. Which I don't know if their was any. Anyway, Matthew and I ran the kids race - which was 1/2 mile. He has been in "training" for a couple of months. Basically, training consisted of him running around our circle with Melinda running with him and Adam riding in the Jeep. (We kinda of live on a Culd a sac but are street is a circle off of the culd a sac -- weird I know) Anyway, 4 times around the circle is 1/2 mile. What did he learn during his Prefontaine training?? Setting the pace.

The wife ran the 10k -- and she did an awesome job of it!!! She has been running 3-4 times a week for the past few months. She shaved off some of her time from her last 10k. So she was quite proud of herself for that. I never knew that Richmond had so many running events. Anyway, if Running is your thang than you probably already know about this. But if not the RRRC has a current list of all the runs in Richmond.

--- Good Times!!

We had a nice little break this past weekend.

Friday - Stayed in - Our new home office furniture finally arrived - So an exciting night was spent setting up our my new home office.

Saturday - Adam had a soccer game at 11:00. I was finally getting used to the 9:00 am games. Anyway, 3-4 year olds playing soccer - it's fun to watch the first few minutes - then after that -- it's pretty much watching all the parents trying to keep their kid encouraged. -- "It's not over -- go play -- go kick the ball". Saturday night though was a much needed kid free night. We have not been to the movies in so long - we were anxious to go see something - but nothing was playing - really nothing. So, we settled on The Shooter. Not too bad of a movie - compared to everything else that was playing.

Sunday - Woke up at the crack of dawn to meet my Dad and his fishing buddies in Fredericksburg - to see if the Shad were still rolling through. It was a good time - I am really starting to like this Fly Fishing. Anyway, caught a couple of Shad and a really good sunburn - not too bad for our first real spring weekend...

What a 10k Weekend!

This past weekend was so good - I couldn't blog about it until Tuesday. Actually, I was just to busy. But this weekend we had the Ukrops 10k. Me and the kids were spectators at this awesome event. However, it was Melinda (the wife) New Years Resolution to run the Ukrops 10k. After months of running at the gym and running through the hood. -- She ran it and SHE RAN IT WELL... We are so proud of her... Matthew, Adam and I surprised her at the 2 mile marker - with posters and high fives ready to go. Adam helped boost a lot of spirits with his high fives. Melinda celebrated her victory at her favorite restaurant Dolce Vita.

Sunday - Was a day of rest for Melinda. Every one else however, was outside earning their allowance. Lots of raking, picking up sticks, sweeping and the dreaded cleaning out the garage.

Our Weekend

Friday - ended up renting Monkey Ball for the Wii. (Too nice of a weekend - we never got a chance to play it)

Saturday- Matthews 1st baby tooth finally fell out. Adam had a 9:00 am soccer game. Most parents of 3-4 year olds spend a lot of time teaching "sharing". Sharing is awesome on the playground and in the playroom but not so much on the soccer field. All the kids were very polite and shared the ball very well - no matter which team they were on - there was no stealing. Very funny to watch.
Matthew went to a classmates Mad Science B-Day Party. (Interesting and Fun - except when Fire was involved)
The Fam - went to a Cool new place - Ritas. Rita's is a franchise in a shopping center with a bunch of other franchises. Basically, they sell Italian Ices and soft serve ice creams. It was pretty good - Mint Italian Ice is a nice change from German Chocolate Cake from Cold Stone. I am hoping these guys will last - they have to compete with Cold Stone and Brewsters - both of which are less than a mile away.

Sunday - (Tooth Fairy showed up - $1 for 1 tooth - must be inflation from the .25 I use to get)
I'll admit sometimes I want Church to end early or at least on time - it's usually those times when God knows this and makes church go longer than expected. For this particular Sunday however, I was glad it did - Pastor Rick had a great message.
Melinda and Matthew made 30 cupcakes for Matthew to share with his class on Monday. I'm feeling really old -- Matthew is officially 6 years old today. Happy Birthday Bud!

Everything Wii

Turns out the weekend might be salvaged -- only a slight chance of rain -- temp at or close to 70. I was actually hoping for cold and rainy. So we could use our monthly Blockbuster Coupon for 1 free movie or Video Game. (Beat that NetFlix). Anyway, now the weekend is free and clear for some much needed yard maintenance, a 9:00 am Soccer Game (that's just mean), Kid Birthday Party, and more yard work.

Games I was hoping to Rent: Rayman, Tiger Wood 2007,

Games I am waiting for: Mario Strikers, Spiderman 3

Coming soon for the Wii: An Update for the Opera Browser!!
The articles says that the current Browser for the Wii - has become the top download in America and Europe. Top Download?? Compared to what?? The weather / news channel or that voting channel?? Anyway, hopefully this will be a faster browser.

Really, I am just doing all this for my kids!!

I woke the Neighbors!!

I hope my neighbors are not still mad -- what with all the Screaming, Yelling and Hollering - from VCU BEATING DUKE last night. I knew it was going to be close and I knew that VCU was going to have to have a perfect game. The final seconds of the game and I do mean final seconds of the game has an awesome shot by Maynor. (See below) for that.
Tomorrow - is VCU against Pittsburgh. My Bracket has them winning and going on to play UCLA. That may be wishful thinking indeed. But sometimes you just never know... So far my bracket is doing well. I was a little off on the East - I thought Texas Tech would be able to beat Boston College and I was wrong in choosing Marquette to beat Michigan.
Today's games - I think Va Tech will be fine - I have them beating Illinois, then Southern Ill, and hoping for a great game with Kansas. UVA on the other hand - I have them beating Albany and then stopping at Tennessee. We shall see...

Weekend at a Water Park!

This weekend the Fam will be going here to celebrate Matthews - 6 year old Birthday. I think I started saying Matthew was 6 about 3 months ago. Funny how when we are kids we want to be older sooner - but when we get older we finally admit to being 30 when we are really 33. Anyway, Williamsburg is suppose to have this awesome indoor water park - which does sound like a great thing to do in March. Last year we went to Baltimore for Matthews Birthday and it turned out to be the coldest day of the year. Anyway, we initially thought it would be cool to make a day trip to Williamsburg and check out this indoor water park. Well, like everything else - their is a catch -- Turns out this place is actually a "lodge" that includes an awesome water park. You actually have to stay at the lodge in order to use the water park. So, after checking out the pics and videos - we decided to choose a themed "kids" room and stay for the weekend. So for some $ you get a cabin type themed room and 2 days worth of the water park.... sweet

Lazy Lazy Weekend!

Friday: Watched Babel. Instead of movies being rated with stars or thumbs. Maybe, rated on how much they should cost to watch. $8.95 (Theater), $4.99 (Rental - On Demand), 1 (Mail in). I would say Babel would get a 1 -- it's worth 1 of your mail in movie picks - but not worth the drive to Blockbuster to rent and not worth $8.95 to see at the movies and purchase popcorn and such.

Saturday: Fixed Adams (4 year old) flat tire - who was very impressed with learning how to find the hole in tire by placing the tube in water. Went to Carytown - ate at Bev's and its true - she has nothing to worry about. Wife and I had dinner at Glory Days -- they make pretty good hamburgers - and they give you coke in a glass bottle - somehow that tastes better...

Sunday: Missed Church (sorry) - Had Lunch at the Olive Garden with Grandparents. Lunch was at 11:30 but really it was 10:30 (daylight savings time) - very hard to eat food like that at 11:30.

Ate out - too many times. Zero yard work done. Played 2 hours of Zelda on the Wii. Played outside most of the day with kids... Fun!