Ben's Birthday Party

Yesterday, Bode went to his buddy Ben's Birthday Bash (how's that for some opening alliteration). The party was at the Boonshoft Museum, which was great because it gave the kids lots of room to run around and burn off the sugar.

When they got there, the kiddos first made slime. They start with this green liquid, mix some other special magic potion, and voila! You get slime. Here's a picture of Bode the Mad Scientist going to work.

Next up was launching a rocket. It wasn't a real rocket. Rather, it was a film canister (remember those little black things film went in before the world went digital?), filled with water and an alka seltzer tablet. Put the lid on really fast and boom! The lid shot all the way to the ceiling. The kids were amazed and excited. We might try to do this at home some time (probably out in the driveway).

A big part of the afternoon was presents and cupcakes. Bode was very excited about the gift he brought. He has trouble not spilling the beans about what is in the wrapped present. Typically, he'll bring someone a present and say, "I got you XXX." Ashley tried to tell him to wait, and he did...for a little while. Bode was also very interested in all the presents. Here's a picture of Bode and some of the other kids looking at the gifts.

After the obligatory treats, the boys were cut loose in the museum. I should note it's not really a museum in the Smithsonian sense. Rather, it's a children's discovery museum, so there are lots of entertaining things for them. Here are some action photos. First up is Bode in a space ship. Little man is going to be an astronaut.

Next we have Bode and Ben "driving." Scary to think in only 12 years, these two nuts could be behind the wheel of a real car.

Finally, we have the garbage truck. The kids can put fake trash in the little recycling slots on the side of the truck and then watch it get dumped out the back. It's a huge hit and they really seem to like it. The garbage truck also has a flashing light and siren, so you can imagine what a hot-bed of kid activity it can be.

It rained all day yesterday. Today, the sun is out, but it looks windy, and it just isn't warm (yet). I think we'll go to the mall. Ashley wants to get some new jeans, and I think I might want to get a pair. No news on selling the house, but we're still hopeful. Ashley heads out to Colorado Springs in a week to do some house-hunting. Otherwise, it's same ol', same ol', but I think we both starting to realize (get terrified) that in two months, we're going to have to pack up the entire household and make the drive to Colorado. Lots to do :-) Pleasant week to all.

Easter and Mini Golf

We had a very busy Easter weekend. Bode is still getting the gist of Easter. He asked us, "Is it someone's birthday?" to which I replied, "Yes, but instead of a happy birth, it was a brutal execution." Ashley smacked me and didn't speak to me for a couple hours. After that, things were fine.

First up was coloring some eggs. Bode really gets into it. Here he is anxiously awaiting the vinegar to dissolve the coloring pellets. Harley, as always, was underfoot.

Here are some action shots of the eggs in the dishes. I'm not sure if you can tell in the first picture, but Bode has extremely long eye-lashes. Ashley thinks the chicks are really going to dig this when Bode gets older. Here's hoping, little man.

Note that Bode is wearing his Auburn propaganda t-shirt. Ashley reminded me the A-day game is a week away, to which I (jokingly) responded, "Who gives a sh...?" Another two hours went by, and we were speaking again.

Last night, the Easter bunny came and hid the eggs. It wasn't the most beautiful of Easter mornings, and I was cursing the Easter bunny for hiding the eggs outdoors. However, Bode is tough and can ignore the elements. He grabbed his basket and he was off (along with some assists from Harley).

Once we finished the hunt, we feasted on a pancake breakfast. I am amazed by 1) how much little boys eat and 2) how little older men such as myself eat. Today, Bode only had two pancakes. Last week, he had four. I usually eat three, and could probably skip lunch. Bode's hungry by 11:00. I can only imagine what he'll be like as a teenager.

This afternoon, the sun came out and we decided to do some miniature golfing. Bode doesn't quite have the hang of the whole concept, but he knows he's supposed to get the ball into the whole. And if he happens to redirect the ball when it's moving, no harm, no foul.

Finally, here is a great movie of Bode putting. At least he's persistent

All is well here in Kettering. Many of you know we are moving to Colorado Springs this summer. We should be there no later than 1 July. We are trying to sell our house, which simply means we are always cleaning. Pleasant week to all.