Rylan and Brenna's B-Day

Sunday, our friends (Kristen and Erik) had a birthday party for their two children, Rylan and Brenna.  It was a very cool party in that it was held at a gymnastics center.  This meant the kids had tons of room to run around, jump on things, chase each other, and have a blast.  Here are some action shots and a couple movies.

First is a picture of Bode going after Mr. Erik on one of the trampolines.  Lots of fun.

Next is a picture of Bode waiting patiently to jump around.  Note the wide spaces, the huge number of soft mats, and the open spaces.  Like I said, a kiddo's dreams.

Next up was the zip line.  We had to convince Bode to go on the ride.  Obviously, he was terrified.  Little man had a death grip on the rope.

Fortunately, he really enjoyed it, and wanted to ride some more.  I even had the presence of mind to make a movie.

He really seemed to like the zip line, and even tried to convince a friend that..."it wasn't that scary."  Very cute. The coup de gras was the foam pit.  The kids could get running starts and jump into the pit of foam.  The adults also jumped it and found getting out was harder than it seemed.

Here is another movie of Bode making a tumbling pass.

Finally, after the kiddos had tired themselves out, it was time for cake and ice cream.

Bode had an amazing time at the party, and he has requested his 5th birthday party be at the same locale.  We'll see if he's good enough :-)  No more football in the McGuirk household--simply too depressing!  Pleasant week to all.

Houston Wedding

This past weekend, we went to Houston for a wedding.  Ashley's second cousin, Josh, got married to a lucky young gal named Sarah.  Ashley and Bode flew out Friday morning.  I had to teach, and flew down in the afternoon, making it in time for some of the rehearsal dinner.  Here are some pictures--it was great to see the extended Rankin Family.  First up is Penny (mother of the groom and Ashley's first cousin), with her daughter, Chelsea, and the bride, Sarah.

Next we have Callie and Criquet (yes, that is her name).  It looks like Criquet had a bit too much to drink.  Don't worry, she's almost in high-school.

Obviously she wasn't really drunk--just a horrible picture of her (so next time you see a "drunk" star in those supermarket tabloids, realize you might not be getting the entire truth.)  Here is a good one of Ashley and Penny.

The rehearsal dinner was very nice.  Afterwards, we went to bed--Bode slept with Mommy on one of our beds which meant I got to spread out in a whole bed on my own.  Ah, it's the little things...

The next day, the wedding wasn't until 6 pm.  Therefore, we spent some time at the pool...although the water was chilly.  Here are Bode and me contemplating on whether we can stand the pain of getting into the frigid water.

After our (brief) swim, we cleaned up and went to the movies.  After some arguments with the GPS, we were able to find the theater.  We saw "Hotel Transylvania" and it was a good kid's movie.  I don't think it will be a classic like Aladdin or anything like that, but the kiddos enjoyed it.  Afterwards, Bode and I napped, and then it was time to get in our fancy duds and go to a wedding.  The ceremony was nice--short, unlike a Catholic service--and before we knew it, we were at the dinner.  Here's a shot of Bode with Teddy and Charlie.

Next we have a great shot of Penny and Milton (Josh's parents) with their other three kids.  Yup, all daughters.  This first one was cheap...the next three weddings will cost them :-)

Here's a great picture of JoAnne with Josh

and a goofy one of David and me...

Not sure why I was so excited.  Maybe I was thrilled to know Sunday morning I could sleep in.  At some point the DJ started playing music, and then Bode hit the dance floor with Mommy.

They were very cute scooting around the dance floor.  Hopefully he continues to dance--it's the best way to meet the ladies (so I'm told; I s*ck at dancing, much to Ashley's angst).  The reception went into the night, but we left early.  "Bode" was tired (and so was I...)

Sunday, we woke up and had a nice big breakfast at the hotel with the family.  We got home around four in the afternoon, in plenty of time to watch the mighty Steelers beat the Bengals (yes, we have stopped watching Auburn football...just too sad).  Pleasant week to all.

Ready for Halloween

Bode's Halloween costume came in the mail.  He is going to be Buzz Light Year, and has wanted to constantly wear his outfit.  Here is a some cute picture.

Note the cool wings.  We had to remind Bode the wings are fake and he shouldn't try to fly in them.  We were concerned he might try to take a header off the balcony and expect to soar through the air.  He understands they aren't real.  "Just pretend wings, right Daddy?"  You bet, little Buddy.