Albuquerque

Bode spent some quality time with the McGuirk cousins the weekend before Christmas.  Ashley and I decided to play hooky from work and headed down on Friday, arriving just in time for a scrumptious dinner.  Dana is quite the chef and made a delicious lasagna.  We really needed all that food because we were *so* active while we were down there :-)  Actually, Bode probably played as hard as he has ever played.  As soon as we showed up, Sean was there to greet us.  Sean is nine, and is Lord of the Universe in Bode's eyes.  He always wanted to sit by Sean, eat by Sean, play with Sean, well, you get the idea.  And it was great for the parents because we really weren't needed.  At all.  Sort of a window into what it will be like when Bode is a teenager. (Sigh) The ABQ McGuirks took great care of Bode.  They all slept in the same room--sort of a minicamp out (and with a big-screen TV and climate control--my kind of camping).  Here is a nice shot of the McGuirk cousins' sleeping arrangements.

That's Brenna on the left.  She's twelve, and the next time we see her, Ashley might be looking up to her.  Devin is next to Bode--she's about six months older than Bode and very cute (must have gotten the Lithgoe genes).  And, of course, there's Sean, or as Bode called him, Zhhawn (it sometimes sounded like John, but with a very soft J).  The first night, the kiddos watched movies and ate popcorn. Ahh, to be young again.  The next day, we lazed around during the day.  Brenna and Sean each have electronic phones/games, and Bode loved watching them play.  Here is a nice shot of them on the couch.

At some point, Bode got hold of the camera and started taking pictures.  Gotta love the close ups...

In the mid-afternoon, we headed to the children's museum, which was a blast.  Bode told a few people it was just like the Boonshoft, which, if you haven't lived in Dayton, is meaningless.  The museum had all sorts of interactive displays and ways to entertain the kids.  Water is always a big attraction.

The bubble factory was also a hit.

Afterwards, we went to a park and played.  I tried keeping up with Brenna and Sean on the monkey bars, but my shoulders don't seem to work like that of a young child.  We also walked through Old-Town, and saw the very large Santa.

There was also this cool Christmas tree.  It's hard to tell, but every branch is its own tree.  Very neat.

That night, we went to the Walk of Lights (or something like that).  It was awesome--lights everywhere, with all sorts of great decorations and lighting arrangements.  It was a tad chilly, but fortunately, we were dressed appropriately and none the worse for the wear at the end of the evening.  I didn't take any pictures, because my pictures of holiday lights always turn out horrible--just looks like a bunch of little fireflies with a lot of dark.  I think Ashley took some, and if she ever ports her photos over to the computer, I'll be sure to load them.  Following the festival of lights, we dined on Mexican (we needed more food) and headed home.  The kiddos, once again, did the camping thing, staying up too late, and doing what they do.  

Sunday was a great day.  Dana, Brenna, and Devin went to The Nutcracker ballet.  The men plus Ashley went to a place a lot like Bounce U--lots of bouncy houses and such.  Once again, I left my camera at home (this time by accident), so Ashley has all the pics of Sean and Bode bouncing around.  I did race Sean through the obstacle course.  I lost.  Badly.  Sunday night, we did a gift exchange.  Prior to opening, we posed for some McGuirk Family pictures.  

Afterwards, we opened some presents.  Bode must have inherited the gene from Ashley about how to NOT respond to a present.  He was soooo excited to open this big present from Uncle Pat and Aunt Dana.  It turned out to be a mini-trampoline (which he now likes).  Evidently, it did not ring his bell because he said, "Do you have any other presents for me?"  Nice.  Here are some action photos.  Bode really likes opening presents--even those that aren't his.

We had a lovely time in ABQ.  We got home on Christmas Eve--we did not want to confuse Santa.  Bode was so tired that nice.  At 7:00 pm, he tells us, "I just want to go to sleep."  Fortunately, he was up early the next day for Christmas!  

The Christmas Train

First snow of the year!  We woke up and it was C-O-L-D!  The high was 20 (maybe).  What fortuitous timing, because today was the day we took the Cog Railroad all the way to the North Pole.  The snow really put us all in the Christmas spirit.  The roads were a bit slippery on the drive down to Manitou, but we got there with time to spare.  Which was good, because there were no bathrooms on the train, so the kiddos needed to take a pit stop.  Here is a shot of Bode with some of his friends before getting on the train.

We also snapped a quick picture of Bode with Mommy.

We were fortunate to have a surprise rider with us on the train--the Mrs. Santa Claus.  I think her first name is Shaunita, but I'm not positive...Shaunita Claus.

The ride to the North Pole was surprisingly short--only about 40 minutes.  The time flew by, because there were elves and minstrels riding with us, singing Christmas carols and entertaining us.  Once there, we were glad we had our hats and mittens because it was quite chilly.  There was a nice supply of hot chocolate and cookies, which really hit the spot at eleven in the morning.

Here's a cute shot of Bode and Mommy.  For those of you that read the blog often, you will notice Kristen (in the hat) and Eric in the background.

We waited our turn, and were eventually led past the armed guard (elf) into Santa's lair.  Bode told Santa he wanted a bulldozer for Christmas (which is the first we've heard of this).

Afterwards, we lounged around the North Pole and took in the scenery.  We were lucky and saw a reindeer.

We did not do much the rest of the day.  Bode helped me (hindered me from) shovel, which was fun.  Harley loves it when we shovel.  Evidently attacking a shovel is the biggest thrill for a rottweiler.  Speaking of Harley, she seems to know when Ashley and I aren't around to enforce the rules.  I was upstairs on the computer and happened to look over the balcony.  This is what I saw.

I need to talk to Bode about keeping her off the couch.  One more week of classes for me, and then it's time to grade finals.  After that, ten or eleven days off from work!  Pleasant week to all.

Bode's Birthday Party

Bode's birthday party was yesterday.  We partied at Skateland, which was a lot of fun, after the initial, "I can't do this!" part.  His cousins, Teddy and Charlie came down from Denver, along with Nana and Papa, and Grammy.  Here are some random pictures of us skating around the rink.  Before continuing, let me assure you despite a number of falls, there were no injuries :-)  First up is a shot of fearless Charlie.

This little guy had no hesitation about anything.  He just grabbed the supporting walker, and away he went.  Next is Teddy.

Yes, the kiddos could fall even when using "no-falling" devices.  Here's a nice one of Bode and Mommy.

Bode didn't like the walker at first, but after awhile, he really started to get the hang of it.  His buddies, Rylan and Brenna, were also there.  Here is one of Bode playing with Rylan.

Here's a movie after Bode had gotten some vital skating experience.

We also had plenty of pizza and ice-cream.

And, of course, we sang (poorly) to the birthday boy.  I am not including that video because I was closest to the microphone and my voice dominates, which doesn't make the song pleasing to the ear.  You will have to be content with a picture.

We had a lovely time at Bode's party.  Afterwards, we went home.  Teddy, Charlie, Nana, and Papa stayed the night.  Nana and Papa were nice enough to baby sit, and let Ashley and I go to the Bond movie.  It was good--too much shirtless Daniel Craig for my taste (Ashley drools over him).  Otherwise, very entertaining.  Everyone has left, so our house is back to just the three of us (and, not surprisingly, a bit quieter :-)  Ashley is traveling to DC this week, so it will be me, Bode, and Harley.  Pleasant week to all!

Bode's Birthday

Bode is now five!  Neither one of us can believe it, yet we also can't really remember the time before him.  It's been fast, but also been long.  Sort of a paradox, much like the mind of a five-year old :-)

We opened presents on Wednesday.  I don't know if Bode was surprised.  In October, we asked him what he wanted for his birthday, and he told us.  Then, every time afterwards when his birthday was mentioned, he would say, "I'm getting the grader truck for my birthday."  No asking for it.  Simply a statement.  We tried to convince him he had to be good to get it, and he was (for the most part).  However, since he "knew" what he was getting, his excitement was subdued.  Here's a picture of him opening one of his presents.

Next is the movie of the same present.  He seems excited, but not the jumping up and down that was expected...

He proceeded to open his other presents.  He received the aforementioned grader truck and also this big crane truck, shown below.

Here he is playing with the trucks.

He also received a cool game from his Aunt Geri and some always-acceptable cash from Aunt Marnie.  His party wasn't until the weekend, so we'll post more pictures of that later.  Happy Birthday, Bode!

Thanksgiving

We have had a lovely Thanksgiving.  Ashley's parents (Frank and JoAnne) came to town.  They arrived on Wednesday, having picked up Bode's cousin, Teddy, in Denver.  The two young men did nothing but play and play and play.  Trucks, movies, trains, swimming, and, of course, ice cream.

Teddy spent the night with us on Thursday, which Bode loved.  Sometimes we wonder if Bode gets bored with us because he plays so hard when he has friends over.

Thursday morning, Ashley and I ran in the Briargate Turkey Trot.  Over 2,500 people ran this event.  Well, I shouldn't say ran.  Many walked, which isn't a big deal, but it does make the fact I came in 62nd seem more impressive than it actually is :-)  Ashley did well, but she thinks she's slow.  She hasn't been running--she's more into aerobics, kick-boxing, and other full-body work outs.  I think she did great, but she ignores me when I tell her so :-)  After the race, my Mom and Ashley's brother's family (Dave, Kathy, and their other son, Charlie) came down from Denver.  We had a wonderful day of food, food, and to top things off, food.  Here are some pictures.  First, one of Dave and Ashley on the couch.

Next is one of me.  Note I'm working diligently doing the dishes.  Yes, I earn my keep.

After one of the meals, the ladies went for a walk.  The men stayed at home and watched football (you know, manly things).

We had a great visit with the Denver Rankins and my Mom.  Bode was exhausted--went right to bed after all that playing with Charlie and Teddy.

Today was rather tame.  Ashley and I went to the Verizon store and got her an early birthday present.  She has wanted a smartphone, and I've ignored her for the past year or so.  She threatened to stop cooking, so I guess I had to give in.  Thus, she is the happy owner of a new Droid (or something like that).  Look for all sorts of cool things from her now that she has a smart phone.  I bet she could post to this blog from it (As a reminder, Ashley has NEVER posted anything to this blog.  Not that she hasn't tried.  As editor, I simply have a high standard for the posted material :-)

In the afternoon, we went down to the Broadmore, a posh hotel in Colorado Springs.  They were doing some ice-sculpting.  Bode wanted a picture with the fish.

A big treat at the Broadmore was the presence of Santa.  Bode was able to tell him everything he wanted for Christmas.  He also assured Santa he has been a good boy the entire year (debatable).

Afterwards, we came home.  While I was cooking dinner (I thought getting that d*mn phone meant Ashley was supposed to be in the kitchen), I told Bode to take some pictures.  Here they are.  First up, me in the kitchen (proof of my hard work).

Next is one of Papa.

Finally, Nana and Ashley on the couch.  Evidently shopping for the smart phone wore her out :-)

This week has been great...so far.  Tomorrow is the Iron Bowl.  We are pessimistic.  But for what it is worth, War Damn Eagle!

The Zoo (Again)

We went to the zoo today with Eric, Kristin, Rylan, and Brenna.  The weather was perfect--55-60 degrees and sunny.  We had hoped the animals would be up and about, as opposed to just lying there.  We were not disappointed.  When we arrived, we got a good shot of the kiddos.  They were very excited to be at the zoo.

Next, it was time to feed the giraffes, always a crowd favorite.

The zoo has a big moose.  I'm amazed how large these things are.  For perspective, here's a shot of Ashley.  Look at the size of the moose!  For a relative measure, Ashley weighs 230 :-)

The mountain lions were very active--I have never seen cats like this.  Their cage is right next to the wolves' cage, and the wolves were running around.  We heard one of the cats growling.  We aren't sure what the issue was, but it certainly was intimidating.

After a fine lunch of greasy hamburgers and hotdogs, we rode the merry-go-round.  For future reference, we need to do this before lunch :-)

We had a lovely time at the zoo.  Now, it's Sunday afternoon, Bode is watching a movie, Ashley is on her computer, and I'm fixing to read a book.  I hope you all are as lazy as we are :-)  Pleasant week to all!

Avery's Birthday

Today, we went to Avery's birthday party.  Avery is a girl in Bode's class, and she invited Bode...to her Princess Themed Party.  Bode was the only male non-relative in attendance.  However, he didn't seemed to mind.  Plus it's never too early to start working on the repertoire with the ladies.  The party was at the athletic club where we belong.  Thus, it wasn't new for Bode to play in the water.  What was nice was Ashley and I didn't have to entertain him in the pool (which usually defaults to me being in the water--even though it's a heated, indoor pool, Ashley rarely gets more than her feet wet :-)  Now for some photos.  First, here is a cute one of Bode.  He saw we had the camera, came over to us, and asked us to take his picture.  The dude is not camera shy.

Next is a picture of Bode splashing Ashlyn.  Little man needs to learn the way to a woman's heart is NOT by splashing her in the face...

Next are a couple pictures of Bode, me, and some of the girls waiting to get splashed.  There is this big bucket of water that spills over periodically and dumps water on people.  It's quite a hit with the kids (adults too!).

Next, it was time for cake and ice cream.  Avery is the little girl at the head of the table.  Ashley did a great job shopping for a gift, considering neither one of us has any idea what to buy a girl.

We had a lovely time at the party.  Afterwards, we came home and had pizza.  Toy Story 3 was on TV, and about an hour before it began, I told Bode he could watch it.  Kid must have asked me 100 times if it was time to start.  It's a good movie--but I did fall asleep for part of it.  I don't know what it is about the pool water, but every time we go swimming, I'm exhausted afterwards.  Very weird.

The mighty Auburn Tigers won today, beating up on Alabama.  Yes, Alabama!  Well, Alabama A&M, but at least it was a team from the same state.  Next weekend is versus the Crimson Tide.  We are hopeful, but realistic.  Slow week for the both of us, and then family comes to town.  Should be tons of fun!  Pleasant week to all.