Christmas break in WNY

Spent a few days after Christmas in WNY with our family.  Sledding, skating, presents, bowling (not pictured) -- what more could a kid ask for.

I actually "played" ice hockey for the 1st time in over 10 years as well -- I didn't have a heart attack, so I considered that a victory.  At 37 years old, it's safe to say I'm solidly in retirement.

He lights the lamp!

Captured Dylan's first goal on tape!  Today they left about 3 minutes at the end of practice for a scrimmage, enough time for the Red Wings to score a big one.  After a good pass from his teammate, Dylan stick-handled around the defense and put one home!

Ridiculous

We usually make it out to the movies with the kids once/twice a year, and what better time to go then on a rainy December weekend.  So this morning I decided to take a look at movie times for "Frozen", which I've heard good things about.  Found a good time and went to buy tickets online, went to submit order and they tried to hit me with a $4.00 "Booking Fee"!!  Are you kidding me?  

First off, I'm taking the burden off theatre employees -- reducing overhead to process tickets, thus already improving their margins.

Second, I cannot even reserve a seat!  

What do I, as a customer, gain by this $4.00 payment.  The only value to me is that I don't have to wait in line for 1 minute and purchase tickets on site.

Needless to say, I will be making my ticket purchase live at the theatre.  Furthermore, once you get inside, you have to pay 3 times the normal amount for snacks -- which is why I'll be sneaking treats inside today.

Theater experience = Ridiculous

Craft time at local store

Cathy took the kids out to make gingerbread homes last weekend.  Solid effort and focus from both kids, final creations are near the tree in the living room.

The magic train

I made this Christmas train, it is magic.  It is going to the north pole, elves are driving this train .  The elves are delivering presents.  Everybody will open them and be happy.

Hockeytown

Dylan is liking his new hockey class on the weekends, lots of talk afterward about the scrimmage.  D took a shot right at the end as the buzzer went off, a little bit more behind it and he would have had a goal.  Dylan told me he had a good pass and played good defense as well.

Luminary party

We all went to a neighbors house to make luminaries, Dylan provided limited support... but did take advantage of the treat table.  First we put candles in cups, then put sand in bags, then the cups in the bags.  Our whole neighborhood sets them up on Christmas Eve, we have 4 boxes in our garage ready to go.

Century Club

Dylan's been putting his time in doing mazes and puzzles lately, completed his first 100 piece puzzle with little assistance and knocked down 3 Kumon maze books as well.

Another year, another home, another Christmas

Looking forward to spending Christmas here in MI, should be a good time.  Exterior illumination is complete, nothing major this year -- next year I plan on doing it the right way.  My plan is to take advantage of bargain prices post-Christmas, and to load up on tons of lights.

First day of hockey class

Today was Dylan's first day of hockey class -- marking the first time he skated with a stick on the ice as well.  He did great and loved every minute of it!  At the end they had a five minute scrimmage, I'll try to get some video next time.

Great Grandpa's 100th



Cousins with respective outlaws... and a nice Dylan photobomb.

All the great grand-kids.

Here's a bunch of pictures from the 100th birthday celebration -- which happened to be at the same place as our wedding reception.  What a great time, it was nice to see everyone again.  The kids really seem to bond well, they truly enjoy it when we all get together.

Unbe-leave-able

Filled up about 80 bags of leaves over the past two weeks.

I inquired about a Fall cleanup service, but the guy wanted $250!!  I offered him half, he didn't budge -- so I decided to invest in leaf blower.  Looking back, it's pretty silly to even think of paying someone to do the cleanup:  1)  The kids loved playing outside while I was bagging the leaves, 2) not the best example to set for my kids, 3) the leaf blower is fun!  

Cousins

Plenty of pics to sort through from our MA visit, here's a few of the cousin photos.