So I took some more time off work (it's really only a place I go, not what I do anyway) and hitched a bus ride with Ken and Ruth down to Knoebels for a few days.  We stayed in the tent with a nice air matress to sleep on, sweet.  I think it goes without saying that Jordan really liked that.  So camp was set up, dinner was had, now it's time to ride!  Over the next couple days we hit a little bit of everything, but kept going back to the old standby choo-choo trains and Jordan's new personal favorite, the Flyers.  We must have ridden that thing a dozen times, each time going a little higher until we finally had the cables shaking, "laughing all the way, ha-ha-ha".  Every ride ended with "wanna go 'gain".  Ok, you're the boss...no wait, I'm the boss...aren't I?  Anyway.  Everybody had a good time and we're all set for next year.  It's nice to get home though, even though this is the place I really work. 

We took off this weekend for a couple of much needed days away from everyonething.  I skipped work Friday afternoon and we went early, happy we did.  Nothing like waking up in the morning knowing you have nothing to do, putting on a pair of shorts and going for a swim before breakfast.  I could get a little too used to that.  Jordan was completely in his element running in and out of the water whenever he wanted, excavating the beach as he thought was needed, and feeding the duckies that visited quite regularly.  Did I mention the boat ride?  That topped it off for him, nothing else was needed.  We also went to the Windmill, a sort of 'farmer's market', but with wine tasting.  I seriously could get too used to this.  The nights were spent sitting lakeside by a fire chatting over a few drinks amongst ourselves and the neighbors.  I'm sold, anytime now powerball, anytime.  Thank you very much Aunt Vicki and Uncle Ray, it was greatly appreciated.

 

So on the way home we stopped at KFC for lunch and continued home.  Once we got there, there was a message inviting us to dinner at Uncle Justin's.  Sweet.  Nothing like finishing off a great weekend with great friends.  Home once again and Mommy and I are relaxing with a bit of wine.  This is where the story ends...for you.

Awesome.  For the most part as it rained most of the day.  All in all half of the people still came out.  Pre-cooking and lining the cooler with foil worked out much better as I had more time to drink socialize.  The fireworks went off without a hitch, thanks for the help Todd (got a little captain in ya?).  Hopefully it will be a nicer day next year, but at least this time it will be on a Friday.  Yeah!  Thanks for coming, hope everybody had a good time.  See you next year!

I think it's more terrible for the parents because they just keep growing.  Jordan turned two...already.  Man time flies something something.  We had a party for him, thanks to everyone for everything.  We had a great time, he especially.  His first introduction to chasing a remote control car/tractor (me with the remote and him not knowing how it was moving) was absolutely hilarious.  Lifelong memory for sure.  I won't mention which one of his cousins I later suckered in too who shrieked and said "Oh my god, how's that thing moving!".  Jojo, you're funny (oops!).  Now when he and I are sitting in my chair we send it out into the kitchen and run into Mommy a few times until she puts food in it for us, good times I tell you, good times.  And so goes another year.  Note to Jordan: "Stay like this, pease."

Ok, so it was the Pawtucket Red Sox at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, but still, it's the Red Sox and Yankees!  I took Jordan and Mommy down to a day game yesterday, it was a blast.  The Yankees won 4-5 in 10 innings!  Too bad we had to leave in the 7th when it was still 2-3, but Jordan was getting tired and it had been a long day for him.  He really liked the mascot and wanted to go down on the field to ride the putt-putt with him, but we thought better to stay put and watch the ball.  What a game to get introduced to baseball though!  Let me say it again, it was the Yankees and Red Sox!  Mommy and I had fun too, if you couldn't tell.  Too bad we didn't get to see Clemens, though, that would have been really neat.  Maybe next time Daddy will get you a hat, but you have to stay awake to pick it out, deal?

 

Update:  We went down again on May 24, 2007 to a day game to see the Indianapolis Indians which ended up with the Yankees losing 8-5 in 9 innings.  As we were leaving in the top of the 6th, which was already 8-1, Daddy stole found a hat for you on the way out.  Who loves ya, buddy?

This year's party was great.  I had more time to enjoy people being there than I have in prior years, though I need a better strategy for cooking as two hours is still too long.  The fireworks were good, not the best, but my 'partner in crime' left me hanging this year and I had a couple rookies (hehe, thanks Ken and Gary).  We like to celebrate on the actual holiday, but having a party on a Tuesday when people have to go back to work the next day leaves little room for recuperation, if you know what I mean.  I love doing this and every year, it's getting better, faster, easier, and most importantly more enjoyable overall for everyone.  Once again, thanks to those who helped out and to those that came.  See you next year!

Already a year old, man time flies.  That means I'm a year older too (but none the wiser).  We had a little party for family and friends, it was a good time.  Thanks for everything and everyone who attended.  Note to Jordan: "This is your father.  Stop it, no more growing up...I mean it!"

The party was a huge success.  The fireworks were excellent I'm told.  I couldn't really watch them until we lit the last 5 or 6 for the finale.  I love doing this and we're getting better at it each year.  The food was very good also, I'm told.  I didn't get to eat much between cooking and doing all the running for everything but it's worth it to make sure everyone has a good time.  I already made adjustments and a new list for next year, as this shindig is just getting bigger and better and I couldn't be happier about it.  I should have taken pictures, but I was way too busy to do that, maybe it will be a little less hectic next year.  Thanks to all who helped out and I hope to see those of you who couldn't come this time make it to the next one.  Same time, same place, different year.

He was born on June 28th, 2005 at 16:11.  His measurements were 8 lbs. 9 oz. 20.5" long.  He was 7 days overdue as he was due on the 21st.  Labor lasted roughly 16 hours.  Mommy was a trooper and is glad it's all over, as is Daddy.  We came home from the hospital on the 30th.
- Andrew and Lorraine
- (aka Daddy and Mommy)