Six Month Old Hazel

Hazel is now six months old.

She was more interested in the decal on her shirt than posing for a picture. Plus she's getting over a bad ear infection that punctured her eardrum. That may seem like a bad thing but apparently it's very common and will heal itself with the help of antibiotics. Happy 1/2 birthday Hazel!

Skate Night

It's official. I've lost my mind.

Tonight was skate night for Violet's school - a new way to raise funds for the school. My original intention was to go and help Melissa with the kids but I ended up renting skates. The first lap around with Lincoln took us about 10 minutes. Picture Bambi walking for the first time. That was me on skates. All these little kids were zipping around us while Lincoln and I both clutched the wall.

After three times around (with breaks in between each round) it got a little bit easier. I had Melissa take a video but I only when from one opening to the other. I don't remember the skates being that heavy or the floors that slick. Or maybe it's just because I'm way too old for roller skating.

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Melissa and I took the kids downtown to see Jamie as he and his fellow CJC firefighters participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Town Pavilion.

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is not a timed race but a way for firefighters and the community to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live. Each participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by walking the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Plus they do this in full firefighter gear. Since we don't have a 110 story building in Kansas City, the firefighters climbed 34 floors, took the elevator down and climbed two more times plus another 8 floors.

We made it into the building just as Jamie had finished so we missed the part where they ring a bell and state their name.

The whole scene was very moving and I was glad I was able to see these dedicated individuals paying their respect for the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

Afterwards we went to Johnny's Tavern for burgers. I forgot it was Sunday and the Chiefs were playing. We were lucky enough to grab a table. Violet kept putting her hands over her ears saying it was way too loud in there. I told her to just think of it as her first day of pre-school when the kids went out for recess only these were bigger kids!

Lincoln's First Day of Pre-School

All our fingers were crossed on Lincoln's first day of pre-school hoping there wouldn't be a melt down when he figured out that Melissa wasn't going to stay.

But he surprised us all and was all smiles as he walked right up to the teacher and sat in line with the other kids. I say this a lot, but I can't believe he's old enough to start school. Where does the time go?

Cruising on Lake Lotawana

One of my old friends from work lives on Lake Lotawana so he invited a couple of us to cruise around the lake for the afternoon.

This happened to be a very hot day but cruising around on a pontoon boat makes you forget the heat.

There are several coves around the lake and we kept hearing Mariachi music. So Dave and Pam decided to take a few dance steps on the boat.

I found a new drink which wasn't bad. It tasted more like margarita soda. Dave's wife said it was better over ice with a squeeze of lime. I think it also needed another shot of tequila.

Hazel's First Royal's Game

Hazel attended her first Royal's baseball game.

She was all decked out in her Royal's shirt and blue hair bow. She even has on shoes that match Melissa's.

Looks like everyone had a good time. Maybe next time they'll invite me!