NYC day ONE

When we heard that Dave might have the opportunity to take a class in New Jersey the first week of May, I started scheming to see if there was anyway we could make an anniversary trip to New York out of it. The week before the class was spring break. So, I didn't have to worry about school, just someone to look after the kids. With some kids here and some kids there, kids at home and kids at friends, some complicated packing for a band trip and some of the best friends ever we made it work!
So, on a very stormy morning Dave and I headed to the airport where the power was out. With generators in security we finally got on our way. We arrived at Newark airport at about 4:45. Our hotel was one way and the city the other. We decided to drag along our luggage and head to the city. With out a real plan we headed to the Empire State Building. We tripped over our bags as we inched through the line and finally made it to the 86th floor. It was a little cold and very windy, but the view was amazing. Before we left home I some how got Dave to believe it was his idea that an iphone would be really useful on such a trip. So, with the aid of the Internet we hopped a train in search of our hotel. We were staying at the hotel where Dave had reservations for his class, so it was in New Jersey. We were assured that there was public transportation near by and that it would not be a problem. Google transit told us just which trains and buses would take us to our hotel. We arrived at the train stations to a traffic jam of taxis and car services, but headed on to our bus stop. It was after 8:00 and we were a little uncomfortable with the area where the bus stop was. Lots of shady characters milling around, a crazy man on the bench at the bus stop. When another check on Google transit let us know there would not be a bus for over an hour, we headed back to the train station for a taxi, only to find everyone of them gone! Shortly there after we did find one, with a driver who wasn't sure where he was going and apparently neither did we, because when we got to the address...no hotel. We had the driver drop us at a nearby Holiday Inn and paid him his exorbitant fee. Our hotel was part of the Holiday Inn franchise and when it became obvious there would be no shuttle available till morning we were able to transfer our reservation for one night.

When we reached our room, I broke down. I was seriously thinking that I had made a horrible mistake. I was not adventurous, brave or smart enough to make this work. This was not going to be the great 20th anniversary trip I was expecting. Hopefully, a good night sleep and a shuttle to the right hotel the next morning would begin to turn things around!

Brett quote of the day

Isn't it true that Pluto is so small that when people tried to land on it their spaceship tipped over?

To the Parents of Paige

I just opened a letter addressed "To the Parents of Paige A." It says:
As part of our school-wide positive behavior initiative, we wanted to take the time out to recognize your student for displaying conduct worthy of a Bronco! Your child has been nominated by a teacher/staff member for demonstrating manners and a productive attitude that is beneficial to other students, teachers, and our school as a whole. Paige was nominated by her French teacher for being such a good student. The teacher said Paige always listens, never complains, and always does what she is asked. Please encourage your child to keep up the good work so that others may follow the example!
(signed by the assistant principal)
This makes me laugh a little because I can't imagine Paige complaining at school or not listening or doing what she was asked. She has told me that lots of kids in her french class are really bad. So, at least her good behavior is noticed amongst the bad.

Brett quote of the day

"Brett is your room clean?"
"Well, what would be your definition of clean?"

Brett's been busy

Basketball
Brett really wanted to play basketball this year. We were sure he would end up frustrated like his brothers did at the same age, but we were wrong. He loved it!
He did not score in a game, but he was awesome on defense and Dave says that his blocked shot is the first "stat" for any of our kids. He had fun at every game and every practice and was so sorry when the season came to an end. But, he has been dragging the other kids out to the drive way to shoot some hoops.

Birthday
Brett turned eight this week on the birthday he shares with his aunt and uncle. He was so excited to attend his first cub scout meeting on his birthday. Unlike at Christmas, he was also very happy with his birthday gifts. One of which was a big excercise ball, he "accidentally" popped the last one we had. He loves to bounce around the house with it.
A few days later he had some friends over for a Harry Potter party. Most of the games were a flop, but "potions" was a big hit! There was a rainbow of Kool-aid colors, homemade root beer bubbling away, pop rocks and gummy bugs. They had a great time mixing and drinking their potions.

Baptism
The next morning topped off an awesome birthday week with the baptism of Brett and his friend Christopher. They were so sweet and happy. They were both baptised and confirmed by their dads. We wish we had family close enough to attend our special occasions, but are so grateful for the wonderful friends we have here and their love and support.

So, I feel like there are no more "little" kids in the house. Which is kind of sad. But, they are growing into good people, which out weighs the sadness. Brett is a great kid and I am so happy with his choices and the example he sets for us and his friends.

Brett quote of the day

First, a question for you... "What is the biggest number with a name?"



Second, What do you call a cupcake with too much frosting? "Overdressed".

A Secret

Don't tell, but I really want to correct people's spelling and grammar on facebook! But, I don't because I don't want to hurt feeling or sound snooty. (feel free to point out my errors though).