"First day of school." The four most hated, dreaded words a kid could hear. Alas, it's that time of year again.
It's time to set our alarm clocks again. It's time to tuck our shirts in. It's time to wear shoes again (most of us will have forgotten how to tie shoelaces by now). It's time to. . . well, need I go on?
Have a great school year. No, seriously. Have a wonderful year.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Zoo With Cousin Sarah
All summer, my cousin Sarah and I have been planning a zoo trip, to celebrate her 14th birthday. The scheme was heavily doubted by higher-ups, but happily (and a bit surprisingly), it worked out.
Sarah and Aunt Terrie arrived in Fort Wayne on Thursday, and after lunch (which seemed to take forever), we headed to the zoo.
As if our wait hadn't been long enough, my mom had to renew our zoo membership before we could enter. Finally, after several long, agonizing minutes, we walked through the entrance.
Sadly, and to my great disappointment, the awesome frog fountains at the zoo have been replaced by a giant, ugly, blow-up lion, which just sits there and isn't any fun at all. I mean, it's been a while since I actually played in the frog fountains, but I have many fun memories there.
Anyway, our first real excitement came from the monkeys. Two of them were playing together; chasing each other, rolling around, and hiding - much to the delight of the onlookers.
We next meandered over to the African Journey, my new favorite section of the zoo. We came unnervingly close to some storks, which made loud, throaty noises if someone reached their hand over the enclosure fence. Also, the hyenas were prowling near the glass, not to mention the lion, which was literally laying against the glass, in all it's splendor, glory, and hugeness.
We were able to feed the giraffes, which is always a neat thing to do. I love the way their long, black tongues curl around the piece of lettuce. It's awesome - in a weird, gross sort of way.
After this, Sarah and I loitered behind the group - careful not to attract attention - slowly making our way to the Sky Safari ride. We had planned this sneaky maneuver with my mom. She had handed us a few dollars, and said that, if we could manage it, we could ride the Sky Safari, which is basically a ski lift that carries you above the African Journey.
I had never been on the Sky Safari before, and it was really cool. Sarah and I really enjoyed it, and after viewing the African Journey from on high, we headed to the Indonesian Rainforest, to meet up with the group.
After this, we watched the sea lion feeding, which I haven't seen in quite a while. It's really fun to watch.
After a quick stop at the aquarium, we headed to the farm, where we brushed and fed the goats. (Sarah, at one point, was literally cornered by goats, who jumped on her, begging for food. In the end, she dumped the food in their midst. Only then could she escape. It was really quite funny.)
Aunt Terrie bought a few souvenirs at the gift shop, and we all hopped in the van. So ended our zoo adventure.
Sarah and Aunt Terrie visited for a few more hours. We swam down at Matt's, we enjoyed homemade snow cones, and we watched Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Finally, after an extremely fun, memorable day, Cousin Sarah and Aunt Terrie headed back to Valpo.
Sarah and Aunt Terrie arrived in Fort Wayne on Thursday, and after lunch (which seemed to take forever), we headed to the zoo.
As if our wait hadn't been long enough, my mom had to renew our zoo membership before we could enter. Finally, after several long, agonizing minutes, we walked through the entrance.
Sadly, and to my great disappointment, the awesome frog fountains at the zoo have been replaced by a giant, ugly, blow-up lion, which just sits there and isn't any fun at all. I mean, it's been a while since I actually played in the frog fountains, but I have many fun memories there.
Anyway, our first real excitement came from the monkeys. Two of them were playing together; chasing each other, rolling around, and hiding - much to the delight of the onlookers.
We next meandered over to the African Journey, my new favorite section of the zoo. We came unnervingly close to some storks, which made loud, throaty noises if someone reached their hand over the enclosure fence. Also, the hyenas were prowling near the glass, not to mention the lion, which was literally laying against the glass, in all it's splendor, glory, and hugeness.
We were able to feed the giraffes, which is always a neat thing to do. I love the way their long, black tongues curl around the piece of lettuce. It's awesome - in a weird, gross sort of way.
After this, Sarah and I loitered behind the group - careful not to attract attention - slowly making our way to the Sky Safari ride. We had planned this sneaky maneuver with my mom. She had handed us a few dollars, and said that, if we could manage it, we could ride the Sky Safari, which is basically a ski lift that carries you above the African Journey.
I had never been on the Sky Safari before, and it was really cool. Sarah and I really enjoyed it, and after viewing the African Journey from on high, we headed to the Indonesian Rainforest, to meet up with the group.
After this, we watched the sea lion feeding, which I haven't seen in quite a while. It's really fun to watch.
After a quick stop at the aquarium, we headed to the farm, where we brushed and fed the goats. (Sarah, at one point, was literally cornered by goats, who jumped on her, begging for food. In the end, she dumped the food in their midst. Only then could she escape. It was really quite funny.)
Aunt Terrie bought a few souvenirs at the gift shop, and we all hopped in the van. So ended our zoo adventure.
Sarah and Aunt Terrie visited for a few more hours. We swam down at Matt's, we enjoyed homemade snow cones, and we watched Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Finally, after an extremely fun, memorable day, Cousin Sarah and Aunt Terrie headed back to Valpo.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sydney's Birthday At The Lake
As always, Sydney celebrated her birthday (which happened to be her 12th) at the lake.
She and I arrived a day early, along with her grandpa. Unfortunately, the forecast predicted rainy skies all weekend. Indeed, the weather was gloomy and wet on Friday, and Saturday brought little change.
After our breakfast of Tom's Donuts, Sydney and I decided to swim, even though it was drizzling at the time. We must've looked pretty odd, going for a leisurely swim in the rain. Well, we are pretty odd.
Luckily, it stopped raining, the sky cleared up, and we were able to go tubing. It was so much fun, and we both wiped out several times.
Soon, Sydney's family arrived, along with Luke. After some ping-pong (Sydney's dad whooped me thoroughly), Sydney opened presents on the porch. She received some books, Silly Bands, money, and she still hasn't gotten my present yet (it's taken a while to find it)!
We had brownies (which Sydney and I had baked earlier) with ice cream, a truly delicious combination.
After this, we started packing up. It was a great time, and I thank the Nash family once again!
She and I arrived a day early, along with her grandpa. Unfortunately, the forecast predicted rainy skies all weekend. Indeed, the weather was gloomy and wet on Friday, and Saturday brought little change.
After our breakfast of Tom's Donuts, Sydney and I decided to swim, even though it was drizzling at the time. We must've looked pretty odd, going for a leisurely swim in the rain. Well, we are pretty odd.
Luckily, it stopped raining, the sky cleared up, and we were able to go tubing. It was so much fun, and we both wiped out several times.
Soon, Sydney's family arrived, along with Luke. After some ping-pong (Sydney's dad whooped me thoroughly), Sydney opened presents on the porch. She received some books, Silly Bands, money, and she still hasn't gotten my present yet (it's taken a while to find it)!
We had brownies (which Sydney and I had baked earlier) with ice cream, a truly delicious combination.
After this, we started packing up. It was a great time, and I thank the Nash family once again!
New Bike Trail
Sydney and I went on a very enjoyable bike ride the other day. We took the newest addition to the River Greenway, which winds around Concordia and IPFW, and leads right back home. It lasted about an hour, with a quick stop in a garden for a drink of water.
I'm really looking forward to using this trail again. It's wide, smooth, and runs under bridges, over bridges, along the river, and through a quiet, beautiful garden.
I'm really looking forward to using this trail again. It's wide, smooth, and runs under bridges, over bridges, along the river, and through a quiet, beautiful garden.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Lake George Visit
Yesterday, David, Sydney, Dever, and myself drove up to the lake with Sydney's Aunt Jenny. We ate lunch in the van, which proved to be the more efficient, easy way to go.
We arrived at Lake George in the early afternoon, and immediately began to swim. We played a fun game called "Survival at Sea", in which we pretend to be castaways, floating in the middle of the ocean on a piece of wood.
We went on several boat rides, both speed boat and pontoon, but unfortunately, we never had the chance to go tubing.
After we watched the movie, "The Incredible Mr. Limpet", we all competed in a ping-pong tournament. (For the record, I beat Sydney 10-9 in a very close, intense game.)
After dinner, we packed our wet towels and swim suits, and headed back to Fort Wayne. It was a great day. Thanks, Nash family!
We arrived at Lake George in the early afternoon, and immediately began to swim. We played a fun game called "Survival at Sea", in which we pretend to be castaways, floating in the middle of the ocean on a piece of wood.
We went on several boat rides, both speed boat and pontoon, but unfortunately, we never had the chance to go tubing.
After we watched the movie, "The Incredible Mr. Limpet", we all competed in a ping-pong tournament. (For the record, I beat Sydney 10-9 in a very close, intense game.)
After dinner, we packed our wet towels and swim suits, and headed back to Fort Wayne. It was a great day. Thanks, Nash family!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Not Again. . .
Okay, I lied. Two posts ago, I said Brett Favre is retiring. Brett Favre is (sigh. . .) coming back. I was really convinced he was retiring. I got my hopes up and everything. . .
How much longer can this possibly go on? It's ridiculous.
Just another chapter in the Brett Favre Circus. . .
How much longer can this possibly go on? It's ridiculous.
Just another chapter in the Brett Favre Circus. . .
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Welcome, Roxie!
No, my mom did not have another baby. We bought a dog!
It's our very first dog, and we've been waiting for a very long time.
Roxie is 1 year old. She's an Australian Shepherd/Spaniel mix. She's a medium-sized dog, and she won't get any bigger. She's the perfect size for our family. She's a very pretty, unique dog. She's very active and playful, and loves playing fetch. Plus, she's already house trained.
We'd seen Roxie once before at the shelter, but it came as a complete surprise when my parents came home with Roxie! We're all very excited! (Pictures coming soon)
It's our very first dog, and we've been waiting for a very long time.
Roxie is 1 year old. She's an Australian Shepherd/Spaniel mix. She's a medium-sized dog, and she won't get any bigger. She's the perfect size for our family. She's a very pretty, unique dog. She's very active and playful, and loves playing fetch. Plus, she's already house trained.
We'd seen Roxie once before at the shelter, but it came as a complete surprise when my parents came home with Roxie! We're all very excited! (Pictures coming soon)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Brett Favre Finally Retires
Yes, I know this is pretty much old news by now, but I wanted to wait a while just to make sure Benedict Favre didn't change his mind again. Just kidding, but it wouldn't be very surprising if he does decide to come back and play another year with the Vikings. He's been annoyingly changing his mind since 2006, much to my disgust and dismay.
Realistically, I'm fairly sure he's made up his mind. He's finally retiring for good, instead of keeping the football world guessing. The reason? Brett Favre only knows.
Do I forgive him? Can I find it in my heart to show this traitor mercy? Well, I don't forgive him entirely (he has committed unspeakable acts of treachery), but I do think he is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever take a snap. It is obvious that he loves playing football. He played because it's fun, not for the money, not for the fame. He played for the love of the game.
I definitely respect him as a quarterback (he's much better at making quick decisions on the football field than in real life). He had his great moments and his bad, just like any other NFL player. Sadly, I never got to see him win a Super Bowl for the Packers (he won his only Super Bowl a year before I was born). However, I did get to see some pretty amazing performances from him.
He will be remembered. Not always as Brett the Viking. Maybe I can look past his stains and blemishes. No, for me, he'll be remembered as good ol' Cousin Brett.
Realistically, I'm fairly sure he's made up his mind. He's finally retiring for good, instead of keeping the football world guessing. The reason? Brett Favre only knows.
Do I forgive him? Can I find it in my heart to show this traitor mercy? Well, I don't forgive him entirely (he has committed unspeakable acts of treachery), but I do think he is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever take a snap. It is obvious that he loves playing football. He played because it's fun, not for the money, not for the fame. He played for the love of the game.
I definitely respect him as a quarterback (he's much better at making quick decisions on the football field than in real life). He had his great moments and his bad, just like any other NFL player. Sadly, I never got to see him win a Super Bowl for the Packers (he won his only Super Bowl a year before I was born). However, I did get to see some pretty amazing performances from him.
He will be remembered. Not always as Brett the Viking. Maybe I can look past his stains and blemishes. No, for me, he'll be remembered as good ol' Cousin Brett.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
"Hot Dogs On The Grill"
If anyone was wondering, here are the lyrics to the aforementioned song the cousins wrote to the tune of "California Girls":
Verse 1: I know a place where the water's hypothermic. (Oh oh)
Swimming in the lake, where the splashes make you shiver. (Oh oh)
You can travel the world, but nothing comes close to Duchess Island.
Once you cocktail with us, you'll be falling in love. (Oh)
Refrain: Hot dogs on the grill, they're unforgettable
Hamburgers with ketchup on top.
Sunkist pop so gross, will give you cavities. (Oh)
Tasty sizzlers, they're undeniable
Pops in the cooler, we've got it unlocked.
Island represent, now do a loon call (Ooh)
Verse 2: Fishing off a dock, using slimy, squirmy leeches. (Oh)
Watching chimney logs, now we're tanning on the beaches. (Oh)
You can travel the world, but nothing compares to Duchess Island.
Once you cocktail with us, you'll be falling in love. (Oh oh)
Refrain
Rap: Intense games of capture the flag, I gotta free the guy that just got tagged. Ow, ow, stubbed my toe, on a root, but all I know is there's the flag, it's over there, I get behind a tree so they can't see me. Oh, no, they've got our flag, they've crossed the line. Dang! The game is over, but I'm like "Sweet!" 'cause now it's time for -
Refrain
The song is surprisingly good, if I don't say so myself. I don't mean to brag, but I wrote the rap. Hope you enjoy!
Verse 1: I know a place where the water's hypothermic. (Oh oh)
Swimming in the lake, where the splashes make you shiver. (Oh oh)
You can travel the world, but nothing comes close to Duchess Island.
Once you cocktail with us, you'll be falling in love. (Oh)
Refrain: Hot dogs on the grill, they're unforgettable
Hamburgers with ketchup on top.
Sunkist pop so gross, will give you cavities. (Oh)
Tasty sizzlers, they're undeniable
Pops in the cooler, we've got it unlocked.
Island represent, now do a loon call (Ooh)
Verse 2: Fishing off a dock, using slimy, squirmy leeches. (Oh)
Watching chimney logs, now we're tanning on the beaches. (Oh)
You can travel the world, but nothing compares to Duchess Island.
Once you cocktail with us, you'll be falling in love. (Oh oh)
Refrain
Rap: Intense games of capture the flag, I gotta free the guy that just got tagged. Ow, ow, stubbed my toe, on a root, but all I know is there's the flag, it's over there, I get behind a tree so they can't see me. Oh, no, they've got our flag, they've crossed the line. Dang! The game is over, but I'm like "Sweet!" 'cause now it's time for -
Refrain
The song is surprisingly good, if I don't say so myself. I don't mean to brag, but I wrote the rap. Hope you enjoy!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Island 2010
As always, this year's Island trip was too great for words. Once again, I'll simply make a list of significant occurrences.
1. Our friends from Minnesota visited on Saturday and Sunday, after all our family had left. We had a great time fishing, and we caught quite a few decent small mouth. It was a 6-hour drive for them, but they stayed for less than 24 hours! Even so, we had a really fun time with them.
2. My dad's cousin Tommy was on the Island for a few days, and he brought his dogs Buster and Buddy. For the first time, there were 4 dogs on the Island at once! (Buster, Buddy, Ginger, and Sasha)
3. David and Rachel both passed their swim tests! I believe David is the youngest person to ever pass a swim test.
4. I beat my cousin Mike in ping-pong!
5. My Uncle Jody dumped me - fully clothed - unceremoniously into the lake! I do not recommend swimming in clothes. Not if you can avoid it, that is.
6. Uncle Dan, Danny, and Mike re-shingled the rec. house roof. The cousins were appointed the unenjoyable task of cleaning up the old shingles and nails.
7. We wrote a song about the Island to the tune of "California Girls" by Katy Perry. It's actually really good.
Here are some pictures. Enjoy!
1. Our friends from Minnesota visited on Saturday and Sunday, after all our family had left. We had a great time fishing, and we caught quite a few decent small mouth. It was a 6-hour drive for them, but they stayed for less than 24 hours! Even so, we had a really fun time with them.
2. My dad's cousin Tommy was on the Island for a few days, and he brought his dogs Buster and Buddy. For the first time, there were 4 dogs on the Island at once! (Buster, Buddy, Ginger, and Sasha)
3. David and Rachel both passed their swim tests! I believe David is the youngest person to ever pass a swim test.
4. I beat my cousin Mike in ping-pong!
5. My Uncle Jody dumped me - fully clothed - unceremoniously into the lake! I do not recommend swimming in clothes. Not if you can avoid it, that is.
6. Uncle Dan, Danny, and Mike re-shingled the rec. house roof. The cousins were appointed the unenjoyable task of cleaning up the old shingles and nails.
7. We wrote a song about the Island to the tune of "California Girls" by Katy Perry. It's actually really good.
Here are some pictures. Enjoy!
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