Upon noticing others including a few of their favorite things in their blogging profile and seeing mine is not only void of information but not even linked to my page, I’ve decided to start filling in a few sections. I’m ready to expose the core of my being but thought I’d explain my lists as I put them up for view.
The lists are subject to change without warning or notice but it seems appropriate that I start with music and soon movies as my collection of both is quite substantial.
I love music. I’m the guy in the high school yearbook shown peaking through towering stacks of albums. Classmates would say “Wow, that’s a lot!” not knowing those stacks barely skimmed the surface of my collection. With a healthy collection of tune-age at my disposal, my iPod has reached 1813 songs in the five months since I received it for Christmas and those are just my favorite tracks and albums.
If you have any familiarity with my collection you know U2 receives top billing. I’m an admirer of their musical styling and their efforts toward positive change in the world. You might even call me a collector of sorts (if 100% of their albums, almost 20 DVDs, nearly 80 concert bootlegs and all the rare and unreleased bonus material I’ve been able to unearth warrants collection status…it’s really not obsessive or I’d have more than one of the many books written about them).
My history with the band goes something like this…Dad brings the family’s first CD player into the house and U2’s “The Joshua Tree” is one of the first two discs (the first track, “Where the Streets Have No Name”, is still my favorite song). Much later I jaunt off to college and the manager of the video store where I work is constantly playing U2 concert DVDs. A few years later, my co-worker at my first job in Chicago is a U2 nut…then a co-worker at my last job in Chicago is a U2 freak (introducing me to the bootleg concerts that are traded among fans with the band’s blessing). I’ll surely be in attendance when they tour again in 2009 promoting their upcoming album and will likely be singing along even if they play something they threw together in their garage 30 years ago because somehow I have it in my collection.
My taste in music is fairly diverse. I appreciate the spiritual and faith based undertones of U2 and enjoy openly Biblical praise and worship music as well. Leading my list of favorite Christian artists is Third Day (I’ve got everything but the Christmas album) whom I’ve been following since their first album more than 10 years ago. I also enjoy several artists in the lighter sounding (MercyMe) and even heavy (P.O.D.) ends of the spectrum in this genre.
Along with U2 and Third Day, Stevie Ray Vaughan rounds out my top three. I’m amazed by the work he did with the guitar and get a kick out of Aidan picking up his toys (the hockey stick works best) playing guitar along with some truly amazing blues music. Perhaps if Aidan starts practicing now he’ll be able to move his fingers as fast as SRV.
I’ve recently been digging into the Dave Matthews Band after swearing them off in college when every dorm room on the planet had their songs wafting from beneath the door or out an open window. Additionally I’ve held on to a fondness for Huey Lewis and the News and certain eras of Van Halen's work with their unique place in my musical history (see the post below). Same goes for many artist I've enjoyed for years including Collective Soul (Rachel’s first CD…purchased for her by me).
So there’s a handful. There are so many more that I enjoy but we’ll leave it at that for now. I’ve dropped six of them in my profile and also posted a previously scribed Travumentary on the topic of music below that I put together a few years ago for my former website.
Time to hit “post” and crank up the tunes!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Travumentaries Flashback: "The Soundtrack of Our Lives"
I recently took a quick trip down my musical memory lane. While at the local library, two CDs caught my eye and later graced my ears. Two musical masterpieces from the 80's. The band was Huey Lewis and the News. The albums, "Fore!" and "Sports". The significance of these two audio triumphs? They were the first cassettes (yes, tapes!) that I had ever purchased.
The cash from my birthday cards leapt into my pockets and those pockets (along with cousin Amy) jumped into the car. Riding with a licensed family chauffer, we headed to the local department store so I could separate myself from every last penny. The purchase was music in the form of the previously mentioned audio efforts.
I learned a few things many years later as I revisited Huey (and the News). Twenty years had not separated the lyrics from my subconscious mind. I was easily able to sing along with darn near perfect lyrical precision. It was like the song you haven't heard in a while that comes on the radio and you had forgotten just how great it was and then it happened again…18 more times as I worked through the remaining tracks. I've found some other elements from my past to be disappointing upon revisitation, but not the music. The music (no matter how bad) lives forever.
What else can remind us so vividly of years gone by? Many songs spark memories and many memories are embedded with an eternal internal soundtrack.
While dating the future Mrs. Deur the popular song of the day (or shall we say musical anthem) was Meatloaf’s “I’d Do Anything For Love”. When in high school, unafraid to sing loudly in cars full of close friends, his song proved quite a workout for the lungs. I do seem to recall more singing from the ladies and more eye rolling from the boys. The song was so long you could start the song in one town and end in another. Meatloaf was willing to do anything for love, except that. Whatever that may be. Apparently high school boys are also willing to listen to anything for love as well.
My introduction to the world of rock music came from a pair of dubbed tapes. Dad's cousin Bob had just gotten a Compact Disc player (soon to become the shorter and hipper CD). My assumption was that Bob was infinitely wealthy to have been able to afford such equipment. I recall the discs themselves being nearly twice the price we pay these days complete with packaging sufficient for two to three discs. Is it any wonder that I still enjoy the sounds of Phil Collins? After all it was his "No Jacket Required" that graced both sides of a 60-minute cassette. The other tape featured Boston's "Third Stage" and Van Halen's "5150" on opposing sides. I was instructed by father that I was not to listen to Side B (Van Halen); only Boston was permissible listening.
After a few hundred listenings to Side B, and at least half that many sessions with Boston (or I would have had to rewind) I had connected with Eddie and the gang. Years later while in high school I asked dad if it would be permissable to attend my first concert with some friends. Who was on the docket? Why Van Halen, of course. Dad said he didn't know I was a fan. He should have known. He started it.
My anticipation grew as dad reflected on his first concert, an evening with The Who. He said the bass from the speakers at a big concert was so powerful you could feel the cuffs of your pants vibrating in the musical wind. He was more than correct. It was loud beyond loud. Louder even than the time we pushed the audio limits of dad's stereo speakers from a respectable level 2 to a neighborhood shaking 8! The sound of the concert was so grand that I sounded exactly like lead singer Sammy Haggar during every song. Who knew I held such grand musical talent?
It was my first concert experience and the first time I participated in what has now become a pre-event tradition. Careful consideration and discussion must always be given to what song the headliners will lead with. Everyone should come with a carefully thought out prediction and a short statement as to why this is the only appropriate track to begin with.
Before the concert begins, it is advisable that you are familiar with and able to sing along with numerous songs from the featured artist. Never before have I had less fun at a concert than I had when listening to a set from an upstart band knowing only three tunes from their limited catalog. Whether one chooses to sing along or not, knowing the lyrics means a definite connection with the event. Some bands of course have more intimate followings than others. When more established acts break out the classic tunes from albums gone by, you can join in the sing along with thousands of your closest friends. Nothing beats karaoke with the originals leading the rounds.
Music can draw us together, or show us just how far apart we might be. I've always enjoyed the "oh, yeah!" moments with others when songs come on that had met us originally in very different eras of our lives. Nothing makes you feel younger than another than hearing them say, "Great song! Junior year of college" knowing the song hit the airwaves when you were still in junior high. Being on the opposite side and realizing the young ears you share the conversation with were not even paying attention when the song first came out has a quite different effect. The music is never quite as good as it used to be when you were in your listening heyday.
At times different makes of the same tune can draw the generations together or spark a fierce debate. I recall chuckling when dad claimed the author of a song to be someone different than the newly recorded version we were hearing. Now on the other side of that coin I feel shock and horror when new artists destroy the purity of old favorites by sampling and remixing only the catchiest segments. Some classics should simply remain in their original form.
I could go on with year-by-year accounts of the most vital works in the soundtrack of my life. I'll pause though with that and my sure fire test for challenging your true album admiration. I've often found myself audibly or internally singing along with a song on the radio and upon its completion, I’ll rip right into the next song on the disk. One tune flows right into the next. You see the cover and you remember the first time you heard it. Great song.
The cash from my birthday cards leapt into my pockets and those pockets (along with cousin Amy) jumped into the car. Riding with a licensed family chauffer, we headed to the local department store so I could separate myself from every last penny. The purchase was music in the form of the previously mentioned audio efforts.
I learned a few things many years later as I revisited Huey (and the News). Twenty years had not separated the lyrics from my subconscious mind. I was easily able to sing along with darn near perfect lyrical precision. It was like the song you haven't heard in a while that comes on the radio and you had forgotten just how great it was and then it happened again…18 more times as I worked through the remaining tracks. I've found some other elements from my past to be disappointing upon revisitation, but not the music. The music (no matter how bad) lives forever.
What else can remind us so vividly of years gone by? Many songs spark memories and many memories are embedded with an eternal internal soundtrack.
While dating the future Mrs. Deur the popular song of the day (or shall we say musical anthem) was Meatloaf’s “I’d Do Anything For Love”. When in high school, unafraid to sing loudly in cars full of close friends, his song proved quite a workout for the lungs. I do seem to recall more singing from the ladies and more eye rolling from the boys. The song was so long you could start the song in one town and end in another. Meatloaf was willing to do anything for love, except that. Whatever that may be. Apparently high school boys are also willing to listen to anything for love as well.
My introduction to the world of rock music came from a pair of dubbed tapes. Dad's cousin Bob had just gotten a Compact Disc player (soon to become the shorter and hipper CD). My assumption was that Bob was infinitely wealthy to have been able to afford such equipment. I recall the discs themselves being nearly twice the price we pay these days complete with packaging sufficient for two to three discs. Is it any wonder that I still enjoy the sounds of Phil Collins? After all it was his "No Jacket Required" that graced both sides of a 60-minute cassette. The other tape featured Boston's "Third Stage" and Van Halen's "5150" on opposing sides. I was instructed by father that I was not to listen to Side B (Van Halen); only Boston was permissible listening.
After a few hundred listenings to Side B, and at least half that many sessions with Boston (or I would have had to rewind) I had connected with Eddie and the gang. Years later while in high school I asked dad if it would be permissable to attend my first concert with some friends. Who was on the docket? Why Van Halen, of course. Dad said he didn't know I was a fan. He should have known. He started it.
My anticipation grew as dad reflected on his first concert, an evening with The Who. He said the bass from the speakers at a big concert was so powerful you could feel the cuffs of your pants vibrating in the musical wind. He was more than correct. It was loud beyond loud. Louder even than the time we pushed the audio limits of dad's stereo speakers from a respectable level 2 to a neighborhood shaking 8! The sound of the concert was so grand that I sounded exactly like lead singer Sammy Haggar during every song. Who knew I held such grand musical talent?
It was my first concert experience and the first time I participated in what has now become a pre-event tradition. Careful consideration and discussion must always be given to what song the headliners will lead with. Everyone should come with a carefully thought out prediction and a short statement as to why this is the only appropriate track to begin with.
Before the concert begins, it is advisable that you are familiar with and able to sing along with numerous songs from the featured artist. Never before have I had less fun at a concert than I had when listening to a set from an upstart band knowing only three tunes from their limited catalog. Whether one chooses to sing along or not, knowing the lyrics means a definite connection with the event. Some bands of course have more intimate followings than others. When more established acts break out the classic tunes from albums gone by, you can join in the sing along with thousands of your closest friends. Nothing beats karaoke with the originals leading the rounds.
Music can draw us together, or show us just how far apart we might be. I've always enjoyed the "oh, yeah!" moments with others when songs come on that had met us originally in very different eras of our lives. Nothing makes you feel younger than another than hearing them say, "Great song! Junior year of college" knowing the song hit the airwaves when you were still in junior high. Being on the opposite side and realizing the young ears you share the conversation with were not even paying attention when the song first came out has a quite different effect. The music is never quite as good as it used to be when you were in your listening heyday.
At times different makes of the same tune can draw the generations together or spark a fierce debate. I recall chuckling when dad claimed the author of a song to be someone different than the newly recorded version we were hearing. Now on the other side of that coin I feel shock and horror when new artists destroy the purity of old favorites by sampling and remixing only the catchiest segments. Some classics should simply remain in their original form.
I could go on with year-by-year accounts of the most vital works in the soundtrack of my life. I'll pause though with that and my sure fire test for challenging your true album admiration. I've often found myself audibly or internally singing along with a song on the radio and upon its completion, I’ll rip right into the next song on the disk. One tune flows right into the next. You see the cover and you remember the first time you heard it. Great song.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
PHOTOS: Beverages and Baskets
Resting and replenishing fluids after a hard afternoon of playing.
(Kellen in the fully relaxed position, A.J. and Aidan)
Perhaps you've seen some of my previous work under the pseudonym Anne Geddes.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
PHOTOS: Say (Chuck E) Cheese!
We made our maiden voyage to Chuck E. Cheese today with our new friend A.J. Aidan was all about the tokens and tickets. Kellen was enamoured by the sights and sounds, very satisfied with the pizza and explored every last corner of the restaurant.
A.J. and Kellen
Kellen was not too fond of the moving bus...
...but enjoyed riding with Chuck E.
Whack-a-mole!
Aidan was a whiz behind the wheel with some help on the pedals.
Ready for off road.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
VIDEO: Boy v. Tent
Kellen's never been described as a delicate little flower. He shows here why camping with him might be more adventure than one can handle.
VIDEO: Oh the Weather Outside is...
Sequence of events:
1. Call from Dad (in Iowa)...reports of a tornado in Buffalo, MN (just NW of us).
2. Thoughts that we should really track the weather in our own neighborhood rather than relying on someone four hours away to warn us.
3. Quickly get the vehicles in the garage.
4. Tornado sirens, thick rain, tiny bits of hail.
5. Hang out in the basement for a while. Skies clear.
6. (see below)
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The Merge
For the sake of posting and reading convenience, I'm merging my regular musings with the formerly separated "Daddy's Diary" entries. Everything's about all of us anyway and rather than decide what goes where, I'll present them in one spot.
You'll find the 10 entries that were available through the separate link are now inserted in their appropriate chronological order here.
You'll find the 10 entries that were available through the separate link are now inserted in their appropriate chronological order here.
We get to sit at the big boy table!
Aidan...in HD
"Hey dad, what’s HD?" I was flipping through the menu on the TV last night and Aidan noticed the logo on several channels. "It’s high definition, let me show you."
I flipped to Wheel of Fortune on the normal feed and then jumped over to Wheel of Fortune in HD pointing out the quality of the colors and the sharpness of the picture saving him the full explanation of 1080 resolution and the like. Then when Rachel was watching her shows later in the evening he sat back with a bit of swagger in his voice slowly and smoothly saying "high definition". She flipped…"A-B-C HD (emphasis on the HD)" he said. Then again…"T-L-C HD". I flipped over once that night and he asked, "is this HD?" I confirmed. "It better be HD," he replied. I’ve created a four year old HD snob.
It happens. You watch regular TV for 30 years (or four in his case) and suddenly you refuse to watch anything that’s not in high def. I’m not a big TV watcher but love the HD sports. We even found after picking up the new TV in Minnesota and linking it up to the HD satellites beaming crisp, vibrant picture and sound quality from the edges of the universe that you start checking in on programming you weren’t that interested in previously. Suddenly history and science are an infinitely bigger draw and if a show you used to watch is not available in souped up form you sigh and struggle through it or move on in search of something else that meets your now elevated criteria.
This morning I flipped to one of the kids shows Aidan typically enjoys without questioning anything and he sighed and pointed out "Dad…this is not HD".
I flipped to Wheel of Fortune on the normal feed and then jumped over to Wheel of Fortune in HD pointing out the quality of the colors and the sharpness of the picture saving him the full explanation of 1080 resolution and the like. Then when Rachel was watching her shows later in the evening he sat back with a bit of swagger in his voice slowly and smoothly saying "high definition". She flipped…"A-B-C HD (emphasis on the HD)" he said. Then again…"T-L-C HD". I flipped over once that night and he asked, "is this HD?" I confirmed. "It better be HD," he replied. I’ve created a four year old HD snob.
It happens. You watch regular TV for 30 years (or four in his case) and suddenly you refuse to watch anything that’s not in high def. I’m not a big TV watcher but love the HD sports. We even found after picking up the new TV in Minnesota and linking it up to the HD satellites beaming crisp, vibrant picture and sound quality from the edges of the universe that you start checking in on programming you weren’t that interested in previously. Suddenly history and science are an infinitely bigger draw and if a show you used to watch is not available in souped up form you sigh and struggle through it or move on in search of something else that meets your now elevated criteria.
This morning I flipped to one of the kids shows Aidan typically enjoys without questioning anything and he sighed and pointed out "Dad…this is not HD".
Monday, May 19, 2008
Completely Random Memory from Out of Nowhere
I’m not sure why this keeps popping back into my head recently but I found it to be most entertaining at the time.
We were at the Brookfield Zoo in the Chicago area two summers ago and were cutting through the thick air of the monkey house. While observing the primates, I look to my right and catch a guy taking a picture with his binoculars in front of his camera phone. The mix of modern technology and assumed absurdity amused me a great deal. I will concede that without a high-powered zoom getting a decent close-up of the monkeys in that location is next to impossible. Still I was taken by the silliness of what I was seeing.
Perhaps the man was a genius and was collecting National Geographic quality masterpieces for his home albums but I somehow doubt those professionals are hunting for photo opportunities in the jungle while holding binoculars up to their fancy cameras.
I kick myself for not taking a picture of that guy taking a picture. I could have started one of those “This Guy Might Be a Redneck” emails that get passed around. Three things could have made this situation absolutely perfect: 1) The man using a disposable camera 2) with a pair of Fisher Price plastic binoculars as his make shift zoom and 3) me going back in time and catching this precious moment to preserve for my ongoing amusement.
We were at the Brookfield Zoo in the Chicago area two summers ago and were cutting through the thick air of the monkey house. While observing the primates, I look to my right and catch a guy taking a picture with his binoculars in front of his camera phone. The mix of modern technology and assumed absurdity amused me a great deal. I will concede that without a high-powered zoom getting a decent close-up of the monkeys in that location is next to impossible. Still I was taken by the silliness of what I was seeing.
Perhaps the man was a genius and was collecting National Geographic quality masterpieces for his home albums but I somehow doubt those professionals are hunting for photo opportunities in the jungle while holding binoculars up to their fancy cameras.
I kick myself for not taking a picture of that guy taking a picture. I could have started one of those “This Guy Might Be a Redneck” emails that get passed around. Three things could have made this situation absolutely perfect: 1) The man using a disposable camera 2) with a pair of Fisher Price plastic binoculars as his make shift zoom and 3) me going back in time and catching this precious moment to preserve for my ongoing amusement.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mickey Mouse and Tents in the House
Few things are more exciting that a new pair of underwear. Make it a three-pack and you might be rendered speechless. Of course if you’re four and said three-pack features Mickey Mouse you may just burst into song. If you’re the parent of a young child who enjoys Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the Disney Channel you’re familiar with the opening theme which goes…"It's the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Come inside, it's fun inside." I was both amused and a little frightened by Aidan’s rendition as he danced around proudly in his new briefs singing…"Mickey Mouse Underwear. Come inside, it’s fun inside." Yikes! I’m all for getting excited by the simple things in life, but that’s not something we want to hear sung in the aisles of Target on our next shopping trip.
Today we broke out the kid-sized tent Aidan received as a gift some time back. When the weather outside is too wet to break free from the house you simply need to bring a little outside in. Aidan dove in an out constantly throughout the day and Kellen was delighted to have a new place to play. We even hid from Rachel when she returned home from work. All three of us stuffed into a toddler sized tent…conspicuously perched on top of the bed in our room. Why not hide and make your hiding place blatantly obvious at the same time? Hopefully the weather will dry out and warm up a bit before we plant our own forest or start roasting marshmallows on a small fire in the basement.
Today we broke out the kid-sized tent Aidan received as a gift some time back. When the weather outside is too wet to break free from the house you simply need to bring a little outside in. Aidan dove in an out constantly throughout the day and Kellen was delighted to have a new place to play. We even hid from Rachel when she returned home from work. All three of us stuffed into a toddler sized tent…conspicuously perched on top of the bed in our room. Why not hide and make your hiding place blatantly obvious at the same time? Hopefully the weather will dry out and warm up a bit before we plant our own forest or start roasting marshmallows on a small fire in the basement.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Why Does My Son Have a Tail?
That’s the question I asked out loud as I looked at something hanging out from the back of Kellen’s shirt. That something was the drawstring of his miniature sweatpants. I guess after a diaper change I flipped the pants (or the kid) when putting the pieces back together. I then remembered earlier in the morning when I tried to slip my hands into the pockets of my athletic pants and found them to be awry. That was the first moment of today that I realized I had put a pair of pants on backwards…Kellen’s tail was the second.
VIDEO: Things That Buzz
Kellen will often walk around the house kazooing as he goes. Of course when you try to stage it on video it’s not quite the same. The second segment is some good fun with the prize from the Honey Nut Cheerios box (shameless General Mills plug).
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
PHOTOS: Places to Play
Highwoods Park has been the object of Aidan's affection since we moved. It's a short walk from the house and you'll find us there any day the weather is reasonable or when the grandparents are in town even if the weather is questionable. Eight slides makes it fun central for four year old boys...
...and who could resist digging in the dirt...
...or running the bases at the baseball field just beyond the playground?
Even the newly shoed Kellen is getting in on the action running through the wood chipped play area, participating in equestrian activities and peaking through small spaces.
When the weather is nice and time is more limited, we can just shoot out to the backyard for a short swinging and sliding session or a run through the grass. Aidan also likes to ride his tricycle around on the deck when I'm grilling.
If the weather is not cooperative we spend our time in the basement. A large L-shaped main area serves as a good hiding place for the toys (in need of some organization). The landing at the bottom of the stairs has become the semi-permanent soccer field/football field/beach ball-dodge ball arena.Sunday, May 4, 2008
Three Wonderful Weekends
Wow! What a whirlwind trifecta of weekends it has been.
Two weekends ago Grammie and Papa D (the Deurs) visited us in Minnesota highlighted by the purchase of Kellen’s first pair of shoes, a trip to Space Alien and introducing Papa D to the joys of Wii gaming. Dad's cousin was kind enough to host us for dinner on Saturday before we returned home for a Deur family tradition...vying for the Deur family Phase 10 championship trophy. We got a little bit of work done around the house too including organizing the garage, hanging multiple sets of shelves and putting up the boys' playset in the backyard. After a few practice runs, Kellen is now walking more fluidly in his shoes compared to the dramatic high stepping of sauntering around with something foreign and heavy on his feet for the first time.
What is Space Alien you ask? Grammie experimenting with her new camera makes these pictures super dramatic. It’s a family restaurant in the area with pizza and BBQ food, lots of neon and regular visits from the second pictured alien (the first one is a four-year old using the kids menu to look more menacing). The photo of the in-house creature doesn’t show just how tall he is. Papa D stood toe-to-toe with him and was nose-to-belly button with the intergalactic giant.
Two weekends ago Grammie and Papa D (the Deurs) visited us in Minnesota highlighted by the purchase of Kellen’s first pair of shoes, a trip to Space Alien and introducing Papa D to the joys of Wii gaming. Dad's cousin was kind enough to host us for dinner on Saturday before we returned home for a Deur family tradition...vying for the Deur family Phase 10 championship trophy. We got a little bit of work done around the house too including organizing the garage, hanging multiple sets of shelves and putting up the boys' playset in the backyard. After a few practice runs, Kellen is now walking more fluidly in his shoes compared to the dramatic high stepping of sauntering around with something foreign and heavy on his feet for the first time.
What is Space Alien you ask? Grammie experimenting with her new camera makes these pictures super dramatic. It’s a family restaurant in the area with pizza and BBQ food, lots of neon and regular visits from the second pictured alien (the first one is a four-year old using the kids menu to look more menacing). The photo of the in-house creature doesn’t show just how tall he is. Papa D stood toe-to-toe with him and was nose-to-belly button with the intergalactic giant.
Last weekend Nana and Papa (the Christensen’s) came up to visit. We enjoyed spending time with them and I was very happy that they were patient with my need to check in on the NFL Draft for most of Saturday afternoon (and some of Sunday). We got some much needed home shopping completed and I had the chance to grill on multiple occasions which makes it an automatic “A” weekend. A free Webkinz for Aidan had him all excited and the release of Mario Kart for his Wii had him ecstatic.
This weekend centered on a trip to Iowa to see sister Allison who was in visiting. It just happened to be Tulip Time weekend which was an added bonus. The boys loved the parades and we brought the Wii for entertainment in case the weather became unfavorable. We got the whole family involved and got hooked on battling each other for Wii Sports supremacy.
The boys share a tender tulip moment.
Can you tell Kellen loves being at the parade?
The pictures in the post below are of Kellen decked out in the Dutch garb his brother wore previously and his father wore decades ago.
Two For Tulip Time
We just got back from Tulip Time in Pella and both boys had a glorious time. Watching the boys soak in the parade was much fun. Kids are magnets for the free stuff people hand out along the way making them great festivity companions. Aidan scored chocolate and a Dutch spice cookie on Friday afternoon and a second cookie and cheese on Saturday night. On Friday after scoring two items he waved happily at some girls on a float who smiled and waved back. They passed by and he exclaimed…"Hey, I waved at those girls and I didn’t get anything!" His natural flowing charm was exposed as absolute manipulation.
Tulip Time was also an excuse to let Aidan sugar up a bit. Kellen doesn’t need any help from sugar to get him cranked up. Everyone kept commenting about how happy he was. He’s all for full out giggling to keep people laughing at him.
We were all a bit chilly at the Friday parade with the windy weather but it didn’t faze the boys. Saturday night was perfect and their spirits were just as high with the lights, sounds and smells of a great weekend.
I was told that upon being brought upstairs by his mother, Aidan was greeted by his grandmother Saturday morning who said, "Aidan, you're the first one up" to which he promptly responded, "No, you were!" Mr. Smarty Pants.
Tulip Time was also an excuse to let Aidan sugar up a bit. Kellen doesn’t need any help from sugar to get him cranked up. Everyone kept commenting about how happy he was. He’s all for full out giggling to keep people laughing at him.
We were all a bit chilly at the Friday parade with the windy weather but it didn’t faze the boys. Saturday night was perfect and their spirits were just as high with the lights, sounds and smells of a great weekend.
I was told that upon being brought upstairs by his mother, Aidan was greeted by his grandmother Saturday morning who said, "Aidan, you're the first one up" to which he promptly responded, "No, you were!" Mr. Smarty Pants.
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