Bear in the Air

The big boys favorite game at Grammie and Papa D's...

Lower the stuffed bear on the unsuspecting person on the couch.

VIDEO: StairMaster

Sled and Slide

We missed the first snow of the season as we were away from home this past weekend. Rachel called today and said she was coming home from work early so the boys could play in the snow before dark...a development Kellen deemed "seriously awesome".

Random Memory 8

I’m not sure what made me think of this the other day but I guess that’s what makes it a random memory.

While In Chicago and working in finance I needed to acquire a number of licenses. The time came for me to sit for my big securities (investment) exam and the most convenient testing facility appeared to be at the end of the Metra line into downtown Chicago. I boarded the train several miles west of the city and sat slightly nervous glancing often at my study materials en route to the end of the line.

When I hopped on the train every thing was sunny and clear. The closer we got to Chicago the darker the skies became. I was concerned because the walk between the train station and the testing center was substantial enough that any precipitation was going to be very unwelcomed. By the time we arrived it was coming down pretty hard.

The only potential shield I had from the elements was my study books and if I happened to fall short on the exam I was going to need them dry and legible. I tucked them under my shirt and walked briskly through the rain.

By the time I reached the front door of the appropriate address I was drenched. I entered the building looking in all directions trying to decide exactly where I needed to go next. A pleasant voice behind a giant desk inquired as to whether I was there to take my securities exam. Did everyone show up looking like they’d just wet their pants?

I shivered as the elevator carried me up floor by floor. The doors open and I checked the time…it was early enough that I could sneak into the men’s room and try to dehydrate my wardrobe. I spent several minutes in the stall squeezing the weather out of my shirt and shorts. It was time to test.

It was summer so they were naturally pumping as much cool air into the computer lab as possible. I sat still moist twitching as I punched in my answers. The time came to hit submit and I waited for the terminal to tally my score. I literally missed a passing grade by one question.

As I walked out into the noise of the city the sun was shining once again. Perhaps if I had not sat in a puddle during my exam I would have been able to focus a bit better but that was irrelevant, I would have to try again. I was anxious to get home and relax in dryer clothing.

On the walk back to the train station I approached a red light. I stopped near the curb and waited. A guy, one of those people who’s always in a hurry and just has to get a step ahead of you, pushed his way in front of me. He was wearing a very nice suit. As he impatiently willed the light to turn green looking for a potential hole in the traffic to shoot through I caught a quick glance of vehicle approaching our vicinity, noticed a fresh and substantial puddle just off the curb and instinctively took a giant step back. Mr. Impatient was suddenly wearing the puddle. Sometimes it pays to be patient.

A few weeks later I would wake very early and drive to a different testing center in the northern suburbs for a second go at the exam. I over estimated traffic that morning and arrived well in advance of my scheduled time. I put my study materials on the passenger seat, dropped the seat back, took a nice nap and passed the exam with ease after waking to the alarm on my cell phone.

Some Light Reading

Hurricane Logan struck the magazine rack today...there were no survivors.

Out of Gas

Logan drifted into an unscheduled, mostly vertical slumber at 8:30 this morning.

VIDEOS: The BK Dash

We got booted out of the house during a showing last week so the boys and I went out for ice cream at DQ after school and then hit the indoor playground at BK for awhile.

Here's a look at Aidan and Kellen's individual bests in The BK Dash.

Mac Attack

Logan has a new love. He attacks macaroni and cheese like a wild animal feasting on something he fears might try to pop up and run away. I think he might be fully capable of consuming an entire box by himself.

The evidence/aftermath...

Rub A Dub Dub

The butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker...

Super Slide

Our Sunday afternoon geocaching runs have introduced us to some new parks in the area. This one features a steep slide that really zips (I know...I've tried it several times).

Waiting in the Wings

Logan waits patiently for his turn to participate in the family Rock Band 3 jam. He's fond of the drumsticks and likes to howl along to whatever song is playing.

Kid Compare (9M)

Logan

Kellen

Aidan

Our New Champion

Aidan saddled up to the big boy table for the first time challenging for the Deur Family Phase 10 champion's trophy...and he beat his grandparents and his father (the defending champion) to take the crown.

The winning hand

Our scoresheet

Jammies

Posing in their jammies for Grammie

Election Day

Actually he didn't...but I did.