36? No way I could be THAT old.
Me, my Parents and the kids
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy Birthday to Me
This year was the first year since 1995 that I celebrated my Birthday in Troy. Plans for an Outback dinner were canceled due to the snowy weather but my Mom did a great job on a steak dinner. And the kids were very excited about my Birthday cake and singing Happy Birthday to me.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Elf Yourself 2008
Back by popular demand, Elf Yourself! This year my Dad is joined by my Mom, my Brother and my Kids. They are all very excited (at least my kids are...my Brother will probably beat me silly when he sees me).
Merry Christmas!
Country
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Disco
Charleston
Classic
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Katie - Guest Host of Fri Morning Assembly
Each Friday Katie and Vito's school has an assembly and each week two 2nd graders are the "Guest Hosts." They introduce each speaker, activity, etc. This past Fri was Katie and her classmate Dooho's turn.
Katie did a GREAT job. Especially considering it was a bit of an atypical assembly. The teacher that normally runs the show and works with the Guest Hosts was already off on winter holiday and the teacher who stood in for her all week called in sick Friday. And it was Pajama Day and all the kids wore pajamas. I'd be hard pressed to speak in front of a large audience, much less in my pajamas! I mean, I no longer hyperventilate (much) when I have to speak in a group but Katie seemed really comfortable and in control.
Katie caught sight of Mom & Dad in the audience and paused nicely for me to take the picture.
She did a FANTASTIC job and we are very proud of her.
Katie did a GREAT job. Especially considering it was a bit of an atypical assembly. The teacher that normally runs the show and works with the Guest Hosts was already off on winter holiday and the teacher who stood in for her all week called in sick Friday. And it was Pajama Day and all the kids wore pajamas. I'd be hard pressed to speak in front of a large audience, much less in my pajamas! I mean, I no longer hyperventilate (much) when I have to speak in a group but Katie seemed really comfortable and in control.
Introducing Mr. Brown to talk about the Food Drive.
Katie caught sight of Mom & Dad in the audience and paused nicely for me to take the picture.
She did a FANTASTIC job and we are very proud of her.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
AISB Winter Concert
Today was the Winter Concert at AISB and we have lots of pictures and video to share.
and "Icicles"
Vito thanked the audience and introduced Kindergarten. He practiced hard all week and remembered his lines without any prompting. He was the best out of all the Pre-K speakers.
Pre-K came back to sing a couple of songs with Kindergarten
The 2nd Graders enjoyed themselves and were a little more focused than the younger kids.
"All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" was their favorite song.
1st and 2nd Grades got together to sing "We Wish you a Merry Christmas"
Pre-K really enjoyed singing "Tapping, Tapping Little Elves"
and "Icicles"
Vito thanked the audience and introduced Kindergarten. He practiced hard all week and remembered his lines without any prompting. He was the best out of all the Pre-K speakers.
Pre-K came back to sing a couple of songs with Kindergarten
The 2nd Graders enjoyed themselves and were a little more focused than the younger kids.
"All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" was their favorite song.
1st and 2nd Grades got together to sing "We Wish you a Merry Christmas"
Everyone did a great job!
A Visit with Mikulás
Last Sunday ExxonMobil hosted a Christmas party for the XOM families. There were cookies, pretzels, hot chocolate and crafts. The main attraction was, of course, Mikulás (Hungarian Santa).
I would say that we went right away and got in line to see him except that might give you the impression that there was a line. Or any concept of "taking turns." Basically there was a big mob aroud Mikulás and we had a delay until the lady with the infant got to see Mikulás (can't push babies around). Once she moved I just pushed the kids right to the front next to Mikulás.
In Hungary, to get a treat from Mikulás you have to sing a Christmas song (another reason for the long wait). The kids did a pretty good job singing "Jingle Bells."
Decorating Cookies at the Arts & Crafts table...
...which promptly got eaten
The kids really had a good time.
I would say that we went right away and got in line to see him except that might give you the impression that there was a line. Or any concept of "taking turns." Basically there was a big mob aroud Mikulás and we had a delay until the lady with the infant got to see Mikulás (can't push babies around). Once she moved I just pushed the kids right to the front next to Mikulás.
In Hungary, to get a treat from Mikulás you have to sing a Christmas song (another reason for the long wait). The kids did a pretty good job singing "Jingle Bells."
Decorating Cookies at the Arts & Crafts table...
...which promptly got eaten
The kids really had a good time.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Down on Pre-K Farm
Vito's Pre-K class performed "Down on Pre-K Farm" for the school at Friday Morning Assembly. The kids were all different animals and...well...just watch the video below.
Vito, his buddy Lars and Yealin were Roosters. Vito was the one who Cock-a-doodle-doo 'd the loudest.
Vito, his buddy Lars and Yealin were Roosters. Vito was the one who Cock-a-doodle-doo 'd the loudest.Friday, November 28, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving meal and are enjoying their leftovers today.
Anna had to work yesterday so I was in charge of the meal. It wasn't nearly as hard as I imagined it would be. I find that advanced preparation really makes a difference. About a week before, you call the Intercontinetal Hotel and arrange for the entire Thanksgiving meal to be delivered. Easy Peesy.
The whole rest of the meal, including a bottle of wine, was delivered. It was pretty good. Not great like when we make our own or go to my Mom's but you can't beat the prep.
It was a good thing we didn't need the kitchen to make dinner since the guy came to fix our dishwasher and didn't leave until about 5 minutes before dinner was to start. We thought we would have to make an extra place for him.
Katie and Vito really enjoyed dinner so much that they didn't barely touch their dessert...which is OK since that meant more pumpkin pie for me!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Anna had to work yesterday so I was in charge of the meal. It wasn't nearly as hard as I imagined it would be. I find that advanced preparation really makes a difference. About a week before, you call the Intercontinetal Hotel and arrange for the entire Thanksgiving meal to be delivered. Easy Peesy.
I did prepare the dough for the homemade crescent rolls but Anna took over when she got home.
The whole rest of the meal, including a bottle of wine, was delivered. It was pretty good. Not great like when we make our own or go to my Mom's but you can't beat the prep.
It was a good thing we didn't need the kitchen to make dinner since the guy came to fix our dishwasher and didn't leave until about 5 minutes before dinner was to start. We thought we would have to make an extra place for him.
Katie and Vito really enjoyed dinner so much that they didn't barely touch their dessert...which is OK since that meant more pumpkin pie for me!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
HSM 3 - starring Frank & Barbara
For your viewing pleasure, more "Fun with My Dad's Picture."
New and Improved with 100% more of my Mom.
Technology Rocks!
New and Improved with 100% more of my Mom.
Technology Rocks!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Savings Bond Fun
Being long distance grandparents my Mom & Dad can't always be there to share the holidays...to give too much candy for Halloween or hide eggs at Easter. They do however send a card with a Saving Bond in it to mark the occasion.
The kids have come to really look forward to each new Saving Bond and it was with much joy and anticipation that they opened their Halloween cards this year. They were so excited that they could not wait to go and play with their Savings Bonds so off to the park we went.
I know you're going "huh?" Here's the explanation. A while back, when we still lived in Texas, I saw this commercial for Toys 'R Us about a kid playing with his Rain Check. It was hysterical. Then a few days later my Mom asked if the kids had gotten their savings bonds and I said something like "Yes, they are playing outside with them."
My Mom doesn't usually get angry at me. At my Dad and my Brother, yes, but not usually at me. But boy did she get pissed. I had to quickly explain about the funny commercial and she calmed down but still didn't really see the humor.
That was then. But I think about it every time the kids get a bond from them. And this time, when Katie opened her card, she held up the bond and said "I always get one of these pieces of paper." I just died laughing and had to take these pictures.
I hope your laughing at this Mom because we love the Savings Bonds and I know that Katie and Vito Jr. will appreciate them when they get older. Just as much as I did mine (how do you think I paid for Anna's engagement ring?)
The kids have come to really look forward to each new Saving Bond and it was with much joy and anticipation that they opened their Halloween cards this year. They were so excited that they could not wait to go and play with their Savings Bonds so off to the park we went.
Katie and Vito took their Bonds on the swings first.
Then for a ride on the See-Saw.
Katie and her Bond had fun spinning around...
...while Vito gave his a ride in his truck.
Then it was time for a slide.
Then it was time for a slide.
They had a great afternoon.
I know you're going "huh?" Here's the explanation. A while back, when we still lived in Texas, I saw this commercial for Toys 'R Us about a kid playing with his Rain Check. It was hysterical. Then a few days later my Mom asked if the kids had gotten their savings bonds and I said something like "Yes, they are playing outside with them."
My Mom doesn't usually get angry at me. At my Dad and my Brother, yes, but not usually at me. But boy did she get pissed. I had to quickly explain about the funny commercial and she calmed down but still didn't really see the humor.
That was then. But I think about it every time the kids get a bond from them. And this time, when Katie opened her card, she held up the bond and said "I always get one of these pieces of paper." I just died laughing and had to take these pictures.
I hope your laughing at this Mom because we love the Savings Bonds and I know that Katie and Vito Jr. will appreciate them when they get older. Just as much as I did mine (how do you think I paid for Anna's engagement ring?)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
First Snow, Part Deux
So you've heard the saga of the late evening walk home. Let me add that while the kids complained about the walk in the cold, they did not whine about it. There's a big difference and I am very proud of them. Don't feel too bad for them since I was the one who had to walk back this morning and get the car (of course I'm also the one who sat on his ass Friday rather than getting the snow tires on so I guess that point is a wash).
It started to snow some more today so the kids and I went out and had some fun in the snow.
There wasn't really enough snow for sledding but don't tell them that.
The only way to get them inside was a promise of hot chocolate!
It started to snow some more today so the kids and I went out and had some fun in the snow.
There wasn't really enough snow for sledding but don't tell them that.
Time for some Snow Angels.
The only way to get them inside was a promise of hot chocolate!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
First Snow
Today was the first snow here in Budapest. Very exciting stuff. The kids were so happy. They kept looking out the window at the flakes. At around 2pm, there were just flakes in the air and a little bit of accumulation on the grass - nothing on the roads.
However, at around 4:30 pm, we had to pick Vito up from a friend's football (read soccer) birthday party which was near a nice park that we sometimes go to have a picnic, ride bikes and such. However, this place is at the top of a big hill, two hills over from ours. And, it started snowing again. Only more....Lots more.....And sticking.
But we pick him up. And then go to dinner at the local Friday's.
Now, we knew it was getting somewhat icy and snowy on the roads as we went to dinner.
So, we carefully and slowly proceed back home - across the Margit Bridge and on up the hill towards our house. One intersection was a little slippery but all in all, we were doing great.
Now, we live up the road about 1 mile past the last bus stop, so we know the road does not get plowed as often past that section. But, it seemed pretty good. We were making good progress - then - about halfway up the last section, the car just started slipping. I put on the brakes and we are still sliding down the hill. We make a few half-hearted attemps to get further but realize the road only gets steeper as we get closer to the house.
So, we turn (slide) around and slowly slip and slide back down the road to the bus stop and turnaround. There is a nice parking area there. So, we park and proceed to walk.
Oh, and (little) Vito fell asleep the last 5 minutes of the drive. So, now, we have to wake him up, convince him that he needs to walk by himself and no one will carry him.
Meanwhile, it is about 25 degrees out and windy. Luckily, the kids have hoods (no gloves of course) and I was lucky enough to have my scarf. Vito was out of luck as his woobie is permanently retired.
Well, after so slipping and sliding, a little bit of grumbling and some complaining about being cold and having to go to the bathroom, we all made it back to our house. Little Vito was a bit worried about us leaving our car, but we assured him Daddy would go get it in the morning. Alone.
Oh, and did I mention that Vito said he was going to get the snow tires put on, but decided not to, as he was still recovering from his night out with the girls (other AISB parents) on Thursday.
However, at around 4:30 pm, we had to pick Vito up from a friend's football (read soccer) birthday party which was near a nice park that we sometimes go to have a picnic, ride bikes and such. However, this place is at the top of a big hill, two hills over from ours. And, it started snowing again. Only more....Lots more.....And sticking.
But we pick him up. And then go to dinner at the local Friday's.
Now, we knew it was getting somewhat icy and snowy on the roads as we went to dinner.
So, we carefully and slowly proceed back home - across the Margit Bridge and on up the hill towards our house. One intersection was a little slippery but all in all, we were doing great.
Now, we live up the road about 1 mile past the last bus stop, so we know the road does not get plowed as often past that section. But, it seemed pretty good. We were making good progress - then - about halfway up the last section, the car just started slipping. I put on the brakes and we are still sliding down the hill. We make a few half-hearted attemps to get further but realize the road only gets steeper as we get closer to the house.
So, we turn (slide) around and slowly slip and slide back down the road to the bus stop and turnaround. There is a nice parking area there. So, we park and proceed to walk.
Oh, and (little) Vito fell asleep the last 5 minutes of the drive. So, now, we have to wake him up, convince him that he needs to walk by himself and no one will carry him.
Meanwhile, it is about 25 degrees out and windy. Luckily, the kids have hoods (no gloves of course) and I was lucky enough to have my scarf. Vito was out of luck as his woobie is permanently retired.
Well, after so slipping and sliding, a little bit of grumbling and some complaining about being cold and having to go to the bathroom, we all made it back to our house. Little Vito was a bit worried about us leaving our car, but we assured him Daddy would go get it in the morning. Alone.
Oh, and did I mention that Vito said he was going to get the snow tires put on, but decided not to, as he was still recovering from his night out with the girls (other AISB parents) on Thursday.
Friday, November 7, 2008
AISB Pictures
Just a quick post to share some pictures from the kids' school. Most of them will be of Vito since his teacher actually updates their class website.
As the snack helper, Vito makes sure that the table is ready for snack time.
Flynn (Germany), Vito & Holden (USA) with their bears.
Marco (Italy), Lars & Vito enjoy swimming during PE.
Anita (Belgium & Canada) & Vito make a pattern during Math time.
Mei Lee (USA) & Vito in the Book Corner.
Mei Lee, Vito, Océane (France) & Anita.
Katie & Vito waiting to enter the gym during the International Week Opening Parade.
Go USA!
Vito works on a self portrait for his journal.
Vito and Lars play in the sand after school.
Soccer is one of Katie's After School Activities. I was lucky to get this action shot since...
...most of the time she spends in the middle of the field playing with her hair. I don't think that she will pick Soccer next time.
Flynn and Vito can't wait to carve the pumpkin for Halloween.
The class made scary masks with Ms. Meyer in Art Class.
Playing the Trick or Treat Game.
Vito as Batman and Holden and Samuel (USA) as two Red Power Rangers.
At the Assembly on Halloween Katie's class played "Pass the Witch's Broomstick" (think "Hot Potato"). The kids really enjoyed this game and were excited that their class was picked (out of the four 2nd Grade classes) to play it at Assembly. 
The best part was that Katie was the winner!
This morning Katie gave a book review of "DW the Picky Eater" for the entire school.
This afternoon Pre-K showed us what they had been learning in Music Class. Vito and Anita are ready to play the Xylophone during "Wheels on the Bus"
The Itsy Bitsy Spider.
The kid's did a great dance based on Dr. Seuss's "My Many Colored Days." Each kid got to pick what color/animal they wanted to be. Vito & Océane picked the purple dinosaur and had to do a "sad" dance.
Vito and his buddy Lars (Belgium) collect leaves for an art project.
As the snack helper, Vito makes sure that the table is ready for snack time.
Flynn (Germany), Vito & Holden (USA) with their bears.
Marco (Italy), Lars & Vito enjoy swimming during PE.
Anita (Belgium & Canada) & Vito make a pattern during Math time.
Mei Lee (USA) & Vito in the Book Corner.
Mei Lee, Vito, Océane (France) & Anita.
Katie & Vito waiting to enter the gym during the International Week Opening Parade.
Go USA!
Vito works on a self portrait for his journal.
Vito and Lars play in the sand after school.
Soccer is one of Katie's After School Activities. I was lucky to get this action shot since...
...most of the time she spends in the middle of the field playing with her hair. I don't think that she will pick Soccer next time.
Flynn and Vito can't wait to carve the pumpkin for Halloween.
The class made scary masks with Ms. Meyer in Art Class.
Playing the Trick or Treat Game.
Vito as Batman and Holden and Samuel (USA) as two Red Power Rangers.
At the Assembly on Halloween Katie's class played "Pass the Witch's Broomstick" (think "Hot Potato"). The kids really enjoyed this game and were excited that their class was picked (out of the four 2nd Grade classes) to play it at Assembly. 
The best part was that Katie was the winner!
This morning Katie gave a book review of "DW the Picky Eater" for the entire school.
This afternoon Pre-K showed us what they had been learning in Music Class. Vito and Anita are ready to play the Xylophone during "Wheels on the Bus"
The Itsy Bitsy Spider.
The kid's did a great dance based on Dr. Seuss's "My Many Colored Days." Each kid got to pick what color/animal they wanted to be. Vito & Océane picked the purple dinosaur and had to do a "sad" dance.
Wow, it's been a busy start to the school year, but the kids are having a great time!