VJ's School Halloween Party

Katie and I went to VJ's Halloween party this morning (her school is on break this week/his school next week). The kids had a great time. They sang songs and played games, had cookies and Mud Pie (Chocolate Pudding with Gummy Worms) and then went trick or treating to the other classrooms.

Firefighter VJ

VJ desperately wanted to be a Firefighter for Halloween but costumes over here are hard to come by. We had the hat already and I was able to borrow this awesome shirt from another parent.

VJ and his good buddy, Carlos.

VJ's teachers were really nice and included Katie and Claire (another older sister) in all the activities.

For some more really cool pictures go to our Kodak Gallery Website.

Congressman McNulty

I happened upon this article in the Times Union about how Congressman McNulty will not be running for reelection. It got me thinking about the time I met Congressman McNulty:

It was my 1^st or 2^nd year at RPI and my Dad made me asked me to go with him to a fund raiser for the Congressman. You know...pay 10 bucks (per person)...have a hotdog...shake the Congressman's hand. My Dad gave me the money and asked me to write the check. It was very important to my Dad that the payment come from my checking account.

So the big day arrives and we go over to the VFW (or whatever) Hall in Green Island. After Congressman McNulty arrived we got in line to shake his hand and get our picture taken with him. Finally the big moment had arrived.
My Dad: "Congressman I'd like you to meet my son, Vito."
Congressman McNulty: "Nice to meet you Peter."

That was 1 hour of my life that I would never get back, but whatever.

Flash forward 5 months. At the time, I did not write too many checks...I only had like 2 monthly bills + BMG Music Club...most of my checking account activity involved ATM withdrawals. I took out my last $20 bucks on a Wed (leaving a balance of like $2) but no worries since my bills were paid earlier in the month and I got paid on Friday, right?

That Friday, along with my paycheck I received 2 notices from my bank regarding a $20 check that they did not pay due to insufficient funds. I remember being puzzled...what had I written a $20 check for...nothing recently...Oh Shit!

Needless to say my Dad was not happy, my Mom thought it was hysterical and I felt that the Congressman got what he deserved for holding on to my check for so many months.

The silver lining is that my Father never asked me to go to anymore political events.

Totally Screwed

The conversation at dinner tonight nearly wrecked my appetite. Things had started off so well. I was talking to VJ about a little girl in his class, Sosha, who is just the cutest thing ever.

Me: "VJ, is Sosha in you class?"
VJ: "Yes."
Me: "Do you like her?"
VJ: "Yes, Daddy."
Me: "You can marry her if you want to."

This is where Katie decides to join the conversation and things rapidly go down hill.

Katie: "I think I'm in love with Maté from my class."
Me: with totally serious face/tone "You stay away from boys!"
Katie looks stunned.
Anna: "Daddy's only kidding."
I smile to pretend like that's true and they laugh.

WTF? When did this happen? I try and think about which little bastard is Maté.

Me: "Maté doesn't speak English very well, does he?"
Katie: "No he goes to ESL."
I can't decide if this is a good thing or a bad thing.
Me: "Is he nice to you?"
Katie: "Yes."
Me: "Do you hold hands with him?"
Katie shrugs

A shrug. What the hell kind of answer is that? FYI Kate: That kind of answer is not going to fly when you're 13 yrs old.

Oh my head I am not ready for this. Pray for me please.

Singing at Assembly & Airplane Fun

All four 1^st Grades sang Halloween songs at Friday Morning's all school assembly. Katie did a great job participating and singing each song.
If you look at the rest of the pictures don't be too harsh with the photographer (me). The Assembly Hall is wicked dark and I had to zoom in too much since I was way far in the back.

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VJ finally got his airplane so we took it outside late yesterday afternoon to give it a whirl. Anna said that the kids insisted on wearing their hats (it was a little chilly).

More airplane pictures.

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Overheard at the Dinner Table:

Katie: "Daddy after dinner can we watch (Barbie:) Princess and the Pauper?"
Me: "Sure."
Katie: "Or how about The Sound of Music?"
Me: "Even better."
Anna: "VJ, which one do you want to watch, Princess and the Pauper or Sound of Music?"
VJ: puts on thinking face "uhmm...how 'bout Buzz Lightyear?"