Hi everybody!
Sonja and the kids have returned to Alabama for a few weeks to enjoy summer in the deep South, and all that entails (like swimming, birthdays, sleep overs, Harry Potter mania... and also central air conditioning! Did I mention that it gets HOT in BAHSTEN?!) Unfortunately for the blog, she is now 1200 miles from her computer, so posts will be spotty until August. If something terribly exciting comes up, I may post it.
Back to the books - finals are early next week for H1...
Love to all!
tim
Friday, July 13, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Saturday, June 30
Our big trip to New York!! Our birthday gift to Jamie was to go spend a day in New York. So, we drove to Stamford, CT (about 170 miles) and took the train in to the city (about 50 min). David was extremely excited about taking a train trip!!
We rode the train in to Grand Central Station. The kids got a kick out of Tim telling them that this is the train station in the movie Madagascar when the zebra goes awol. They recognized the clock over the information center from the movie.
Our first stop in New York was the Pokemon Center. Tim and I were a little nervous, because when we tried to call the phone number listed online to get hours, the number had been disconnected with no other information. 
We followed the internet directions to the site and found that it had changed from the Pokemon Center to the Nintendo Store. There were still lots of Pokemon items, but there was also a large showroom full of Wiis that people could try. The kids enjoyed the visit.
We followed the internet directions to the site and found that it had changed from the Pokemon Center to the Nintendo Store. There were still lots of Pokemon items, but there was also a large showroom full of Wiis that people could try. The kids enjoyed the visit.
From there, we walked up Time's Square to Mars 2112, a themed resturant we visited on our last trip to New York (Oct. 2004). The resturant has a space theme. You go in and the first thing you do is take a spaceship ride to Mars. 
The ride is very similar to the Mars ride at the Space Center in Huntsville. The whole compartment moves, shakes, and tilts while you watch a view screen showing where you're going. The dining room is in a large crater on the Mars surface. Our waiter was a student of musical theater who was from Georgia. He was very personable. He even invited Rachel to come up and dance 
with the rest of the wait staff and space characters.
The ride is very similar to the Mars ride at the Space Center in Huntsville. The whole compartment moves, shakes, and tilts while you watch a view screen showing where you're going. The dining room is in a large crater on the Mars surface. Our waiter was a student of musical theater who was from Georgia. He was very personable. He even invited Rachel to come up and dance 
with the rest of the wait staff and space characters. Circulating through the resturant were 3 characters QT PI, Captain Orion, and The Empress. The food was ok, but the kids loved the atmosphere!!
After a fun-filled dinner, we departed Mars and returned to Earth via teleporter. Then we went back out to Times Square and went in search of dessert. Fortunately, there was an M&M store that just fit the bill. It was really big!! David got excited when he saw the M&Ms outside - a boy after my own heart!!! Inside the store was filled will all sorts of M&M stuff. They also had an M&M wall where you could fill a bag with plain or peanut M&Ms in many different colors. David, of course, chose green M&Ms. 
The newest M&M product in the store was a Statue of Liberty M&M dispenser. When you pull down the torch, M&Ms come out the pedestal. David fell in love with it!! So, we bought one. I am hoping to use it to help potty training. When he goes in the potty, he'll get to pull the torch and get some M&Ms. Maybe it will be incentive enough to get this baby going!!
The newest M&M product in the store was a Statue of Liberty M&M dispenser. When you pull down the torch, M&Ms come out the pedestal. David fell in love with it!! So, we bought one. I am hoping to use it to help potty training. When he goes in the potty, he'll get to pull the torch and get some M&Ms. Maybe it will be incentive enough to get this baby going!! Of course, Mommy had to get a t-shirt and some M&Ms too!!
From there we headed out for the largest toy store on earth - Toys R Us. 
The store is three stories high. It has huge Bionicle, Barbie, Thomas, and Pokemon sections to name our kids' favorites. The store also has a large ferris wheel inside it. We bought our tickets and shopped while waiting for our time to ride. David, Jamie, and I rode in the Little Tikes red car-shaped car and Tim and Rachel rode in the Cabbage Patch car. David was really hoping to ride in the Toy Story car, 
but you're not allowed to wait on a specific car. He was pleased, that the Toy Story car was next to ours. So, we could see Buzz and a LGM each time we came over the top. After the toy-buying orgie was over, we made one more stop. Jamie wanted to go to the Hershey's store to find some white chocolate. He really likes the cookies and cream white chocolate bars and nuggets Hershey's used to make. Unfortunately, used is the operative word. There was every kind of Hershey's product imaginable in the store, but no white chocolate. We asked an employee, and he told us that they didn't make it any more. Jamie was very disappointed that he had to settle for a huge bar of regular Hershey's chocolate.
The store is three stories high. It has huge Bionicle, Barbie, Thomas, and Pokemon sections to name our kids' favorites. The store also has a large ferris wheel inside it. We bought our tickets and shopped while waiting for our time to ride. David, Jamie, and I rode in the Little Tikes red car-shaped car and Tim and Rachel rode in the Cabbage Patch car. David was really hoping to ride in the Toy Story car, 
but you're not allowed to wait on a specific car. He was pleased, that the Toy Story car was next to ours. So, we could see Buzz and a LGM each time we came over the top. After the toy-buying orgie was over, we made one more stop. Jamie wanted to go to the Hershey's store to find some white chocolate. He really likes the cookies and cream white chocolate bars and nuggets Hershey's used to make. Unfortunately, used is the operative word. There was every kind of Hershey's product imaginable in the store, but no white chocolate. We asked an employee, and he told us that they didn't make it any more. Jamie was very disappointed that he had to settle for a huge bar of regular Hershey's chocolate. Sunday, July 1, 2007
Friday, June 29
The final day of VBS. The kids all had a great time. Even Jamie was singing and doing the motions during the closing assembly. I stayed and helped clean up and put things away during the time. We went to Burger King for lunch to celebrate the completion of another year.
After lunch, I worked on getting things ready for the June birthdays party. I put together a party for the Sloan kids who have a birthday in June and invited all of the partners and children. We had the party at the sprinkler park in Belmont. About 20 people (partners and kids) came to experience an American birthday. There were families from Mexico, Finland, Portugal, France, Korea, and the US. We had cake, whales and juice pouches for snack. The kids got hats, blowers, water guns, bouncy balls, and bubbles in their treat bags. It turned out that Jamie was the only June birthday, but it was good start. I hope that some one will pick up next month since we'll be in Alabama for most of it!
Hannah and Kia (top) Jamie & John (bottom)
Jane, Sara, & Hannah (top)
Kia, Rachel, Jamie, Kaylee, Hannah, & John (kids on the rocks) Unknown child & mom in the foreground :-)
top (L to R) Chloe, Kaylee, Kia, Rachel, & John
bottom (L to R) John, Hannah, Tatu, Jamie, & David
top moms Minna, Sara, Shelly, & Andrea (who is actually a fellow - her hubby is the partner)
bottom - Sara, Tom, Kia, Rachel, Kaylee, Chloe, Shelly, & Jane
June 27 & 28
Wednesday, June 27
We spent most of the day away from home. The kids had VBS in the morning, then we took off for Burlington mall for a Jamie's birthday shopping spree. He had money from Grannie and Nanny & Pawpaw to spend. Plus, it was much cooler at the mall than at home!! We started off eating lunch at the food court so Jamie could have his favorite (chicken & mushrooms with white rice). Then we hit the shops. Jamie bought a book on vampires, 3 webkinz, an action figure, and the new Harry Potter game for DS. He really planned out his purchases!! We went to the T station at Alewife to pick Tim up after classes and study group, and then we all went to Rainforest Cafe for birthday dinner. Jamie got an icee in a Rainforest Cafe cup amd we all enjoyed a volcano for his birthday cake. Then it was home to the hot house for bed.
Thursday, June 28
Another fun day at VBS!! Then it was home to wait for severe weather that never came. The kids enjoyed a "quiet" day in the house. Jamie and David had a Pokemon fest - David gave Jamie a boxed set for his birthday. Then I had a dinner for the Sloan Partners. Girls' night out!! The kids and I picked up Sara at her place and then drove to MIT where Tim took over with the kids. There were about 30 partners there. We went around the room and introduced ourselves and then had a nice dinner. We also had the opportunity to sign up to be involved in planning and organizing activities for the year. I worked really hard to restrain myself and only signed up to do the kids' Halloween Party and family outings. I thought I did rather well!! Then Cybele gave Sara, Mina, and me rides home.
We spent most of the day away from home. The kids had VBS in the morning, then we took off for Burlington mall for a Jamie's birthday shopping spree. He had money from Grannie and Nanny & Pawpaw to spend. Plus, it was much cooler at the mall than at home!! We started off eating lunch at the food court so Jamie could have his favorite (chicken & mushrooms with white rice). Then we hit the shops. Jamie bought a book on vampires, 3 webkinz, an action figure, and the new Harry Potter game for DS. He really planned out his purchases!! We went to the T station at Alewife to pick Tim up after classes and study group, and then we all went to Rainforest Cafe for birthday dinner. Jamie got an icee in a Rainforest Cafe cup amd we all enjoyed a volcano for his birthday cake. Then it was home to the hot house for bed.
Thursday, June 28
Another fun day at VBS!! Then it was home to wait for severe weather that never came. The kids enjoyed a "quiet" day in the house. Jamie and David had a Pokemon fest - David gave Jamie a boxed set for his birthday. Then I had a dinner for the Sloan Partners. Girls' night out!! The kids and I picked up Sara at her place and then drove to MIT where Tim took over with the kids. There were about 30 partners there. We went around the room and introduced ourselves and then had a nice dinner. We also had the opportunity to sign up to be involved in planning and organizing activities for the year. I worked really hard to restrain myself and only signed up to do the kids' Halloween Party and family outings. I thought I did rather well!! Then Cybele gave Sara, Mina, and me rides home.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Wednesday, June 27th
Happy Birthday, Jamie!
Today's post is postponed due to lack of COOL! The computer room is one of the rooms without AC, and it is LA Hot in there! But there are thunderstorms scheduled for tomorrow, and highs back down to the 70's by Friday. Yay!
Today's post is postponed due to lack of COOL! The computer room is one of the rooms without AC, and it is LA Hot in there! But there are thunderstorms scheduled for tomorrow, and highs back down to the 70's by Friday. Yay!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Tuesday, June 26
Hot!! Hot!! Pant, pant, pant.
I know, the high today was only 93. But there is no air conditioning!! The church where we are going to VBS is not air conditioned! It wasn't too bad. After VBS we went to the pool, very nice. Cool water. And, Rachel passed her deep end swim test! Yea!!!
We went to get a movie and a pizza for supper. Tim ate with his study group tonight to strategize and socialize. There was no way I was going to cook in that kitchen. I used my pampered chef kitchen thermometer just now, and it says the kitchen is 91 degrees! The main hall is 83, and the upstaris hall is 90. We have the window units running in all 3 bedrooms and are keeping the doors shut so at least those rooms will be cool. I will be glad to get home to the land of air conditioning!! Tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter - highs in mid to upper 90s with a heat index of 100. But, fortunately, Jamie has planned to spend the afternoon at the mall tomorrow, and to have dinner at Rainforest Cafe tomorrow night. It is supposed to thunderstorm all day Thurs (highs only in the upper 80s) then highs are predicted to be in the 70s until early next week. Thank goodness!!
I had a God moment today. I was talking with the director of VBS before the kids came up for closing. She told me that there actually was a wait list for coming to VBS, but that since we made the effort to come to church on Sunday morning, she put us in. In a way, I feel a little bad that someone else didn't get in. But I am so relieved that we did!! I have enjoyed talking with folks from both congregations as I have been there helping. Plus, it has been really good for Jamie and Rachel to have a break from each other all week. I have also appreciated having a break from the kids!! I guess God knew I needed it.
Blessings to you all!!!!
I know, the high today was only 93. But there is no air conditioning!! The church where we are going to VBS is not air conditioned! It wasn't too bad. After VBS we went to the pool, very nice. Cool water. And, Rachel passed her deep end swim test! Yea!!!
We went to get a movie and a pizza for supper. Tim ate with his study group tonight to strategize and socialize. There was no way I was going to cook in that kitchen. I used my pampered chef kitchen thermometer just now, and it says the kitchen is 91 degrees! The main hall is 83, and the upstaris hall is 90. We have the window units running in all 3 bedrooms and are keeping the doors shut so at least those rooms will be cool. I will be glad to get home to the land of air conditioning!! Tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter - highs in mid to upper 90s with a heat index of 100. But, fortunately, Jamie has planned to spend the afternoon at the mall tomorrow, and to have dinner at Rainforest Cafe tomorrow night. It is supposed to thunderstorm all day Thurs (highs only in the upper 80s) then highs are predicted to be in the 70s until early next week. Thank goodness!!
I had a God moment today. I was talking with the director of VBS before the kids came up for closing. She told me that there actually was a wait list for coming to VBS, but that since we made the effort to come to church on Sunday morning, she put us in. In a way, I feel a little bad that someone else didn't get in. But I am so relieved that we did!! I have enjoyed talking with folks from both congregations as I have been there helping. Plus, it has been really good for Jamie and Rachel to have a break from each other all week. I have also appreciated having a break from the kids!! I guess God knew I needed it.
Blessings to you all!!!!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monday, June 25
We went to VBS today at Payson Park. It was fun. The theme this year is Avalanche Ranch. Rachel is actually in the class of rising 2nd graders, because the 3rd grade group was full. But she has already made a new friend. His name is Joseph, and he came to Bible school all decked out in full cowboy gear: hat, bandanna, boots, even spurs!
Jamie also made a friend today, her name is Emily. Maybe he'll connect with some of the boys in his group during the week. David is actually in the 3 year old class. I'm helping out with snack. It's a good way for me to get involved low key; to see the church, the kids, and the program before just leaving my children with strangers. I'm going to help again tomorrow, but Wednesday, I'm going to enjoy the first moments I've had alone since the end of May. I also have some things to do to get ready for Jamie's birthday on Wed. There is a big group of kids (about 70). There is also a lot of church involvement - 26 adult volunteers and a whole flock of teens! Apparently there are two churches that join together for VBS. I also understand that these two congregations are in the process of talks of merging the two permanantly.
We went to the sprinkler park this afternoon. It was a hot one here - in the 80s. The next two days it's supposed to be in the 90s. It's really hot, too, because we only have the 3 window units in the house. When I put David to bed tonight, the temp upstairs was 84! And now, at 10:00, it's 82 downstaris!
Anyway, we met Mina, and her 2 children, Cybele and her 2, and Sara and her 1 with one on the way (due July 5) at the sprinkler park around 4. Rachel and Kia had a great time together.
Rachel says that she's not bothered at all that Kia doesn't speak much English. She said that today Kia communicated several times with hand gestures. I know that Rachel will give Kia lots of practice listening to English!! Jamie found a group splashing each other and joined in, so he had a good time too. I don't think that they ever exchanged names and other personal info. David wouldn't go into the water at all. I tried to take him to a place where the water had pooled, but the sprinklers weren't spraying above the feet. He still didn't like it. He spent time in the sandbox and on the playground equipment. Then we had the treat of an ice cream truck coming up to the park. David got a snowcone which he sucked on with glee until he dropped it.
Then he was sulky the rest of the time we were there because mommy wouldn't let him eat it off the ground.
Tim came home for dinner tonight. So we got to enjoy a family meal together. He says he thinks he did ok on his Accounting exam.
Jamie also made a friend today, her name is Emily. Maybe he'll connect with some of the boys in his group during the week. David is actually in the 3 year old class. I'm helping out with snack. It's a good way for me to get involved low key; to see the church, the kids, and the program before just leaving my children with strangers. I'm going to help again tomorrow, but Wednesday, I'm going to enjoy the first moments I've had alone since the end of May. I also have some things to do to get ready for Jamie's birthday on Wed. There is a big group of kids (about 70). There is also a lot of church involvement - 26 adult volunteers and a whole flock of teens! Apparently there are two churches that join together for VBS. I also understand that these two congregations are in the process of talks of merging the two permanantly.
We went to the sprinkler park this afternoon. It was a hot one here - in the 80s. The next two days it's supposed to be in the 90s. It's really hot, too, because we only have the 3 window units in the house. When I put David to bed tonight, the temp upstairs was 84! And now, at 10:00, it's 82 downstaris!
Anyway, we met Mina, and her 2 children, Cybele and her 2, and Sara and her 1 with one on the way (due July 5) at the sprinkler park around 4. Rachel and Kia had a great time together.
Rachel says that she's not bothered at all that Kia doesn't speak much English. She said that today Kia communicated several times with hand gestures. I know that Rachel will give Kia lots of practice listening to English!! Jamie found a group splashing each other and joined in, so he had a good time too. I don't think that they ever exchanged names and other personal info. David wouldn't go into the water at all. I tried to take him to a place where the water had pooled, but the sprinklers weren't spraying above the feet. He still didn't like it. He spent time in the sandbox and on the playground equipment. Then we had the treat of an ice cream truck coming up to the park. David got a snowcone which he sucked on with glee until he dropped it.
Then he was sulky the rest of the time we were there because mommy wouldn't let him eat it off the ground.Tim came home for dinner tonight. So we got to enjoy a family meal together. He says he thinks he did ok on his Accounting exam.
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