Monthly Archives: January 2013

Saturday with Patty

Patty needed tennis shoes for gym class and for lacrosse. The official first required practice for lacrosse is February 25th, so that is only a little over a month away now. James was at his mother’s so it seemed like a good weekend to look for shoes.

The hunt for tennis shoes began at Summit Mall, because Patty does not often get to go there. It is a little bit more of a drive. Walking around the mall, it did not seem there was much of a selection. Actually, there was plenty of selection, the problem was coming to the realization that the cost of the tennis shoes was going to far exceed what was budgeted. Patty got Starbucks after a series of questions. It sort of went like this:

Starbucks: Do you want coffee?
Patty: Yes

Starbucks: Hot or cold?
Patty: Cold

Starbucks: Vanilla, chocolate, or caramel?
Patty: Caramel

So, that is how she ended up with an iced caramel frappuccino, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Next was to Dick’s Sporting Goods. There she tried on a few different pairs of shoes and the decision came down to two pair. Originally she was advised to go with the pair that would last longer, but ultimately the decision was made that it would not matter and she should get whichever pair she liked the most. The pair she liked was a Nike running shoe. Orange with yellow laces. They are nice.

Next was to Chapel Hill Mall to get socks and she managed to talk her way into getting earings. She ended up getting more earings than she should have, because they were buy one get one 50% off.

The night ended with popcorn, candy, and Redbox movies. The first movie was Snow White and the Huntsman, which I did not believe James would like a great deal, and after having watched it I still maintain that opinion. Patty liked it quite a bit. It was not planned this way, but for the second movie both Patty and I and James and his mother ended up all watching Paranorman last night. I joked that when their mother takes Patty that we should plan the movie, so that both kids can watch the same movie again. The movie was enjoyable and it was a good end to a good day.

Lunches

Lunches are a constant problem, because there is only so much that can be packed and with the long days that the kids have at school they are often very hungry when they get home. Assorted granola bars, packing more, and what not has not seem to alleviate the problem. They insist that they should receive money for snacks after school, but that is just chips and soda out of the machine. The search for the perfect lunch continues.

Christmas 2012

Christmas this year was truly a fantastic holiday event. Michelle was able to join us all on Sunday and stay until Christmas evening, so all three of the children were here for Christmas morning to unwrap their presents. The holiday kicked off with attending midnight mass at St. Bernards on Christmas Eve. Cookies were baked and breaking from some holiday traditions the children were actually not allowed to open a single present upon returning home from midnight mass.

One of the great things about having children that have grown up is that they are prepared for Christmas morning. They get dressed appropriately for pictures to be taken while they open their gifts and almost as importantly they start the coffee. Christmas morning was fantastic with a lit tree and snow outside. They awoke to more candy than they could readily consume in a day in their stockings and plenty of presents under the tree for all of them.

They all got what they wanted and then some and spent Christmas day playing card games, watching Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and playing Connect 4. Grandma made a fantastic ham for dinner. It really was one of the best Christmas days ever. As always all the pictures can be found on the pictures page.

Winter Festival

The Winter Festival at Archbishop Hoban is a two day event where they showcase the musical and artistic talent of the students. Patty plays violin in the orchestra and so she performed on the same day as the choir and the guitar group. Patty also had art that was displayed for a clay piece that she did.

Fortunately for Patty her mother was able to attend the event in the absense of any other family members. Her mother also graciously provided all the pictures. This was the second Winter Festival that Patty performed in and just as last time it was fun and went well. Buying strings when they break and practice in her room is apparently paying off as she is becoming quite accomplished at playing the violin.