The weather forecast calls for...

The weather forecast calls for...
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

The day's final accumulation was difficult to tally but a ride up the chairlift resulted in measurable accumulation in you lap.

Girls Night Out (Plus Jack)

Girls Night Out (Plus Jack)
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Somehow I ended up our on the slopes with Devin and Katherine... alone.

All the other adults had 'conflicts'* on their schedules and I ended up on the slopes with the single ladies (sans Pip).

* Lisa survived her supervisory duties at the pool with the boys.

* The Lestingis and Murrays conducted an extensive inspection of the bar at Kinlochen.

Snowboarding School

The boys were enrolled in all day snowboarding school. John suffered with a 12 year old girl from Michigan as his fellow student and a college girl as his instructor. I believe the boy was smitten.

Jacob spent the day with Katherine, Andrew, and Justin, their instructor. Jacob was not smitten.

If you're wondering how the day went for them it can be summed up in two words: Black Diamond.

Both boys progressed sufficiently to attempt a black diamond run and both boys were successful. I hope to catch some video of these new skills but unfortunately I'll be needing to use the zoom as I won't be on the hill anywhere near them as I don't have the skills for that level of slope.

Great job boys. The five o'clock nap was well earned!

More tomorrow. :-)

Ski Vacation - Kids = FUN!

Day 2 -
The kids were enrolled in ski/snowboard school all day today. (that's another post altogether).

This post is about the parents. :)

Crystal Mtn. Day 1 12.29.2009

Crystal Mtn. Day 1 12.29.2009
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Both families made it to northern Michigan through a variety of weather systems during the 5+ hour commute. We were rewarded with a beautiful day of skiing. Hopefully we'll get some fresh snow on the mountain tonight for tomorrow's runs.

The parents ditch the kids tomorrow in snowboarding school. I'm thinking lunch will be fancier without them. I'll let you know!

Martha and Kids

Martha and Kids
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

The weather went from ice over snow, to flooded roads, to 10+ inches of fresh new stuff the day after Christmas. In between the insides of the homes were cozy and warm. A few calories were consumed (some eaten, some drank) and a really enjoyable holiday was had by all. It's always a blessing to be able to get together again.

Merry Christmas.

Wilmot Mtn Dec 19

Wilmot Mtn Dec 19
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

After registering under a different name (for some reason the Janezic family is not allowed on Wilmot Mtn... - although there is a pole on the slopes with a plaque) the Janezic boys (really, no relation) located Andrew after about 3 hours on the hill.

I'm camped out in the pizza parlor which is located right above the snow patrol headquarters. Every so often a snowmobile with flashing red lights heads out and ultimately returns dragging a body in tow. As I type this there is a skier splayed out on the run outside my window. Lots of red coated gentlemen are attending to the injured.

Who invented this activity and why is Lisa pushing us so hard to participate?!

Tis the season

This week brought the first winter snowstorm which can only mean that the weekend is the first time to ski!

We packed the car, some sandwiches, and most important of all, the free skiing coupons and headed up to Grand Geneva resort in Wisconsin. With only two lifts and one green run open it was worth every penny. [In case you missed it the trip cost us zero dollars.]

Even though the action was limited it was good to be out on the slopes and it was great to spend time together again. It's only two weeks until Crystal Mountain and five days of skiing.

Highlight Reel

The real highlight will be a bowl victory... until then these will have to suffice.

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving 2009
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Turkey day 2009 was a success.

For the first time that I can remember there was actually enough turkey left over to have sandwiches for lunch the next day! Apparently the secret is to cook a turkey breast roll, a 12 pound turkey, and a 21 pounder. Thank God we only had 21 for dinner or else that wouldn't have been enough either.

As is always the case, we really enjoyed the holiday gathering. That's what we're thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving.

Dino Shots!

Dino Shots!
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Three hours of pregame festivities mixed with Dino shots can only mean one thing...

You've got to party like it's your birthday.

The CanCooker

The CanCooker
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

The CanCooker makes its debut at the final game of the season. For more information go to www.cancooker.com (music not included).

Trifecta

IMG_0785
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

The Fighting Irish lost in double overtime. The Wolverines lost again. And most importantly, the Cats beat the Badgers.

Senior day was a great day to be a fan of the Cats. Three hours in the parking lot with friends and a CanCooker full of meat was only made better by the re-emergence of dino shots.

The Cats are bowl bound (we'll probably skip that trip and go skiing instead).

See you next year.

Go Cats!

Hotel Max room

Hotel Max room
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Here's a quick tour (because that's all that's needed) of my hotel room in Seattle. It reminds me of our room in Sweden in that it's sufficient and efficient but with a taste of art deco.

I'd return.

Hotel Max

What does a wombat know?

Sleeping Just Fine, Thanks.

Seattle Conference
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

While attending a conference in Seattle we squeezed in some sightseeing during lunch and around dinner.

The weather was typical for Seattle. Mid 50's and sunny takes a bit to get used to. Luckily I'm leaving before the other typical, cooler and rainy, settles in later this week.

I'll be back.

Veteran's Acres Oct 2009

Veteran's Acres Oct 2009
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

The family loaded into the car (with the obnoxious furry one) and headed up to the paths at Veteran's Acres in Crystal Lake. It was a great day for a walk and just before all the remaining leaves were about to fall.

NU vs IU - Homecoming 2009

NU vs IU - Homecoming 2009
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

If Randy was there it must have been homecoming.

Further proof that it was a big day (and that the weather had cleared) MJ even graced us with her presence after the game. Too bad she missed the Republican canvassers working the parking lot prior to the game, they could have used a signature on the page.

Cats win!

Halloween vs. Penn State could be real scary.

DC TURN Trip

I had another chance to attend a Teachers Union Reform Network (TURN) meeting this fall and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan spent about an hour with us in conversation. While I didn't take a photo with him I'm sure I'll be able to crop us into a photo together.

NU vs Miami (OH)

NU vs Miami (OH)
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

The temperature felt like mid-November but it was only early October! The temperature in our seats was very comfortable and more importantly we were out of the wind.

The Cats welcomed the Redhawks to Ryan field and extended their winning streak to 2 games. (I'm not sure if 2 games counts as a streak but it will have to for this year's team.)

Go Cats! See you all at Homecoming vs Indiana.

NU vs Minn

NU vs Minn
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

The ladies showed up for the game versus the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. The way the defense played we should have had them suit up and burn a year of eligibility.

Oh well. Temporary tattoos. Cupcakes. Tailgating. We still had fun.

Richard's Triumph-ant return

Richard's Triumph
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Jacob and I went out to Oakton Community College to see the public unveiling of Richard's restored Triumph. It had been 28 years since the car had been driven on the road. After rusting away in Eileen's and Steve's garage it has been meticulously restored to Rich's exacting standards.

The next time he shows the car I'm going to ask for a ride.

Great work Richard.

Rich and his Triumph

British Motors
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Who's the young guy by the old car?

I'm not sure what makes the car look smaller, Richard standing next to the car or Jacob standing in front of the car. Click the picture and decide for yourself.

NU vs Eastern Michigan

NU vs Eastern Michigan
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

You can't tell by the picture that the Wildcats were busy squandering a 20 point lead. They came within 6 seconds of heading into overtime against the #2 team on the ESPN worst ten list. Ouch.

Stephan Demos converted on a 49 yard field goal to save all of us the stress.

Cats win (ugly).

Next week: away at Syracuse

NU vs Towson

NU vs Towson
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

The first game of the year went just like you want a first game to go. The weather was perfect, the food excellent, and the opponent weak. The Cats did what they were supposed to do and the crowd relaxed and enjoyed the victory. Cats win 47-14.

Next week: Eastern Michigan

5th Grade 1st Day

5th Grade 1st Day
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

First day photos.

5th Grade Begins with a splash

5th Grade Begins with a splash
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

A bummer of a start with the kids filing directly into the school. Apparently a little bit of rain will send the kids inside to protect all those new school clothes and supplies.

On the plus side there was no crying on the playground. :)

Along the Fox

Along the Fox
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

So what does a family do on their last weekend of summer break? Two separate activities, of course!

The boys went tubing with a friend of theirs on the Fox River (up north) while Lisa and I went for a bike ride along the Fox River (down 'south' - St. Charles and Geneva).

By the end of the day all four of us were exhausted. School starts up this week for Lisa and the boys. It will be the boys last year at Woodscreek. Yikes!

Buenos Cumpleanos

While some families subscribe to the annual celebration of one's birth on their birthday, the Janezic clan likes to do a little bit of rounding. This is how the boys came to celebrate their 10th birthday on the 10th year and 2nd month (to the day!).

No matter the date the boys enjoyed their birthday meal and the fried ice cream dessert. The hats were just something the boys like to wear. ;-)

The Ride(s)

The Ride(s)
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

A bike ride up and down the lakefront is very enjoyable assuming you don't ride off the path into the lake, get run into by other bikers or skaters, or run into a pack of walkers.

In case you're wondering we did none of the above.

Warning: The last few seconds of video may make you dizzy!

Beach Break

Beach Break
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

A well earned break in the action at the Ohio Street beach. After a full day in the sun the boys really appreciated being able to take a short break and cool off in the lake.

John wants to go back and jump off the break walls. So I'm thinking he enjoyed himself.

:-)

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

A quick peek into our day at the zoo.

Lakefront bike trip

Lakefront bike trip
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

This photo was taken after a bike ride from Millennium park up to Lincoln Park Zoo, a quick two hours walk around the zoo, and short bike ride back to the Ohio street beach.

After the boys cooled off in the water and dried off (hiding in the bushes where they changed) we loaded back onto our bikes for a quick ride down to the Adler planetarium (and back!).

btw - We were joined on the lakefront by several thousand of our closest friends who came down to watch the rehearsals for the Chicago Air and Water show. At least two million are expected for the actual show this weekend.

Overall we had a great day.

Cougars Game

Cougars Game
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

While Lisa suffered out in Vegas the Janezic boys went to a ballgame. The Kane County Cougars tied up the score with a two run homer and extended the game into extra innings. Who won? Who knows. We left after the 9th.

:-)

Boys at Camp

Are you interested in a game of 'Where's Waldo'?

There are lots of pictures, updated daily, of the campers at Camp Edwards. This link will take you to the photos from the boys' session.

How many times can you spot the boys?!

Janezic-Lestingi canoe trip of 2009

Okay. It took me a little while to get back to this task but I've finally posted a video of our canoeing adventure.

Considering Loon Lake is 150 ft. deep and the 20 mph wind gusts the vests were a necessity. Luckily the lifejackets ended up being decorative as nobody went overboard.

Next time we'll pack a couple of inflatables and drop in further down stream and enjoy the float to the dunes. A floating cooler would be helpful as well!

Martha's 90th

Martha's 90th
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Click on the picture to see images from Martha's 90th birthday party. Somehow while we were all having fun I failed to take pictures of Martha with the family. Luckily we have the collective memory to look back upon so the photos are not really what matters.

Happy birthday grandma.

With love,
Your Family.

Beulah bike trail

Beulah bike trail
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Mary Jo and I hit the bike trail into town. It's a former train bed that has been 'recovered' for multipurpose use. Mary Jo couldn't help but show her stuff after we encountered a couple of trailside motorcross riders.

Enjoy the ride!

Chubby Sammy

Chubby Sammy
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

We have a box of photos that really shouldn't see the light of day. Some of the photos apparently saw too much light as one roll is WAY overexposed. This photo was difficult to see in its original state. Here's the best I could do to salvage any image.

Damn I look young there.

Danpa hits the slides!

Danpa hits the slides!
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

After getting a short break to relax after the ride to Rockford, Dan gets his baptism and he's now a water park convert.

Welcome to fun!

The kids dial up the fun at Magic Waters

The kids dial up the fun at Magic Waters
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

After getting their feet wet the kids explored the big fun.

10 Years Old

Magic Waters
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

The boys had their birthday party out at Magic Waters Waterpark on Wednesday. After logging in 6 hours at the park the kids were wiped out! A great time was had by all (especially Uncle Dan).

Happy Birthday Boys!

Feet Meet 2009 - Race Results!

Feet Meet 2009
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Here are the official results from Feet Meet 2009.

Some people ran than 5k but we opted for the more challenging 1 mile race.
(This post requires the reader to know that 5k is actually 3 x's farther than 1 mile)

While this may look like a photo of winners it was Lisa that captured third place (in her age bracket) at the 2009 installment of the Woodscreek feet meet. It should be noted that my time was a full minute faster than Lisa's but apparently old men are expected to run faster than old women. Go figure.

The way I see it the simple fact that we all actually ran the entire race makes us winners. Way to go Team Janezic.

Home Grown Entertainment

So for Christmas (actually just before Christmas) John got his first electic guitar. Notice that Jacob is playing the role of music stand.

Fast forward to April and it's possible to actually recognize songs... that is until the distortion is kicked up on the amp!

FYI - He usually plays with the amp set at '1' on a scale that goes up to '10'. No, we didn't spring for the Spinal Tap amplifier.

Keep up the good work John.

As for Jacob he's recently chosen to pursue percussion. This year's Christmas present will be ear plugs for mom and dad. :)

Pics from Lockwood

Here are some images from a home movie shot on Lockwood. Do these children in the '70's look like any children you've seen walking around lately? Thought so.

John and Martha looked dressed up enough that there must have been a big dance at the Slovene Center! You can almost hear the music. :)

Giddy up!

More rides on the horse. After watching dad mount and ride I can't help but feel a little sorry for the horse.

Walk down memory lane

Well maybe it's actually more like a trot down memory lane.
Certainly not a gallop.
Okay it's for sure a slow gait.

Enjoy!

Spring is in the air

Nothing like the fresh scent of spring air. The emerging flowers. The buds on the trees. The squirrels digging up their hidden treasures.

Six inches of fresh wet snow blanketing the ground. After all it is still March.

Crystal Mountain

John
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

Click the picture to see the action from Crystal Mountain. It was great to get away as a family and focus on the important stuff.

Thanks to Tim and MJ for letting us use their place for a little R&R.

Saturday, March 21

Lisa was awaken from her well earned sleep by the sounds from a passing plow. That's right. It snowed last night. Not much. Just enough to make the icy slopes look fluffy. Time for some breakfast and then it's off to the hills.

Also on today's schedule:
1. The boys want to go swimming.
2. There's an open house at the bungalows. (I'll be sure to keep Lisa away from the wine until after we walk through... no impulse buying on this trip!)
3. More skiing

Night Ski

After a dinner of chicken and potatoes the family hit the ice (I mean slopes) for some night skiing. Let's just say that our dinner plates weren't the only place where you could find potatoes ... lots of mashed potatoes at the bottoms of the runs. We had fun anyway. :)

Oh yeah. Big news! Lisa and Jacob hit their first blue run. Not by choice. They closed off everything but the black and blue runs during our final ride up the chairlift to the top of the mountain. Once you're at the top of the mountain there's only one way down. They did a great job. I survived as well.

Fighting For Space

Sometimes you have to elbow your way down the slopes. Not today.

Economic Stimulus Package

The Janezic family is doing its part to stimulate the economy. Luckily there aren't many others attempting to do the same thing as the lines at the lifts are non-existent. After hitting the slopes just after the 9:00 am opening it's about 1:30 pm and we're back at the cottage for a little refueling - both body and spirit.

I'd post pictures but we didn't take any today. We meant to but Lisa's camera is dead. I'll bring my camera and Flip out for the evening and night ski. Should be fun.

btw - Lisa wants to hit a blue slope before we leave Crystal Mountain. I'm thinking we should plan on that towards the end of our stay!

2009 Seusical

2009 Seusical
Originally uploaded by J-Travels

One more reason to make sure your cake decorator has graduated from school.

Besides the typo on the cookie the show was a hit. The boys not only did fantastic jobs in their roles as Who and Fish but they had fun while they were at it. We can't wait to see next year's production.

Great work boys!

Memphis (cont.)

Based upon the quality of food and the size of the servings I'm amazed that all of the people in this town aren't ginormous. It must be the heat and humidity of the summer that melts it all away.

Today's lunch was yummy. If you find yourself in a town with a Flying Fish location be sure to set aside one meal for a tasty sampling of their fare.

I'm looking forward to a late afternoon/early evening power nap before heading up the block to Beale Street for libations and Memphis Blues.

Memphis Tigers?

While the mascot may be the Tigers at the local university the Peabody hotel chooses to house ducks in its fountain (in the lobby). Every day the celebrated guests march from the elevator to the fountain only to return to their room via the elvator 6 hours later.

Here's what the bedtime parade looks like at 5 o'clock sharp!

Happy Birthday

We gave the boys' friend Nicole the gift that everybody wants - a day with the Janezic family. Her gift included round trip ground transportation, a meal, and a lift ticket at Grand Geneva. Fresh powder covered the slopes on Jan. 10 when we attacked the hill. Everybody improved their skills that day and for somebody that had never been on a ski lift before... way to go Nicole!

If you don't believe me then just click the video below and watch the action.

Cascade Mtn - Portage, WI

Lisa's Christmas gift list included a ski jacket, ski gloves, long underwear, and ski goggles. I wonder what Santa had in mind when he brought Lisa all of these items?

After a quick two hour ride to central Wisconsin, the family hit the slopes among the weekend crowds at Cascade Mountain - Where kids ski free! The boys went directly to the slopes as mom and dad hit the instructional area. Ninety minutes later we all jumped on a lift and worked our way down the slopes.

While we saw many wipe outs only a 'few' people exited the hill with the assistance of the ski patrol. We may have been sore by day's end but we did walk back the car under our own power. In short it was a successful day on the hill and a great day outdoors.

Can't wait til next week!