Mary Jo's and Tim's new place may not be ski out but with some off road skills it is ski in - assuming you don't mind skiing down an access road and through a parking lot past the other town homes.
The hike back up the road is not too bad to get back to the action - as a bonus your legs loosen up during the climb.
12.28.2010
12.27.2010
R&R
After hitting the bunny hill with the boys I earned some quiet time in the hot tub. I'm sure MJ and Tim will be happy to see that I kept my clothes on for this picture since the tub is in their room!
12.26.2010
Christmas 2010
Sometimes our two day Christmas extravaganza seems like it goes by it a flash... and then there are the other times!
By the time we got home from Mary Jo's on Christmas night the only thing left to do was sleep. Sunday was a day of shipping off the dog and packing the car for our trip to Michigan.
Merry Christmas and hopefully a white and fluffy new year.
By the time we got home from Mary Jo's on Christmas night the only thing left to do was sleep. Sunday was a day of shipping off the dog and packing the car for our trip to Michigan.
Merry Christmas and hopefully a white and fluffy new year.
12.13.2010
Lisa's Birthday
The troops cleared the calendars and headed off for dinner with the birthday girl. It's odd to be in the tweener years where you're not old enough for the senior discount yet by 8:30 you're home in bed (asleep).
Happy Birthday Lisa!
Happy Birthday Lisa!
12.12.2010
Winter Fun
So the plan was to load up the car, drive north, and enjoy a day of free skiing and snowboarding at the Grand Geneva in Wisconsin. Turns out that 40 mph hour winds can eliminate a country road and our plans along with them.
Overall it was a good test run. We have the equipment now we just have to wait for more agreeable weather.
11.19.2010
10.31.2010
2010 Halloween
The boys celebrated Jingle's birthday by ringing doorbells and begging from neighbors.
In my heavily Republican neighborhood I think the 'Vote for Quinn/Simon' signs may have scared off a few trick-or-treaters as the number of beggars was down this year. Great weather and little competition led to rather large hauls for the boys and their friends.
Apparently they didn't eat too much candy as they finished off three pizzas and all of the chips during their post begging party. The girls' costumes were not of the bloody/gory nature and Ryan scored all of their digits (much to Laura's surprise!).
See you next year.
In my heavily Republican neighborhood I think the 'Vote for Quinn/Simon' signs may have scared off a few trick-or-treaters as the number of beggars was down this year. Great weather and little competition led to rather large hauls for the boys and their friends.
Apparently they didn't eat too much candy as they finished off three pizzas and all of the chips during their post begging party. The girls' costumes were not of the bloody/gory nature and Ryan scored all of their digits (much to Laura's surprise!).
See you next year.
10.10.2010
Al's Memorial
A moving funeral mass, the Marine Corps honor guard with a flag presentation and the playing of taps, and a meal at the White Eagle - I believe Al would have enjoyed attending such a tribute for a friend or family member. I'm certain he looked down fondly at the assembly of his friends and family.
The Kucharczyk-Abell-Lestingi-Janezic clan took the opportunity to reconnect and build new memories. I'm certain Al enjoyed that view too.
The Kucharczyk-Abell-Lestingi-Janezic clan took the opportunity to reconnect and build new memories. I'm certain Al enjoyed that view too.
10.07.2010
When you see me smile
On the morning of Tuesday, October 5th, Albert Kucharczyk spent his final moments with us.
I recently reconnected with a childhood friend who knew both my father, John H. Janezic, and my now departed dad, Al. He quickly reflected on what wonderful men both of these gentlemen were and I agreed that I was very lucky to have had not one, but two, great dads.
I could attempt to string together the various thoughts and reflections that I have into a coherent post but I don't think that is necessary. I will do what others before us have done and remember these men. The power of memories is that they are rich, emotional, spontaneous, and real. Those characteristics are also an apt description of the men that I knew to be my fathers.
I already miss them both but I will continue to remember them and honor them. And I look forward to those unsuspecting moments in my future that reach into the hidden spaces in my mind, connect to a memory in my past, and bring a smile to my face.
With love and peace.
Your son
I recently reconnected with a childhood friend who knew both my father, John H. Janezic, and my now departed dad, Al. He quickly reflected on what wonderful men both of these gentlemen were and I agreed that I was very lucky to have had not one, but two, great dads.
I could attempt to string together the various thoughts and reflections that I have into a coherent post but I don't think that is necessary. I will do what others before us have done and remember these men. The power of memories is that they are rich, emotional, spontaneous, and real. Those characteristics are also an apt description of the men that I knew to be my fathers.
I already miss them both but I will continue to remember them and honor them. And I look forward to those unsuspecting moments in my future that reach into the hidden spaces in my mind, connect to a memory in my past, and bring a smile to my face.
With love and peace.
Your son
10.03.2010
Mmm... donuts
A magazine shows up at our house featuring homemade donuts on the cover. The next thing you know John and Lisa are firing up the wok (it's our version of a deep fryer) and making some dounuts.
What you don't see is the maple syrup glaze that was added to each donut. My teeth tingle just thinking about it.
What you don't see is the maple syrup glaze that was added to each donut. My teeth tingle just thinking about it.
Three Oaks Rec Area
Took a brief and brisk walk through the new recreation area in Crystal Lake. The former Vulcan Lakes gravel and sand pit have been converted to a public space. The price tag was high but in time people will forget the price and remember the good times.
We're excited to see new sailboats! Can't wait until the summer of 2011.
We're excited to see new sailboats! Can't wait until the summer of 2011.
9.26.2010
Toad in a hole
The 'toad' is on the plate. The kid standing there (proudly) is Jacob. The proud young man made his father breakfast. Yum. Thanks Jacob.
9.19.2010
2010 Apple Picking
The family loaded into the SUV and headed north of the border (barely).
Healthy family fun doesn't come cheap.
All told I guess $18 for a large bag of apples isn't too bad of a deal. We embraced this healthy choice by stopping for popcorn chicken, a chili-cheese dog, and a 2-hot dog combo. Topped it off by reclining on the couch and watching the Bears game.
The active healthy life is hard to get used to but we'll figure out a way to adapt!
Healthy family fun doesn't come cheap.
All told I guess $18 for a large bag of apples isn't too bad of a deal. We embraced this healthy choice by stopping for popcorn chicken, a chili-cheese dog, and a 2-hot dog combo. Topped it off by reclining on the couch and watching the Bears game.
The active healthy life is hard to get used to but we'll figure out a way to adapt!
9.02.2010
7,305 days and counting
Today marks the 20th anniversary of our wedding.
Over those twenty years there have been millions of memories, thousands of photos, countless good times, and one very special birthday that gave us two wonderful boys. Thanks for everything.
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8.29.2010
An old woman swallowed a fly...
So we took sailing lessons this summer and really enjoyed ourselves. We've been out on the lake several times since then and we've continued to enjoy ourselves but we really never had FUN.
Then it dawned on us. We NEED a boat with a motor. :)
During the time it took to make a successful tack (a sailing term we'll be able to soon forget) we contemplated the idea and we were convinced. Finding the boat we want to buy was easy and fun. More about that when we get it.
It turns out that when you buy a boat and trailer you need to be able to tow it. You guessed it. We NEED a new car. :)
We've been able to narrow that list down pretty quickly (it helps when a requirement is 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and a reasonable price tag). A quality internet connection makes this ordeal almost enjoyable. A quick drive to a local dealership and I think Lisa has decided on the next vehicle to make payments on. We're a test drive and a couple months away from this purchase as well.
After reviewing the specs of the vehicle Lisa likes we may need a bigger garage which, of course, would require a different house...
Anybody know of a reasonably priced home on a lake? Just think, if we purchased on a lake we wouldn't need a new car!
I can already see the title of that blog post,
Then it dawned on us. We NEED a boat with a motor. :)
During the time it took to make a successful tack (a sailing term we'll be able to soon forget) we contemplated the idea and we were convinced. Finding the boat we want to buy was easy and fun. More about that when we get it.
It turns out that when you buy a boat and trailer you need to be able to tow it. You guessed it. We NEED a new car. :)
We've been able to narrow that list down pretty quickly (it helps when a requirement is 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and a reasonable price tag). A quality internet connection makes this ordeal almost enjoyable. A quick drive to a local dealership and I think Lisa has decided on the next vehicle to make payments on. We're a test drive and a couple months away from this purchase as well.
After reviewing the specs of the vehicle Lisa likes we may need a bigger garage which, of course, would require a different house...
Anybody know of a reasonably priced home on a lake? Just think, if we purchased on a lake we wouldn't need a new car!
I can already see the title of that blog post,
"I saved $40,000 by buying a new house."
8.25.2010
6:20 a.m.
This is the time on the clock when the boys head out to their bus stop for middle school. I have a sneaking suspicion that their bedtime will begin to adjust to accommodate this ridiculously early start to their day.
A collateral downside is that I no longer have an excuse to not go to the health club as the house is empty by 6:30. Ugh.
A collateral downside is that I no longer have an excuse to not go to the health club as the house is empty by 6:30. Ugh.
8.15.2010
Valiant Effort
So we decided to go sailing today...
... but it turns out that 20+ mph sustained winds with a 14 foot sailboat are a bit much. It wasn't until after we failed to launch and de-rigged the boat that the guys in the sail house shared that everybody who had gone out today had capsized at LEAST ONCE!
Hello. How about mentioning this little fact before we tried to launch?
The boys made the best of it and went swimming. Lisa and I read. Turned out just fine. Today was a good day.
... but it turns out that 20+ mph sustained winds with a 14 foot sailboat are a bit much. It wasn't until after we failed to launch and de-rigged the boat that the guys in the sail house shared that everybody who had gone out today had capsized at LEAST ONCE!
Hello. How about mentioning this little fact before we tried to launch?
The boys made the best of it and went swimming. Lisa and I read. Turned out just fine. Today was a good day.
7.25.2010
Forest View 25th - Thirsty Whale
So one way to flush any Mexico microbes out of your system is to attend an informal reunion. Lucky for Lisa her high school 25th was this weekend.
After hiring a driver (me) to drop them off I picked them up and poured them into the car a few hours later. The pictures (and video) are proof that they enjoyed themselves.
After hiring a driver (me) to drop them off I picked them up and poured them into the car a few hours later. The pictures (and video) are proof that they enjoyed themselves.
7.22.2010
Puerto Aventuras Trip - Last Day
So when you give the kids their choice of food at the Cancun airport what do you expect them to choose? Pizza, of course.
The short story about today is that we make it home. The long story involves police, bribery, lies, corrected billing for the rental car, flying in circles over the Caribbean, landing 45 minutes late in Houston, having our Chicago flight leave on time (without us), and eventually catching the last flight to Chicago. Like I said the short story is that we made it home.
Mexico. Been there. Done that. Welcome home.
The short story about today is that we make it home. The long story involves police, bribery, lies, corrected billing for the rental car, flying in circles over the Caribbean, landing 45 minutes late in Houston, having our Chicago flight leave on time (without us), and eventually catching the last flight to Chicago. Like I said the short story is that we made it home.
Mexico. Been there. Done that. Welcome home.
7.21.2010
Puerto Aventuras Trip - Day ?
By this time in the trip it's all a blur. I've taken so many photos that I don't bother to take any pictures today except for our final dinner. We went back for Mexican food. The food is excellent and the ambience memorable.
We've already packed our bags for tomorrow's journey home. Dinner, cocktails, and sleep. This is the type of agenda I could get used to.
Adios a Mexico.
We've already packed our bags for tomorrow's journey home. Dinner, cocktails, and sleep. This is the type of agenda I could get used to.
Adios a Mexico.
7.20.2010
Puerto Aventuras Trip - Day 6
This is the only day we don't do the morning walk. Instead we get the family up, fed, and loaded into the car. It's about a 30 minute drive to Tulum and the Mayan ruins. This photo is the entrance up to the far end of the site. The archeological site is well preserved and maintained. The sun was thankfully hidden behind clouds and the rain bookended our visit. When that sun is out it can get rather hot down there (even though it was hotter in Chicago during our stay in Mexico). Lucky for us we were able to get our siteseeing done before the cruise ship groups arrived... translation, no crowds.
Unlike the locals we were able to head back to an air conditioned room, shower up, and head out to the pool. There may have been a beverage or two but it's medically necessary because dehydration is a real concern (it wasn't one for us because we were pro-active!).
Only one more day after today. The boys are getting anxious to get back to their beds and their friends. Of course I'm the only one that has to go back to work (but not until next week!).
Unlike the locals we were able to head back to an air conditioned room, shower up, and head out to the pool. There may have been a beverage or two but it's medically necessary because dehydration is a real concern (it wasn't one for us because we were pro-active!).
Only one more day after today. The boys are getting anxious to get back to their beds and their friends. Of course I'm the only one that has to go back to work (but not until next week!).
7.19.2010
Puerto Aventuras Trip - Day 5
So as we head out on our daily walk we encounter a local pet up for adoption. We've been looking for a replacement for Marty McFuzzles but this one won't fit in his cage so we decide to leave him in Mexico.
The day continues like all the rest (beach, bar, and food) and I'm scheduled to go sailing this afternoon out of the cove. I miss my sail because the program runs long for the boys at the Dolphinarium. They were a group of 2 and we had to wait for another group to join up with prior to getting in with the dolphins. It was worth the wait. The boys had a blast.
The rain came down hard during the dolphin experience and confused the dolphins (they couldn't accurately see/hear the commands of the partipcants with all the rain) but the trainers are very patient and simply tried repeatedly until the rain ended. The dolphins did what they're trained to do and everybody had a memorable experience.
In short they swam with a sea lion, some sting rays (w/o stingers), and the dolphins. We could have opted for the manatees instead of the sea lion but they just float around. Cool but boring. This two hour experience took about 3 1/2 hours. Welcome to Mexico. :-)
The day continues like all the rest (beach, bar, and food) and I'm scheduled to go sailing this afternoon out of the cove. I miss my sail because the program runs long for the boys at the Dolphinarium. They were a group of 2 and we had to wait for another group to join up with prior to getting in with the dolphins. It was worth the wait. The boys had a blast.
The rain came down hard during the dolphin experience and confused the dolphins (they couldn't accurately see/hear the commands of the partipcants with all the rain) but the trainers are very patient and simply tried repeatedly until the rain ended. The dolphins did what they're trained to do and everybody had a memorable experience.
In short they swam with a sea lion, some sting rays (w/o stingers), and the dolphins. We could have opted for the manatees instead of the sea lion but they just float around. Cool but boring. This two hour experience took about 3 1/2 hours. Welcome to Mexico. :-)
7.18.2010
Puerto Aventuras Trip - Day 4
This is the view from our balcony on the morning of day number 4. We dragged the boys out of their beds to join us on this walk because we were sure to see something they never run into while cruising around the neighborhood at home.
When we get back to the hotel it's off to the pool, beach, and bar (not necessarily in that order). They've inflated the climbing iceberg (a LOT harder to climb than it looks) and the kids take their turn at Euro Bungi (trampoleen with bungi chords). A small water balloon fight breaks out in the pool and the trampoleen in the ocean draws a small crowd as well.
In short we laid around all day and watched the kids burn the candle from both ends and the middle. Good times.
When we get back to the hotel it's off to the pool, beach, and bar (not necessarily in that order). They've inflated the climbing iceberg (a LOT harder to climb than it looks) and the kids take their turn at Euro Bungi (trampoleen with bungi chords). A small water balloon fight breaks out in the pool and the trampoleen in the ocean draws a small crowd as well.
In short we laid around all day and watched the kids burn the candle from both ends and the middle. Good times.
7.17.2010
Puerto Aventuras Trip - Day 3
Hidden Worlds Adventure park
Some people head out to the rather sterile (but quite nice) destinations of Xel-Ha, Xcaret, or Explor. I can guarantee that none of those places drive you to their facilities in salvaged army transport trucks that not only lack a windshield but lack any solid exterior panels. This picture was from a REALLY BUMPY ride into the jungle where they've built the base camp from which each experience is only steps away.
The zip line through the trees. The zip line into a cenote. The rappel down into a cenote. The snorkel trip in a cenote. The Avatar zip line rollercoaster that ends in a cenote. Even the 'restaurant' and bathrooms are conveniently located at this hub. [I'll post videos from these adventures in the next couple of days.] Suffice it to say that we had a great time. More professional pictures are on their website but they lack familiar faces.
btw - Don't touch some of the trees as their sap is poisonous. There were labels on the trees but heck if I could tell the difference. One way to tell for sure is to lick the trunk of the tree but that method only works for so long.
Some people head out to the rather sterile (but quite nice) destinations of Xel-Ha, Xcaret, or Explor. I can guarantee that none of those places drive you to their facilities in salvaged army transport trucks that not only lack a windshield but lack any solid exterior panels. This picture was from a REALLY BUMPY ride into the jungle where they've built the base camp from which each experience is only steps away.
The zip line through the trees. The zip line into a cenote. The rappel down into a cenote. The snorkel trip in a cenote. The Avatar zip line rollercoaster that ends in a cenote. Even the 'restaurant' and bathrooms are conveniently located at this hub. [I'll post videos from these adventures in the next couple of days.] Suffice it to say that we had a great time. More professional pictures are on their website but they lack familiar faces.
btw - Don't touch some of the trees as their sap is poisonous. There were labels on the trees but heck if I could tell the difference. One way to tell for sure is to lick the trunk of the tree but that method only works for so long.
7.16.2010
Puerto Aventuras Trip - Day 2
Turns out that this early morning walk becomes a habit. This is the view as you head out on the ground floor past the pool towards the beach. Each day we grab our cup of coffee and head off the property for a walk through the surrounding community. Some walks go past condos, some past hotels, and most pass the marina. Turns out this marina is home to a lot more than just boats.
We also successfully locate the natural lagoon just past the swing bar. This turns out to be Lisa's tipping point as it pertains to snorkeling. Prior to the trip she said, "I'm not a fan. I don't need my own snorkel." Any guess as to who kept taking my gear to go snorkel? Good guess. And some pretty good pictures.
We also successfully locate the natural lagoon just past the swing bar. This turns out to be Lisa's tipping point as it pertains to snorkeling. Prior to the trip she said, "I'm not a fan. I don't need my own snorkel." Any guess as to who kept taking my gear to go snorkel? Good guess. And some pretty good pictures.
7.15.2010
Puerto Aventuras Trip - Day 1
So we've arrived. Our room's not ready but that won't stop us from starting to enjoy our vacation (now that we've stopped moving). We promptly acclimate ourselves with a beverage and then locate the closest restaurant.
We ate lunch at the poolside grill and by the time we finished eating our room was ready. A quick change and then off to the water. This cycle will be repeated until the day we leave (7 days from now!).
We ate lunch at the poolside grill and by the time we finished eating our room was ready. A quick change and then off to the water. This cycle will be repeated until the day we leave (7 days from now!).
7.14.2010
And we're off!
At least we will be once we get up in the morning (just as soon as we get to bed).
At least the weather is cooperating. :)
At least the weather is cooperating. :)
Whatcha talkin 'bout?
John relaxes 'outside' the Willis tower.
Flying like a bird has always been appealing but that view would make me puke. Come to think of it, maybe that's what keeps landing on my car.
Flying like a bird has always been appealing but that view would make me puke. Come to think of it, maybe that's what keeps landing on my car.
7.08.2010
Martha's 91st
Martha turns 91 today. Mary Jo and I took her out for late lunch/early dinner yesterday at a small Polish restaurant. The food was excellent but I still haven't recovered from them taking Jacob's left over potato dumplings.
From this picture it's evident that I don't need any more dumplings! Although I like to blame the photographer. I mean, who looks good from that angle?
Happy birthday grandma!
From this picture it's evident that I don't need any more dumplings! Although I like to blame the photographer. I mean, who looks good from that angle?
Happy birthday grandma!
Martha's 91st
Another image from Martha's late lunch get together.
Those kids are either really tall or grandma is shrinking!
Those kids are either really tall or grandma is shrinking!
7.07.2010
Katherine Opti
Katherine is doing her part to live a life with a small carbon footprint. As a sailor you have to believe she's opposed to off-shore drilling. I'm not sure but that's just a guess.
Great work on the Opti.
Great work on the Opti.
7.05.2010
Sailing on Crystal Lake
Lisa and I took advantage of the day without children and put my new sailing card to good use. The skies were blue. The water a little choppy thanks to the jetskis but otherwise it was a very enjoyable day (okay, 2 hours) on the lake.
This was all capped off by a late afternoon nap and then dinner outdoors at a bistro. I could get used to this.
This was all capped off by a late afternoon nap and then dinner outdoors at a bistro. I could get used to this.
7.02.2010
Jack and his two first mates
Jack and the boys passed the sailing exam and are now qualified to captain their own vessels. The exam included capsizing and righting the sailboat in the middle of the lake. The first two steps are easy. The third step, getting back up into the boat, is the hard part.
It should be noted that the only capsizes the entire week were intentional.
It should be noted that the only capsizes the entire week were intentional.
See you on the lake!
6.28.2010
Father's Day Gift
Today was day 1 of my father's day gift. John, Jacob, and I spent nearly three hours learning the jargon of sailing and the procedures for setting up an American 14-6 for sail. It turns out that years of watching Sponge Bob really didn't help... although our pirate talk is top notch!.
We return to the shores (and the water!) tomorrow evening. In order to be certified we need to flip the boat and right it again. This is on our agenda for day one in the water... truly a crash course.
I'd have pictures to share but the instructor frowns upon such things. He's a stickler for the rules.
We return to the shores (and the water!) tomorrow evening. In order to be certified we need to flip the boat and right it again. This is on our agenda for day one in the water... truly a crash course.
I'd have pictures to share but the instructor frowns upon such things. He's a stickler for the rules.
5.31.2010
Memorial Day Weekend 2010
This is the only evidence that the boys left the basement during our afternoon barbeque at the Lestingi house.
We heard on the way home that they entertained themselves by playing Wii Rockband, had Nerf battles, and watched a tv show that reviewed 100 ways to die (most of which sound made up).
Happy Memorial Day
We heard on the way home that they entertained themselves by playing Wii Rockband, had Nerf battles, and watched a tv show that reviewed 100 ways to die (most of which sound made up).
Happy Memorial Day
Memorial Day Weekend 2010
It was a 'no batteries required' weekend. After the baseball game on Saturday we rode our bikes to Costco to pick up their contact lenses. A quick dinner of fish and steak on the grill was followed by a trip to the lake (we drove there).
It turns out that if you go to the lake around 7:00 p.m. you don't need to fight the crowds.
It turns out that if you go to the lake around 7:00 p.m. you don't need to fight the crowds.
5.23.2010
Austin's 2nd Birthday
The temperature approached 90 degrees but that didn't slow Austin down one bit. The older boys spent time flying kites and trying to catch fish. They were far more successful with the kites.
A good time was had by all.
Happy Birthday Austin!
A good time was had by all.
Happy Birthday Austin!
5.22.2010
CLALL Orioles
John took the mound in middle relief after the starting pitcher struck a couple of batters. He put in three strong innings yielding only a couple of runs as the Orioles clawed back into the game and eventually took the lead. The lead held to the bottom of the last inning when the Mets knocked in three against the third Orioles pitcher of the day. Orioles lost 10-9.
Click the picture to see more images from the game.
Click the picture to see more images from the game.
5.09.2010
Mother's Day Golf
We spent Mother's Day on the golf course today. I know she's always dreamt about a Mother's Day like this... or is that Jack's Father's Day dream?
Pizza Night
Lisa and the boys decided that Saturday would be homemade pizza night. They did well.
Jacob gives his approval of his creation. Click through to see the production from start to finish.
Jacob gives his approval of his creation. Click through to see the production from start to finish.
4.25.2010
Feet Meet 2010
The final installment of Feet Meet for John and Jacob occurred this morning.
The boys finished the mile run without falling or puking - these are the measures of success in the Janezic household.
Official times were calculated but I can't remember the details. I do know that some crazy person ran the 5k in about 17 minutes. To put that time into perspective they ran the race in less time than it took Lisa to walk home and crawl back into bed.
Baseball game this afternoon (a makeup of yesterday's rain out).
The boys finished the mile run without falling or puking - these are the measures of success in the Janezic household.
Official times were calculated but I can't remember the details. I do know that some crazy person ran the 5k in about 17 minutes. To put that time into perspective they ran the race in less time than it took Lisa to walk home and crawl back into bed.
Baseball game this afternoon (a makeup of yesterday's rain out).
4.21.2010
SOS Rally Day
The teachers and members of the general public took to the streets of Springfield today with a common message.
Congratulations to all those that participated in the democratic process!
Congratulations to all those that participated in the democratic process!
4.17.2010
CLALL Orioles Opening Day
On opening day the batters must pay particularly close attention as the pitchers can be a tad wild.
Case in point - John ducks a brush back pitch. Click through to the photos to see that John had an opportunity at redemption as he took the mound later in the game.
I wasn't there (I was in a bargaining session all day on Saturday) but I understand that both boys played well even though the team lost. I can't remember all of the stats but Jacob made sure he told me about the double he hit back up the middle through the pitcher's legs.
Play ball!
Case in point - John ducks a brush back pitch. Click through to the photos to see that John had an opportunity at redemption as he took the mound later in the game.
I wasn't there (I was in a bargaining session all day on Saturday) but I understand that both boys played well even though the team lost. I can't remember all of the stats but Jacob made sure he told me about the double he hit back up the middle through the pitcher's legs.
Play ball!
4.11.2010
2010 Student IEA Spring Conference
Lisa was hard at work this weekend with a presentation at the spring conference organized by the student chapters of the IEA.
I also presented but there aren't any photos that support my claim.
I also presented but there aren't any photos that support my claim.
4.10.2010
Elgin U46 Planetarium
Tim, Joyce, and I performed a site visit at one of U-46's more unique school sites. This observatory/planetarium is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and was originally constructed by the Elgin watch company to set the official time at the watch factory and on their time pieces.
It's a fascinating place and arguably the coolest classroom in the county - maybe the whole state.
It's a fascinating place and arguably the coolest classroom in the county - maybe the whole state.
4.06.2010
Little League Schedule
Pull out your farmer's almanac and plan accordingly. Here's the game schedule for the boys. All games are at Lippold Field in Crystal Lake except the June 2nd game which will be at Main Beach.
| DATE | OPPONENT | FIELD | TIME |
| 17-Apr | Mets | Dinzole | 1:00 |
| 21-Apr | Diamondbacks | Streit | 6:00 |
| 24-Apr | Cubs | Sage | 1:00 |
| 28-Apr | Nationals | Spence | 6:00 |
| 1-May | White Sox | Sage | 11:30 |
| 5-May | Brewers | Streit | 6:00 |
| 8-May | Athletics | Spence | 9:00 |
| 12-May | Angels | Streit | 6:00 |
| 15-May | Diamondbacks | Dinzole | 11:30 |
| 19-May | Cubs | Spence | 6:00 |
| 22-May | Mets | Dinzole | 11:30 |
| 26-May | Nationals | Spence | 6:00 |
| 29-May | Yankees | Spence | 11:30 |
| 2-Jun | White Sox | Main Beach | 6:00 |
| 5-Jun | Yankees | Dinzole | 9:00 |
| 6-Jun | All Star Day | Lippold | TBA |
| 6/12 - 6/19 | Playoffs | Lippold | TBA |
| 6/21 - 6/25 | City Series | TBA | TBA |
4.05.2010
Holiday sacrifice
I'm not sure what emotion Mr. Lamb is trying to express but something tells me it's a sad one. Poor Mr. Lamb.
It kind of reminds me of the tree near the end of the book The Giving Tree - that is if the tree had a face.
btw - The cake and the frosting were delightful! Thanks Mr. Lamb and thanks Eileen for carrying on the tradition.
It kind of reminds me of the tree near the end of the book The Giving Tree - that is if the tree had a face.
btw - The cake and the frosting were delightful! Thanks Mr. Lamb and thanks Eileen for carrying on the tradition.
2010 Easter
Me and my Peeps kicked back and relaxed this Easter Sunday. The catered affair was hosted by Martha and enjoyed by all who attended.
Happy Easter.
Happy Easter.
3.29.2010
Spring break in Atlanta
Lisa and the boys are in Atlanta this week. There's a side story about a rash that John developed but that seems to be on the mend so we won't hash it out in this post (not to mention I don't have any pictures!).
Jacob did test his photographic skills - not to mention his spy skills - as he surreptitiously snapped the above image. I believe this Titantic is on an 'iceberg' that's mounted on the head of a pin. The art installation is viewable through microscopes. Pretty amazing.
Today they went to a paper museum housed at Georgia Tech.
Tomorrow they're off to a plantation.
In short, Georgia isn't Disney but there are plenty of things to do.
3.02.2010
Fighting the Crowds at Granite Peak
Fighting the Crowds at Granite Peak
Originally uploaded by J-Travels
Last Run(s) - After Lisa's accident we felt bad continuing to ski...
Last Run(s) - After Lisa's accident we felt bad continuing to ski...
Originally uploaded by J-Travels
What were we supposed to do?
If you answered ski, you're correct!
The World's Least Aggressive Terrain Park Riders
The World's Least Aggressive Terrain Park Riders
Originally uploaded by J-Travels
Granite Peak Field Trip
Granite Peak Field Trip
Originally uploaded by J-Travels
3.01.2010
Sweet ride
Sweet ride
Originally uploaded by J-Travels
Lisa was generous enough to volunteer to participate in a mountainside evacuation procedure. Always the teacher.
In case anybody is wonder, yes, the boys continued to ski. Oh yeah, Lisa was just fine as well.
2.01.2010
Marty McFuzzles
The Janezic house suffered a loss this weekend. Marty was brought home from school this weekend as he seemed to be a bit under the weather. On Saturday, January 30th, Marty ate his last carrot and passed peacefully into the next stage of his life.
A good pet, a friendly classmate, a fine pig. While he will be missed he will always be fondly remembered.
RIP Marty
1.03.2010
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