Cuse

The outfit is way too big but he loves it. It should last for years if he doesn't wear it out first.

Shoes

National Geographic has thousands of shoes out on it's driveway about a block from my office.  They do this every year but I'm never sure why.  They will be gone tomorrow.

 

Dusting

Another tease of a storm. It still looks good on the ground.

Another Loss

Sam and Dylan tried really hard and kept their emotions in check during a 25-20 loss to the other team with mostly Clermont kids. These games usually get pretty heated but their were only 6 fouls total for both teams the whole game. Sam had 12 points, another dozen rebounds and a couple of steals. Dylan had 6 points, 8 steals and a half dozen rebounds. I think I was more frustrated with the game than they were. The boys did score almost all the points for the team but they missed a lot of easy shots. Yes, some poor shots but a lot of them just didn't bounce the right way. I hate when that happens and we have been on the wrong end of too many close games this year because of bad ball luck. Hope that changes soon.

Home on Friday

I've been away from my fireplace for the last couple weeks but I'm back in my favorite chair with my favorite kids on a cold Friday night. My favorite wife is on her way home and the kids are playing video games but their sound is off and my music is playing. Good times.

Trace of Winter

It was 70 for two days this week but we got another little tiny snowstorm this morning reminding us that winter still has some potential to be snowy.  Unfortunately, like that other snow events, this one was an inch or less.  It is pretty to see it coming down but man, we need a 5-7 inch snow to really get that winter feel going.  It was roughly four years ago when we got 28 inches in Snowmaggedon or was it Snowpocolypse?  Anyway, we really haven't had anything all that exciting since.   

 

Viola

Sam has been practicing his viola a bit more these days. Maybe he and I could do a duet in the future. I'm just not sure how long his viola phase will last but it's good he's trying stuff. I'm home now and enjoying the family and a nice warm fire.

Clean the window

On a plane home. United needs to get a squigy on this window.

Bleak

I've been in Dallas for 28 hours with 19 to go and man is it bleak and dreary out their. Not that I've been outside but the view out my window is one of flatness, grey sky, rain and un-inspiring buildings. I missed a mini snowstorm at home last night which would have been nice to see but work calls. I hear the boys played hard today in their basketball game losing by two points. Sam had 13 points, 12 rebounds and 3 steals. Dylan came in with 6 points, 4 rebounds and 6 steals. They are a two man wrecking crew out there. I should be around for next weekends game, I don't like missing them play much.

Sent from my iPad

A Little Snow

Well, it's turned wintery around here finally with temps below freezing and a little snow. Not enough for a snow day but enough to delay school for a couple hours. It's a start.

Cold, Cold Night

We are back home to the coldest nights of the year here in DC, in fact it's the coldest it's been in 4 years around here.  It's only getting down to around 10 degrees but that's pretty cold for these parts. I created a set of pictures from our trip to Colorado on Flickr and have a link to them here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157632586030203/

Winging it Home

Sam noticed this sunset out the window of the plane this evening. He pointed out the window and said "that's really pretty, take a picture of it". I was happy to see him looking around and noticing things like this. He has a lot to appreciate in life and it warms my heart to see him noticing the little things. We all had a great time in Breckinridge and I love showing the boys new things and seeing them discover new joys like skiing down a beautiful mountainside or rolling around in the snow on the continental divide. We are home now and need to start planning our next adventure.

Last Run

Dylan and I were a little tired and came in before Nicole and Sam. We had three great days on the slopes but my knee was starting to show the strain, even with a day off yesterday. We couldn't have asked for better weather, a little fresh snow would have been fun but 33 and sunny is pretty awesome. The place we stayed had a ski locker room on the slopes and ski butlers to carry your skies. They even returned them to the rental shop which was a huge benefit after a long day of skiing. I would stay here again.

Top o the mountain

We hit the slopes right when they opened and took the Colorado Super Chair to the top of peak 9. This was the boys first trip up that high and to the more difficult blue trails. They did great and we had a great morning of skiing some nicely groomed trails. Having lunch in the condo now then a few more runs before we watch some football.

Continental Divide

We took the day off of skiing and rode snowmobiles to the Georgia pass and the continental divide. It was a chilly 9am start but warmed up quickly as we climbed out of the trees and got some sun. The boys spent the afternoon on the Gold Coaster which is right outside our condo. More skiing tomorrow.

Faces of Breck

We all had another great day of skiing. The boys had Tom the instructor again and he had them going down some more difficult slopes and Nicole and I joined them for a couple runs which was nice. My knee is starting to feel the strain but its holding up fairly well. Just need to take some breaks and stay away from bumps. Like anything, you need to push it a little to keep the ability to ski at all. We are taking the day off the slopes tomorrow and doing a morning snowmobile trip to see the continental divide. Back on the slopes Sunday.

Home for a While

This is where we are living and what we are looking the next few days. Nicole and I had a great day on the slopes and the boys had a great private instructor that really got them skiing today. They had a weak base of skills but spent the whole day getting better. They have the same instructor tomorrow and I would imagine they will hit a blue run or two.

I took a nice spill today and hurt my shoulder a bit. It was the first real fall I've had in a decade and hurt more than I remember falls hurting in the past. I'm getting brittle in my old age. Sam, Nicole and I soaked some of the pain away in the outdoor hot tub a bit ago and I'm the light fade on the mountains with Dylan. I could get used to his.

Morning from Breck

Our balcony overlooks the ski school where Dylan and Sam will be spending much of the day.

Breckinridge

We had a slow but an un-eventful flight and a beautiful drive to town. We love the place we are staying at and are in town for dinner before a full two days of ski school for the boys and kidless skiing for the parents. We are taking a day off from the slopes on Saturday and back on them Sunday.

Runnin Hard

The boys do two practices a week on Mondays and Tuesdays. The practice with their 3rd and 4th grade team Monday and the coaches 5th and 6th grade team on Tuesdays. They start slowing down after a while on Tuesday. Lots of running is good for them but even those little dynamos get winded.

Dreary

It's been a wet, foggy and generally dreary day and to top it off, we took the Christmas tree down. I hate when the tree comes down but I can keep the outdoor lights lit for another couple weeks. It gets a little embarrassing to have them up in February but I may stretch it this year because colored lights make me happy. Yes, I'm that simple.

Sent from my iPad

Back to .500

After losing the first game of the season by 15 points and the second by a point the boys have won two blowouts in a row. Sam had 13 with 12 rebounds and Dylan had 4 with 10 steals. They both could have had more but the coached slowed things down and made them pass a bunch before shooting. The other team was having all sorts of difficulty. We have next week off then the sprit to the playoffs. Go Bombers!!!

Three Knocks

This is a much better picture of a happy Nicole waiting for entry into the speakeasy than the one of her below inside it. The blue light marks the spot. No signs but lets face it, booze has been legal for many years now.

The boys have a basketball game in the morning then I'm watching football. I love the playoffs.

PX

Dinner at Majestic and drinks at the swanky speakeasy PX in Old Town with the Lorengers.  Nicole is trying to get all sorts of stuff in during her sabbatical.  

 

Like Father

Sam got his new reading glasses today to make me feel better. He also has spiky hair, but I don't think I can pull that off.

Progressives

Me, my new haircut and my first pair of real glasses. Yes, progressives for aging eyes.

Playoffs

This is how the boys watch NFL Playoff Football, with their noses in their iPads.

Winning Ways

Dylan and Sam really settled down in the 4th quarter in a nice 28-9 win against the Blue Devils today. Sam had 12 points and 11 rebounds while Dylan score 10 points and had 10 steals. They both slowed it down a bit and made better decisions with the ball. The whole team passed a little better and had a little more ball control as well.

I spent my third game keeping the book which I'm getting better at doing. Keeps me occupied but I don't get to see as much of the game. I think it's my job for the rest of the season.

New Years Flu

Opened the new year with probably the nastiest flu I've had as long as I can remember. I had a flu shot this year but whatever I got was a doozy. I don't have any pictures, just this update.

Sent from my iPad

New Years Hoops

Got back on the court today to prepare for basketball season resuming. Dylan is sporting his new Syracuse outfit. He likes it a lot.

Vikings and Sudoku

The Vikings are headed to the playoffs and Nicole I hooked on Sudoku. It won't be an easy playoff run with the first game against an angry Packer team on the frozen tundra but hey, it's one more game. We did deny the Bears a playoff spot which makes the win twice as good and a Redskin loss tonight will complete a really good football day. Nicole stated play Sudoku on her iPad yesterday and can't stop. She's totally hooked. We have an early New Years party tomorrow then we will be home to see the big ball drop on time square. 2012 is almost in the books.

Sent from my iPad

Laser Domination

We lost power at 11am so the boys and I ran up to Shadowland to play some laser tag. Homer beat the boys twice, including this second place finish to Carpenters 5th (Sam) and Manspiders 7th (Dylan). We are back home and the power and football games are back on.

First Glasses

I picked up my first pair of prescription specs today. They are for office use, computer and reading stuff. It was just a matter of time.

Winter Break

Momma and the boys have a long winter break so a trip to the mall was a one the agenda today. I spent most of the day at work but the rest of the family wandered the monuments. We might get some snow tonight but I'm not holding my breath.

Already Missing the Cousins

We made it home today without any issues. The flight was actually a half hour early but the boys are already missing Finn and Mae. We are all missing the family can't wait to see everyone again soon.

Baby it's Cold Outside

But not too cold for a little sledding.

Game Face

It's 2 degrees out but the boys want to wear their new basketball gear.

Merry Christmas

Cold Winters Night

High temps in the teens and an ample cover of snow on the ground is feeding the Christmas spirit. We met up with a bunch of friends last night in Excelsior and are heading to First Avenue tonight for a Group Love show with Rachel and a neighbor. Hoping for a little more snow tonight.

Glassman

After a visit to the optometrist, Sam is getting a pair of reading glasses just like me. These are some readers that I just picked up for myself at the airport. He looks pretty good in these. Dylan needs to go back for a follow up because he doesn't seem to use one of his eyes much. Off to Minnesota for a few days.

A Just Because Fire

My work group had our holiday lunch and annual in office cheer party today and Nicole celebrated her last day in the office until January 24th. It's getting windy and cold out and Christmas is just around the corner. A blazing fire seems appropriate for the last day of the world according to the Mayans.

Hair Cuts

The boys and I went downtown to Patricks new salon for our pre-Christmas haircuts yesterday. The new salon is much fancier than the old one in Adam's Morgan and Sam is now opting to get the shampoo with the cut. Very fancy of him.

Nicole and I went out to Patty and Modean's holiday party last night and saw a bunch of folks we hadn't seen in a while. Good times but we were home before midnight. Just a lazy Sunday in front of the fire right now.

Good Game

The Bachman Bombers played a tough game this morning. They were down 10 in the 4th and battled their way back with a tying bucket from Sam and the go ahead jump shot from Dylan with 30 seconds left to play. Unfortunately, the other team came down and tied it again then we fouled them going for the rebound of another Dylan jump shot. They were bonus and they hit the free throw for a 28-27 win.

Dylan had 6 points and did really well for his first game as point guard and Sam had 15. They moved Dylan to point because they needed his aggressive play and ball stealing talents. I was afraid we wouldn't pass and just drive every time but he spread the ball around as well.

This team has a bunch of beginners but they started playing better today. This team will win some games.

Sent from my iPhone

Door Decorating

ACS had a door decorating contest today and this our entry. This door leads onto the WSO department and some very creative folks. I not know if we've won yet.

Holiday Concert

The boys sang in the Clermont holiday concert tonight. The whole thing was pretty short which was nice. The strings and band numbers were pretty short since the kids are pretty much beginners so the chorus took the majority of the time. They sounded good.

Sent from my iPad

Above the Rim

The boys practiced with their coaches 5th and 6th grade team last night and showed that they would start for that team as well. Coach Lance has the boys 3rd and 4th grade team, his sons 5th and 6th grade team and his daughters 3rd and 4th grade team. He has the boys doing the extra practice with the older kids to really push them this year and they proved that they can run, rebound and shoot with kids older than them. Lets hope they turn it up a notch this weekend.

Hanukkah Train

The grandparents got Dylan a train and Sam some catchers gear. They both seem pretty pleased.

It's beginning to look a lot like....

My mom sent some photos of the Minnesota snow storm and I've been watching the Breckenridge snow storm on their webcam this weekend. I love having the snow for our Christmas visit to the twin cities and need the white stuff for our skiing trip to Colorado in January. It's all looking good so far. Would love to get some in DC as well but I'm not holding my breath.

Happy Hannukah

Basketball game, odyssey of the mind practice, birthday party and now a sleepover. The boys lit the candles and are off to spend the night at a friends house. Momma and I will on our own tonight. What to do?

Back on the Court

The boys both scored 5 in a 11-31 drubbing. It was a sloppy game with Sam missing a number of easy shots under the basket and Dylan stealing balls again but pulling up too early for the shot. The rest of team are mostly beginners so we had many turnovers and the newer kids don't seem to want to shoot. The other team was pretty solid but the game should have been much closer and I'm sure the boys will get better. Practice, practice, practice.....

Hot Momma

Nicole was looking sexy at happy hour last night. One of her girl friends took this with her iPhone 5 and it showed up in my photo stream as a nice surprise. All the apple products that take pictures roll into the same photo stream. It's cool that way.

Window Day

Not sure how these guys hang 9 stories in the air like this. They have a warm day to do it anywho.

Nice Hair Sam

In his defense he had a hat on before the shot.

Hoop Dreams

Those boys are naturally good at basketball but they refuse to work on the basics. On the left, Dylan is working on his half court buzzer beater (he actually made a couple). I finally got Sam working on lay ups but they are not falling like they should for a kid that will taller than 99.9 percent of the players he will see this year. They have been the leading scorers on their team the last three years but still seem to think that going 2-10 from the perimeter is better than 12 easy lay ups.

Dylan steals balls like they are going out of style, beats everyone back to the hoop, then pulls up and shoots when no one is around. Sam just needs to post, take a pass, turn and bank one off the board. No one can touch him. I hope they figure all his out this season.

Tree Time

Month of Holidays

We started the month of holidays by checking out the annual Scottish Christmas Walk in Old town Alexandria this morning, picked up a Christmas Tree and put all the outdoor lights up. It's starting to look a lot like Christmas with Hanukkah only a few days away.

Our friends Thom and Jenn took this photo. They made the trip down from Boston just for the Walk. They used to live in Old Town and would throw yearly Scottish Walk parties. We don't get too many family photos but this one turned out alright.