Haircut Day

Haircut Day
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

All the boys anyway. The young boys have more hair to cut as well. I wonder if the boys would be willing to be doners for a hair transplant?

Karate Kids

The boys wanted pictures in front of the fireplace tonight in these pajamas. It turned into a karate pose session and this one was pretty hot. I think Sam's face is supposed to be intimidating or something like that. Another busy week with little to blog about I guess. I think I'm getting lazy or it's just a blogging phase. I think we are hiking on Sunday, weather permitting. Tomorrow, I start the taxes. Oh joy...

Colorful Protest

Colorful Protest
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Walking by the Whitehouse this morning and found a very lively bunch of folks protesting the Chinese crackdown in Tibet. It's a pretty grey day but the flags and cherry blossums brightened things up quite a bit.

Sparse Week for Blogging

Mostly because my week was really un-interesting, unlike my typical crazy exciting weeks. ;-) Anyway, we didn't do a lot all weekend and if felt good. I actually spent most the weekend getting a new computer all ready to go for the family room. It was time to upgrade the computer we use the most in the house and take that one downstairs to be abused with new experimental software and crap like that. The new computer is bad ass and hums through all sorts of applications at rocket speed. Pretty cool for a geek like me.

Sam, Dylan and I played some catch with a football out side for a while yesterday. Sam seems to like to throw and catch the ball while Dylan just wants to run it right at me. I can't tell if he's a fullback or linebacker to be but it's all about the hitting and tackling for him. Sam seems to like the finesse play. Either way, I'm going to have a knee blowout sooner than later based on yesterdays workout. I felt the knee move a couple times trying to avoid being tackled and moving quickly to catch an errant pass.

The boys and I also watched the Counting Crows Private Sessions show on Sunday morning. They have seen a lot of Uncle Adam on tv the past few weeks and were talking to him yesterday saying "what are you doing there, come see us" funny stuff. I'm sure they would be happy to blow his bad knee out as well when he stops by next. Sucks getting old...

Le Claw

I've been using the back scratcher Nicole got me recently as a prop in a story about Le Claw (complete with french accent). It's the same old parked in the dark woods and you hear something scratching at the car story you've heard a million times but this one all ways ends up with "Le Claw" attacking them. Tonight's story had us all at the drive in movie and Le Claw coming out of the trunk. I love when they laugh uncontrollably and this story has had them in that state the last few nights. The side benefit being that I've convinced them to Le Claw my back every once in a while.

Adam's new record came out on Tuesday and in case you missed it, they have been on Good Morning America, David Letterman, the View and this Sunday on an A&E show called Private Sessions. Lots of good reviews out there and a nice piece in Rolling Stone about him and the band. Dylan and Sam were happy to see their names in the liner notes of the album and are looking forward to getting up on stage for Hangin Around this summer. I'm tired, time for bed.

Easter Hop

We headed out on a short hike around Roosevelt Island today to get the blood moving and then had our annual Easter Egg hunt. We didn't have Joseph and Kumie to join us this year but it was still fun watching the boys run past the most obvious eggs in all the excitement. I posted all the pictures to flickr once again.

The Happiest Place on Earth

Or something like that is the idea. I finally posted the Disney World pictures I promised earlier this week. This one is of the Grandparent and boys on the Tram of Tomorrow. It was the Tram of Tomorrow the last time I was at Disney in 1978, I guess tomorrow is a long ways away. Enjoy.

Space Coast



I split up the hundreds of pictures we took over the last 6 days into the Space Coast set and the Orlando\Disney World set. The video above and these pictures are from the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne Beach and the go-cart track in Melbourne. I think we are all glad to be home and in our own beds again. The boys were exhausted and went to bed at 7:30 tonight and I think I could use a little sleep as well. Back to work tomorrow and some NCAA basketball this weekend.

It was great spending so much time with the boys the last few days. I really got used to spending whole days with the little rascals and I'm going to miss that when I'm gone for 8 to 10 hours each day during the week. Oh well, the weekend is right around the corner.

Flying North

Flying North
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Early flight home with lots of good micky memories in tow. Yesterdayat the park was madness and we exited before we could do everything the boys wanted to do but mama, grandpa and me had had it. Had a nice dinner at portofino and back to the hotel for an early bed time. Looking forward to getting home.

Its a Small World

Its a Small World
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

But a long and boring ride. We'e been on it three times now and never again.

Moon Fish Grill

Moon Fish Grill
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Out for a night without the boys. They are with Linda and Gil at the Rainforest Café and we are having a grown up dinner.

Disney World Day One

We got there early to do as many rides as possible before it got too crowded. The Buzz Light Year ride seesm to be the favorite while Big Thunder Mountain is a close second. We had dinner last night in downtown Disney and went straight to bed in preparation of lots of walking around and moments of nausia. Good thing we did, we came back to the hotel for a swim and are heading back to the park for some night time fun later.

Melbourne Beach Sunrise

We got up early today to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic and make some wishes. Sam wished he was a dog and Dylan wished for a Commuter Airplane that was electric. I just wished they'd be my best friends forever. Off to Orlando in a little while with a stop to ride some go-karts on the way.

Manatee Attack

We had seats in the first row, right behind home plate for the Washington Nationals spring training game against the Marlins last night. We left a little early because the boys were getting tired but it was a nice night but their was very little scoring. The only run we did see was a runner, catcher collision at home for the Nats only run of the game. You could hear the bones crunch, which was exciting.

Holdin On

The sea was angry that day my friend. Actually, just enough surf to get the boys all worn out. We spent most of the day in the ocean or pool and the boys loved learning how to do a little body surfing. I'm still working on uploading a bunch of pictures to flickr, maybe tonight, after the baseball game.

One Action Packed Day


Up at 4am, flight at 6:30, Kennedy Space Center by noon and the Atlantic and pool by 4pm. We are getting ready for dinner now but I don't think I can handle anymore excitement. I got some really cute pictures of the boys running in and out of the surf along with some short video I'll share later. It's good to get away.

National Museum of Natural History



We took a trip downtown on Sunday to visit the Dinosaur museum. The boys have been there before but it was cold and wet so an indoor outing was the right call. I know it's been a couple days since I took these pictures but we've been running around trying to tie up all the loose ends at work and get ready for our trip to Florida. The boys are in bed but not sleeping because of all the excitement. Nicole and I are packing away and trying to remember everything we need. It's going to nice to get away for a few days and lose myself in the excitement of 5 year olds at a minor league baseball game, in the surf, running around rockets and of course at Disney World. I'll be sure to post often.

New Dinojammas

New Dinojammas
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

And we are currently watching Power Rangers Dinothunder Volume 3. This whole series is so rediculous but the boys love it. It is windy as hell here right now and I'm half expecting one of the dozens of trees in the yard within striking distance from the house to come crashing down. Then again, if we lost power, I wouldn't have to watch dinothunder any longer. Hmmmmmm.

First Flowers

First Flowers
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The yard is starting to come to life after a couple 70 degree days. Its going to get cold again but the plants always seem to get tricked this time of year.

Damn I'm Cute

I also look like I need to be changed. My Mother has been digitizing old slides she has laying around and has sent me a couple. I thought I would share a time when I actually did look innocent.

Seven Year Itch

Seven Year Itch
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Its our 7th anniversary and my these are my gifts from Nicole to take care of any issues. We had a nice dinner at Overwood with the boys tonight and we are all worn out from a long monday.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration & Parade

Here are the pictures I promised from yesterdays parade. We ended up seeing Charlie and Sophia from the boys old pre-school along with their parents and siblings. It was a chilly morning and we were on the dark side of the street so the we were even colder and the pictures didn't have a lot of good light. The morning did include a classic car show and a dog show. As well as some green bagels from bruggers.

St. Patricks Parade

St. Patricks Parade
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We came into old town today for the st pattys parade and are having lunch at King Street Blues now. Its chilly out there but I got a ton of pictures i'll get up on flickr soon.

One more

One more
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Yes, livin on a prayer

Like I said

Like I said
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

These screens rule.

Very Cool Video Screen

Very Cool Video Screen
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Its actually four screens that combine, separate and rotate. Coolest I've seen in a while.

Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Yes, you heard me correctly. We hae some really good (expensive) seats but they are actually a good band. We had dinner with scott and suzanne and are now rockin out to shot to the heart. Rock on......

Happy Birthday Linda!

From the boys and us....

Razor Race

Spent the day running around and doin a lot of nothing. It felt good. The boys are getting good with their Razor scooters and showed some of the talent in the clip above. Not much going on this week except I guess Nicole and I are going to Bon Jovi on Thursday, yep, living on a prayer.

Papa and Dylan

Papa and Dylan
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We ran a bunch of errands and worked around the house today. Sam has been puking all day but hasn't been acting all that sick, don't know what that's all about. It's cold and grey so xbox and a fire has been the story for the last couple hours. We watched American Gangster last night. That was a good movie. I think Nicole is requesting a chick flick tonight so No Reservations is on the schedule tonight. Good times....

Musical Enterlude

Musical Enterlude
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

At the aia grassroots meeting yesterday. I'm here again today but don't have any formal presentations, just informal chats with people about soloso. It was treatening to snow a lot last night but all we are getting is lots of rain. It isn't even freezing rain like was promised. I don't want freezing rain of course but would love some snow. Maybe next week.

February Snow

February Snow
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are getting a little coating today and may get some more on Friday. Here's a shot from the driveway with the back of the new car. I'm liking the new vehicle quite a bit and the all wheel drive came in handy today, even if the snow isn't really plowable.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIL

Hiking Again

We have been on a hiking hiatus the past couple months due to Sam's leg issues and at one point, we didn't think we would be hiking for a long time. We ventured out this morning after a quick breakfast at ihop to Leesylvania State Park. We hiked there last year around this same time. We choose some different trails and got about 2.5 miles in. Both boys were a little out of shape but they made the journey without too much whinning. Sam's leg was totally fine and he doesn't appear to have a limp at all at this point. He did take a nice fall and face planted on the trail about mid way. You can see is little shiner in the pictures I uploaded to flickr. I'm feeling better and plan on going back to work tomorrow. Most of DC is off due to Presidents Day, including Nicole. Busy week with a big Grassroots event for AIA this week, lots of presentations and meetings for me.

Magpie Valentine

Magpie Valentine
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Having dinner at Tallula for valentines day and enjoying a bottle of Laughing Magpie in celebration of carolyn and roberta, the original laughing magpies. Leased a new car today, infinity g35x. Tons of technology included in this baby. Happy vd.

Rappin Happy Birthday Finn!


From Mac Daddy Dylan and Snoop Sammy Sam.

Pop Up Architecture

Being sick and working at home have their advantages. I was able to open up a pop-up architecture book Linda and Gil got me for the holidays. Very cool book that I shouldn't let the boys get their hands on. They tend to be really tough on books, particularily pop-up books. I am feeling better in case anyone is interested.

One Sick Puppy

One Sick Puppy
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I went home a little early on Tuesday because is wasn't feeling so good and got hit by a ton of bricks wednesday and thursday. Sore throat, throbing headahe, body aches, the whole nine yards as they say. I'm home again today but feeling well enough to work. I have three computers going because I have to make up for lost time.

AIA Gold Medal

AIA Gold Medal
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A new aia gold medal winner was chiseled into the lobby wall this week. Mr. Piano will get his award next week at the accent event at the national building museum. I missed the actual engraving but caught the process in mid chesil.

It's Cold

Giant Robot
Originally uploaded by Aaron Landry.

It got real cold here last night but no where near as cold as Minnesota. If you ever wondered what Minnesotans did all winter long, these pictures may help you understand. I remember going to parties in three, four room ice houses duing the winter months in high school. People used to build ice houses to sheild themselves from the elements while they tried to catch fish though a hole in the ice. That evolved into a place to get away from home and to hang out with friends and drink, particularily if you were under age.

Now, it seems ice houses are a means to artistic expression. These shots on flickr are from Aaron Landry, a Minnesota blogger I've been following for a while. Taken not too far from where I grew up on Medicine Lake this weekend. Check out all the shots here http://flickr.com/photos/s4xton/sets/72157603881319745/

Let's Go Fly A Kite

We are all a little sick today with Momma feeling the worst at this point. Dylan is on anti-biotics but has bounced back nicely from yesterday's complete meltdown. Sam and I just have a little cold going on. We ran out to Fort Hunt down towards Mount Vernon this morning to fly the kite they got for their birthdays. Thank you, whoever gave it to them. Ft. Hunt has one big empty field which minimizes the risk of the kite going into a tree. It was also quite windy today with a cold front moving in from the north. This was the first time flying the kite that the boys named "Monster Ed, Eyeball Head" I finally took the good camera out of the bag and took a bunch of pictures that I posted on flickr. Check them out here...http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157603887078755/show/

Nasty Ear Infection

Nasty Ear Infection
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We visited kathy this morning after dylan got back from the doctor. He has a really uncomfortable ear infection it seems and we are waiting to get our hair cut so dylan can go home and lay on the couch. The nintendo is keeping him quiet for the time being but he is miserable.

Long Time

Has it been 4 days since I last blogged? I think I'm getting lazy in my old age. That, or my life is just really boring right now. Let's see, we had a nice little Superbowl party on Sunday and they boys were all out of control with excitement to see Mike, Kelly, Donkey Head and Chadron. The game was good and Sam was devistated to learn that the Giants won when he woke up on Monday. He told Nicole that it couldn't be true, they were winning when he went to bed. This week has been all work and not much else. I did get a message in flickr from a Counting Crows fan in Baltimore with pictures from the show Friday night. They are much better than my little pathetic camera phone shot. Take a look here

Rams Head Live

Rams Head Live
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A very nice and quiet concert. A big change from the typical crows show. Adams in good spirits and sounds great. I talked to dylan and sam a little while ago and told them we were in baltimore and they asked if we on a train. They know the train museum they love is here. They would freak out if we said we were seeing uncle adam. They like him a lot and think they can go on stage every show.

ASAE Technology Conference

ASAE Technology Conference
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I spoke to about 200 association execs about Soloso yesterday at the asae tech event here in dc. I must say it went pretty well and their was a ton of interest in the knowledge base social networking too I've devoted my business life to the last 18 months.

It was a nice end to a day that included Sam getting the all clear diagnoses from the orthopedic oncologist in the morning. As I mentioned in the previous post, Sam has no pain in his leg and he barely has a limp. He is also very happy to be free of the boot. Thanks to everyone that sent all the good thoughts to him, I owe you all a drink because it seems to have worked.

Nicole and I are heading to Baltimore to see Adam preform an acoustic show for the johns hopkins cancer institute fundraiser tonight. It will be fun to see him perform without the whole band and its for a good cause. Ill get some pics of the show.

Pain progress

Pain progress
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are at the ortho oncologist again today for sam and he claims he's in the "no hurt" zone on the wong-baker faces pain rating scale. The first time we were here, he said he was in the 7-8 range, the second time, he said he was in the 3-4 zone. That's good progression. Dylan came with us this time but didn't like the xray routine. They are playing nintendo now and we are waiting for the doctor.

Auto Show Pictures

I posted a bunch of Auto Show pictures up in flickr and forgot to mention in my last post that we didn't end up seeing Sponge Bob. He was suppose to be in the kiddie play area and was nowhere in sight. Very sad day for all but Spidy and Wolverine help the boys forget about Spongie pretty fast.