The Carmina Whine

Today was JP’s first day of Kindergarten!  The bus came and he didn’t hesitate.  Mommy on the other hand did, and followed him to school.  That turned out good, since he was let in a different door then what he had been shown before and was very confused!

Ham it up before the bus comes!

Here comes the bus…

There he goes on the bus…

There goes the bus…

There goes Mommy after the bus!

We went to the beach last week and did Ryan have a blast!  Especially trying to mess up Mommy!

So today was kindergarten orientation day for JP (and us of course)!  JP made the start, well, JP like.  As we just got out of the van and started to make our way to the school JP sighs and does a ”dum dum da dum” (you know, the score from every scary movie ever made???).  So now that the ice was broken we could start everything!

The orientation went really good.  We got the teacher we wanted, Mrs. Perry, as recommended by our friends.  She seems super nice and has some great rules like no one interrupts unless the it’s one of the three B’s – Burn, Barf, of Blood.  Boy is JP in trouble!

So this morning I noticed a not good smell in my car.  A bad food smell.  Trouble was I couldn’t find the source.  As the smell got worse throughout the day I figured it was a milk cup and was probably from Ryan.  The bummer is that Ryan has a very good arm so it could be anywhere in the van!  I kinda figured it was on the passenger side because I’m pretty sure that I wouldn’t allow a cup to remain in the wild so to speak.  After the orientation as we all got back in the van, both Kelly and I commented on the smell.  JP was following the conversation (we have started spelling things out…  not my strong point!) and interjected with a “That wasn’t me!”  That did help put up with the smell.  I did find the cup this evening, and as expected the milk cottage cheese wasn’t in a nice state!  Of course it had to rain tonight, all I wanted to do was to keep the windows opened!  Febreze it is!

OK, Darien Lake Pictures as promised!

Ryan always finds a way to have fun, even if it is only a puddle!

I like the lazy river!  The water wasn’t what I’d call warm, but it easy to get on the rides!

Even the ride king likes the lazy river!

Look, that’s JP and me in the last row of people.  Look at his hands!  I’m so proud of him and that Kelly got the great picture!

Proof that when they say you will get wet they are not lying!

Ryan Rides!

You don’t want to know the pain (literally) it was to get in and out…

JP got Mommy dizzy!  Go JP!

JP finally get’s on a coaster!

His favorite – Bumper cars for kids!

So a few weeks ago their was supposed to be a huge meteor shower with about 60-80 shooting stars per hours.  That’s a lot!  And it wasn’t supposed to be the weak ones either.  So I setup my camera and I saw 3.  Bummer.  I did get this sweet shot the big dipper:

If you are 48 inches or taller.  JP was sooo disappointed that he couldn’t go on rides that he’s been on at other places.  He did make up for it on other rides…

My JP Becomes Speed Racer!  With a lot of Herbie the Love Bug thrown in…

I’ll get more photos up later.  Right now I have to prepare myself to help Kelly tomorrow.  Why you ask?  Tomorrow is kindergarten orientation day for JP!  Kelly’s baby is going to school real soon!

I just hope it lasts!

He thinks he’s a superhero!

First, JP was the dino nut.  Who am I kidding.  JP is still a dino nut!  but now Ryan is one too!

At least his growl is getting better!

So we have signed up JP for hockey at Niagara University.  This should be interesting.  I’m also gonna be an assistant coach, which should also be interesting!  How do you teach kids how to skate?  In order to coach I have to take a training course.  FROM 7:30 TO 5:00!!!!   I’m gonna be wasted after all that!

Ryan sings the kryptonite song!

JP and Ryan (but mostly JP) do a different song.  JP is a bit worked up!

Ryan tries his hand at kick boxing with mom!

So today, JP’s karate school did a pretty good show at the Niagara County Fair.  JP got to break another board and this time I got a great picture!

and of course he had to ham it up…

but one of his Senseis broke a brick during the show.  Good job Sensei Bill!

The fair was fun.  Once again JP went on every ride that his little body was permitted on!  Scrambler, UFO Type!, tilt-a-whirl, fun house, drop tower, huge blow up titanic…  EVERYTHING!  More later…  I’m tired!

Holy Cow we were busy!  Things started fast as we went to Safari Niagara (formerly known as Zooz) with Aunt Kristin.  Things were fun too!

Crazy Monkeys!

Not so dumb goats?

Ryan Abuse!

Ryan the Piggy!

Water Pig!  I mean Hippo!

Prairie Dog doing a belly slide through the dirt!

Looks a little too close!  Too cuddly also!

Serious game of “Plug the Fountain”

Big Smile!

Bigger Smile!

Mommy Getting Wet for the Team!

Family Shot!

So after all that we decided that the drive-in would be the best place to completely drain the boys of energy!  Cats and Dogs followed by The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.  The first cat and Dogs was better, mostly because it was more orignial, but it was ok.  And JP liked it so that’s about all that mattered.  Sorcerer’s Apprentice was pretty good but very predicable.  Then again, most movies these days are!

Sunday we spent looking for a big boys bed for Ryan…

So we sat down for dinner today which was cheese, crackers, and pepperoni.  JP just loves cheddar, and Kelly and I get our swiss fix, and ryan, well, eats a lot of crackers…

So today, JP really liked the pepperoni and the swiss.  I’m not sure he’s ever eaten a full slice of either before.  Kelly looks at JP and says “Who are you and what did you do to my son??!?!”  Without missing a beat, JP replied with “Your son is right there.” (pointing to Ryan).  ”I’m daddy’s son!”  Based on the look on Kelly’s face I knew I shouldn’t laugh, but I wasn’t sure what I COULD DO!

My dad called so I told him the story and I think Kelly heard him laughing.  The problem was that I was in the kitchen and she was watching TV in the family room!  I think he enjoyed that one!

A proud moment that needs very little introduction:

And then not so much…

Oh yeah, their’s always JP who can speak (or sing) for the whole house 10 times over!

Can be difficult at times!  Like a phone call this morning:

Mom:Did you get Dad’s email?

Me:No, about what?  - (Knowing me I deleted it and forgot about it!)

Mom:It was a link.

Me:To what?

Mom:An article…

Me:About???

Mom:A Business First article…

Me:Grrr… Regarding??!?!?

Mom:My “Women of Influence” Award!

Me:Holy #$@%!!!

I’m sorry to put you through those 10 lines, but if I went through it so can you!  Enough about my aggravation, on to my Mom:

Here’s a quote from the Buisness First article:

“Business First will present awards to area women who have made contributions to the community in 10 categories.

The Women of Influence Awards will be presented to 29 individuals Sept. 23 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens.

The awards recognize the business acumen and community spirit of these women, Business First Publisher Jack Connors said.

“The panel chose these women based on their ability to rise above a very talented pool of competitors,” Connors said. “We’re honored to recognize their accomplishments.”

JoAnne Hudecki, executive director of Kids Escaping Drugs, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 2010 winners are listed below in the following categories.

Behind the Scenes recognizes women who, though they may not have the big title or corner office, are a driving force behind the success of their employer.

• Robie Carmina, Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society”

That’s right, I did not edit anything and my Mom was listed FIRST!  The whole article can be found here! Pretty neat reading the article and reading her name alongside others such as Corporate Executive, Medical Researchers, and the like!

I always knew my mom was top dog.  And now she’s more then top dog of her house!  If only she could learn to brag, just a little.  When she was nominated she didn’t want us telling people because she didn’t think she had a chance to win.  Mom, it’s time to play the lotto!

Congratulations Mom!

So we went to OLBS Lawn Fete on saturday for some fun and boy did it rain!  We got our fun in rides and games but Ryan wasn’t happy until he could do what he does best.  Not poop!  Getting wet!