BMX Queen

Hello all, so it looks like Finley blew my cover. It's me - "Ralph" - photo editor and fill-in autobiographer. I apologize up front for my lack of creativity compared to Fin's writing but I'll do my best.

Grandma was here for a couple weeks and she had previously brought Mabel a bike. Well this visit we got it fixed up a little bit - think new tire, straightened handlebars and bell on the front - and away she went.

And soon she was riding on her own.

And by the next day, well, I could barely keep up as she was speeding up and down the block.

Big shout-out to Grandma for bringing such a wonderful gift such a long way. Thanks Grandma!

Old Milwaukee, Part 2

So Day two in Milwaukee was outstanding. After an early breakfast at Alterra on the Lake, we headed over to this amazing playground.

Then we hit the beach. Not much to narrate here, just a good old time in the sun and the sand. Understand this was all BEFORE Mae fell face-first into the water, which was about 46 degrees, fine for having your feet in but, and this is according to Mae, not awesome when up to your ears in it.

 

Irish Dancing is huge in Milwaukee.

Mae was passing out kisses, and Dad was accepting them.

And later we found what we thought was an ant but was actually, well, I can't really get into that.

After a quick nap at home, we headed back to the Lakefront for some more tomfoolery and at Veteran's Park we rented this fantastic little 4-person thing-a-ma-bob that would be helpful anywhere from a bike ride to a round of golf to a trip to the grocery store. 

A couple bites of ice cream...

And then we were on to flying our kite. it started out a bit rough as I had to run around to get any kite action; Mae was not discouraged.

Later it turned into a HUGE success due to the windy weather that blew through. Yeah, see that little kite way up there, that's mine.

Out to dinner that night and Mae had her mice on the table playing guitar with coffee stir sticks while she sang "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns 'N' Roses, and then we had the largest bowl of mac and cheese I've ever seen in my life.

Some swimming at the hotel pool that night had me conked out pretty well and the next day we visited Marquette's campus and let our blue and gold balloons go.

That building in the background is called Schroeder Hall. It's where Dad lived his sophomore year and he told us all about it. That's the year he formed a study group (a band), spent countless hours hitting the books (playing music) and got a 3.9 GPA (1.4) his first semester.

First Day of School

So today was my first day of school. First, last night, we had to make a poster of a bunch of stuff that I love and love to do. So here's my poster.

Let me explain a couple things for those of you who can't read very well...

1. Okay, right underneath the picture of me jumping in the puddle is the word "swim," which I love to do.

2. Right above and to the left of Dad's head in the black and white photo is the word "bike," and just to the left of that is a picture of me on my bike.

3. Right underneath the black and white photo is the word "read," which I'm doing pretty consistently nowadays.

4. Also, in between the black and white photo and the picture of Isaiah and me are pictures of me on the swings, which is probably one of my all-time favorite things to do.

5, Then, as you can see, I've got some pictures of people and things I love - Mae/Mom/Dad, puddle jumping, my stuffed animals and of course, Isaiah.

Okay, here we are, morning-of, and Dad is getting a little emotional so he's taking lots of pictures. Here are a few.

Best friend alert! Don't know if I've ever posted a picture of Miss Stacey or not but in case I haven't, some people call her my nanny. I say "blah" to that business - nanny shnanny. Miss Stace is Mabel's and my best friend.

And then here's us at LoveBugs, which is the name of my school. That is kinda funny because my nickname is "Bug" and a lot of people love me so it's kinda interesting that I go to a school called LoveBugs.

Anyway, first day was a huge success - in fact, when Mom and Dad picked me up to go home and I got in the car I was so sad I started crying. When they asked why I told them I didn't want to go home, I wanted to stay at school. I'd call that a success.

Summer Surprise

Click here for a new photos alert!

Okay, so I come down the stairs the other day and Mom and Stacey have a surprise for me, and I'm thinkin, "Sheesh, it's awful warm out for the old man with the sleigh to have come around."

They tell me to look under the towel... what could it be?

Holy Crikey! It's a brand new bikey!

Can't wait to get it outside, and when I say that I mean I really can't wait to get it outside so I just drive it right through the living room. Outta the way, Mabel!

And then we get out to where the real action begins.