Who's Your Phantom?

Confession time. In my life, I have been to two musicals. One was horrible and one changed my life. The one that changed my life....The Phantom of the Opera. I think A-baby and I were just dating and she and some friends heard PotO was coming to Memphis to the Orphium. Not knowing what an Orphium was, I went along with it.


The show was awesome and I was sitting at the edge of my seat...which is funny considering before that day all I knew was there was a guy with a stupid mask in a thing where people sang a lot and no one won any championships...However, the hot babe I was dating wanted to see it...so I was viewing it as a sacrifice for the good of a hottie!


So there I was, amazed at the show and now in love with a musical (OK this makes me feel uncomfortable :) ). One desire A-train and I have is perform a musical together. We have thought of doing the "I am 16 going on 17" from the Sound of Music together...but now that we are almost double those ages....maybe not. How about a selection from the Phantom? Which hits would you suggest? I know them all! I can see it now..."NOW PERFORMING......"

Fun in the Sleet without going Outside

So last night we were sleeted inside. What is a family to do? We decided to invite Red Bull over and play games. First up was "Go Fish" on Finding Nemo cards. Team "dad and middle kid" split...won one lost one.

Up next was Monopoly. Now let's just say that I have played the game a time or two before. When I was younger, I loved it so much that I wore everyone out from playing it with me....so I would play against myself. I usually won, but it wasn't as fun without someone else crying as they removed their game piece from the board due to me taking their last pesos and property.

However, I was reminded on our sleeted in evening how good it felt when others had to do the removal of shame, taking their game pieces off the board and having to find something else to do while the others got wiped out.

One by one, my competition found themselves at the mercy of a property rich, business savvy and graceless...well um...me! It took two hours in order to wipe all others out. Momma, Red Bull and our eldest are in the poor house today.

I am trying to decide if God desires a tithe of Monopoly money as honoring His hand on me as I crushed my opponents....thoughts?

My Love

To my wifey & my baby's momma on her birthday.....

We love you so much.

Happy Birthday!!

Camp-In

So after a three month hiatus...I have decided to seek restoration in my relationship with the blog world. So tonight I bring you the events of tonight...which takes place during another "mommies night away."

To have your very own Camp-in here is what you need...

4 folding chairs, two large blankets (jungle looking makes things more realistic).

2 sleeping bags and an exersaucer for the baby.
a campfire, marshmallows & a roasting utensil (I found a Yankee candle works well with a small salad fork for roasting)

AND OF COURSE...............

Scary Stories.....

Hope cute boys doing fun things makes amends for the last three months!

Breakfast at Tiffany's...I mean home

Today kicked off a new adventure at our home. We are now going to try and have breakfast together every morning at 8:00 AM. Daddy and whoever is awake are in charge of making breakfast. This morning was day one and we had French (I surrender) Toast and strawberries. Tomorrow is pancakes.

The Man in the Mirror

Michael Jackson wrestled with the man in the mirror. Well yesterday, I was in the living room when I heard the boys yelling, "Daddy, Daddy, come quick!!" When I arrived, Luke informed me that Reed was stuck. I found Reed sitting in the sink, explaining to me that he could not get out. Since he was a bit affraid, I did what any good dad would do. I said, "sit still I need to get the camera...daddy needs a new blog." Reed relaxed and this was the result....


Since Reed is fearless, we have now added a hard hat to his wardrobe....Never can be too cautious. I have noticed that our kitchen cabinets were getting a bit overwhelmed, so I got to the source of the problem. I put on the table all of the kids cups...Do two toddlers really need 29 cups to share? Fly Daddy says no! Now our cabinets do not spill two cups out of it every time you open the door.
BTW...Michael, stay away from my kids or I will send you to Never Never Land!

Boys and Their Big Toys

We had a fun night out the other night. Some students were in a play at "The Center of Learning." So we went and then took a stroll around the campus. Very fun night capped off by 99 cent shakes at Sonic!!

Beam me over Scotty!

Well the morning started at the church with some paperwork followed by a great time in Memphis. I love this group of people!
The road to the airport took a detour to Red Robbins. I always enjoyed the "Little Red Riding Hood" story. Not sure it has anything to do with our day in Memphis, but thought you would want to know.

Sloan and Ben pondered the vast menu.
These three were just glad to be out of the car!
Lindsey stopped chewing just in time for this pic. She is a great woman to have on the team! Beans sporting the cap.
Ken and Libby played the red straw, while Casey sang vocals.
The groupies enjoyed the performance.
Mark found a girlfriend in Memphis, she seemed a little stoic to me.We found this authentic Czech torture chair that tried to Kaitlyn, but we rescued her.

We debated whether or not to take a swim....deciding it may make the flight a bit longer....
I helped this family learn to read in our spare time, thankfully the book had lots of pictures.

Then it was off to the land of checked luggage and security checks.

Ken and Lib checking out the ticket situation.

Mr. Cool. I think those glasses cost $5 at Wal-Mart if anyone wants to start a trend.

Beans on the move...

The look of FOCUS! Casey brought her A-game... Ken reminding the team not to say "bomb" in an airport...then security reminded him of the same (just kidding)
I think some may not sleep due to anticipation and excitement.
This may be the best picture I have of Big Ben...AKA "Thunderabs"
I would like you to think they were praying, but I prayed for us AND had the camera...that kind of multi-tasking is beyond me.

Surprisingly, everyone made it through security without much problem. In appreciation of their service of driving & in hopes that they will not beat me up, I post this pic of our servants who helped transport the team. This picture was staged, but those left behind felt these very emotions.

Thanks to all who have allowed their kiddos to be part of God's mission around the world and to all who have supported their efforts!!

God protect the team you have sent and may they fulfill all your purposes!

Jump for Joy!! Nana and Papa are Bueno!

Yes that's right! Would you expect to start out anywhere other than the Bueno? That is where our adventure began Friday afternoon. It was FUN day with Anna's side of the family as her brother was in town with his wife and daughter. Here are some highlights....

Anna and her brother.

Not sure who these three kids were, but they kept asking for money and showing me their tongues as a way to say "more tacos please."

Nana and Papa phase one was to eat out at TB....but the next phase was Incredible!!

Next, we were off to Maumelle to a place called the "Jump Zone." The kiddos were locked and loaded with anticipation to their adventure. It was difficult for them to sit still for this pic....well except for Jack

We were reminded that Luke has no fear as he tackled the large slides with reckless abandon. He had the time of his life.

Ryan and Yumi who are very photogenic took a break from all the festivities for this pic.Jack was never put down and Nana and MaMaw took care of his every need, well not every need. :)
G-Dawg, is so smooth, he always dresses for the occasion. I could not believe he called ahead in order to be able to match the equipment.

Although, Reed was enthusiastic about Taco Bueno, he took a little time to warm up to Jump Zone.

Yep, that is my wife and her sis going through the "tight squeeze" part of the obstacle course!Ryan got a bit confused with all that was going on. I am not sure if that is an official "murse" or what.

Once home, Papa put on the burgers!! MMMMmmmm Meat!!

Luke and Gage got their skate on!!

Superman says, "Crash and burn, eh Maverick?"

And all the kids played with glow sticks!!

So thanks Nana and Papa for an awesome day of fun and family. Everyone had such an awesome time!!

Even the frog.....