Tommy's First Fish!

This Morning Tommy and I went to Crump Park in Western Henrico County. There is small pond there that has Sun Fish, Bass, and Catfish. Tommy had me bait his hook as the night crawlers were, "really nasty." While I admit they were a bit nastier than I remember we got the hook bated and tommy got his pole in the water.

After a few moments of watching the cork float motionlessly on the pond surface, it bobbed. Tommy's attention was focused on the cork as it bobbed a few more times then disappeared into the brown water. I shouted, "pull" and instinctively the boy knew what to do; when he cork and hook reemerged it had on it a prize like no other. Tommy's first fish!

It was not more that a few inches long but for him it might as well have been a whale. We reloaded the hook and that boy pulled in three more fish! He also caught a turtle which fortunately had not been hooked but was hanging by the worm. Tommy was fully engaged in this experience and asked, "dad, can we come back after church tomorrow?" I explained that perhaps we could come back another weekend and he was satisfied with that answer.

It started to rain briskly and the thunder began to rumble so we ran back to the car. Tommy was soaking wet as I loaded him into his car seat. He kept his fishing pole by his side. Not more than ten minutes into the return home Tommy fell asleep. I glanced back and notice the look of contentment on this little boy's face.

Ayres update

Our new pet is doing well adjusting to us and we to her. She is the best pet for a four year old because if he gets to rambunctious she curls up in a prickly ball and is no longer fun to play with.


Here is a photo of Danny protesting the theft of his Easter egg at the hunt held at thine boys school last week. Danny is a bruiser, he may curl up into a prickly ball also.


We had a great Easter Sunday at Trinity church in Beaverdam. We had an excellent turn out; GG and Grammy were able to join us for the worship service and a nice lunch after church.

Danny is Growing Up!

Danny is off and running.

Danny's hair was getting too long for a young man. He looks like a Canadian hockey player!

He did really well as the lady trimmed him up.

There he is neatly trimmed... Dapper Dan!

Christmas Morning!

Before...


After...


Danny totally owns His new wagon.


Tommy is now chief of the fire station.


Tommy "helped" mom make Jesus' birthday cake.

Gingerbread Grammy

This Wednesday Mom (Grammy) came to visit our home. We had a nice dinner which Patty prepared. Tommy and Danny got to help Grammy decorate the gingerbread house.


Tommy wanted to lick the house but all he was allowed was a bit of frosting.


Danny had a little frosting as well. He needed a bath after his treat.


When it was all said and done we have a lovely new home complete with gingerbread cookie reflecting pool. Thanks for visiting Grammy and Merry Christmas.

Pistol Packin' Patty

Patty and I had a day off together and it has been wonderful. We started out slowly this morning and took the boys out to breakfast at the cracker barrel. We Then dropped them off at school. Patty and I strolled around the mall and mingled with the Christmas shoppers. We decided to have lunch at the Cheese Cake Factory. It was a very pleasant morning. About a week ago Patty purchased a pistol. The Ruger LCP

After lunch we went to the local range to test the new gun. Patty's first expirence with the light compact pistol was nothing to sneeze at, have a look at her first few shots...

I suddenly have the urge to vacuum the living room and take out the trash…

Tommy and Randolph

Tommy is excited about the prospect of getting his stocking filled with all sorts of treats from Santa. His school is also preparing the children with songs and stories. However in true Tommy style he came home singing... "Randolph" the red-nose reindeer. We have yet to convince the lad that the red-nosed reindeer is named Rudolph. Until convinced otherwise we are stuck with "Randolph" on our front lawn.