The kids got gift certificates to the movies from their grandmother for Christmas. So we went to Arundel Mills and saw a show. Movie theaters have changed. Check out these seats. The matinee was clearly a popular time to go. We had a blast though. Saw Sonic 3. Gonna go back in a few weeks to see the new Marvel Captain America movie with the Red Hulk.
Well, it wasn’t much of a question for me. Jack told me at the beginning of the year he had never seen me with a beard. I realized I hadn’t grown one in over twenty years. So, I said, “let’s go!” I said I would give it two weeks. And I did.
But then I let it go. I like the smooth on my face.
Painting penguins
My name is Chilly Willy
I’m frozen through and through
My nose is red and my tale is told
Ha Hee Hachoo!
My girls and their artistic talents. These girls always amaze me with their talents. They definitely got this talent, and their beauty, from their mom
One guess which one of the kids we had to wake up to take this picture
Location – Pittsburgh.
Maggie and I have been traveling it seems like all summer and all fall. This time to Pittsburgh. Spending so much of my youth making friendships with people from Pittsburgh, with Bobby living for a few years in Pittsburgh, and a number of trips to this town in my first 25 years or so of life, it was amazingly familiar to arrive to town. I remembered all of these yellow bridges from my youth, and the skyline drives coming into town.
This trip is for Maggie and a college visit, Duquesne. I am trying not to influence her decision, but I like this place and I like this coach. She is doing a great job though of setting the course for herself. I am just along for the ride.
I love college basketball, and got to go to a game while Maggie was off with the team. Took a pic with the school mascot. I could get used to visiting Maggie here.
We went out to cut down the Christmas tree. A whole family affair. Marcia insisted that we all go, so that I don’t go overboard and get a big tree. Last year, I got too big of a tree. So, we went to the farm together.
Marcia: I love this tree
Me: Are you sure, it’s kinda big
Ok, Noah.
Looks beautiful
Noah is off to a good start his junior year. So far, he is leading his team in scoring. I miss a lot of his games, but got to see three of his games the last week. Last weekend, in scrimmages in PA, his team scored 11 goals, and he had 6 goals and 3 assists. In their season opener, he had 3 goals and two assists in a 7-4 win over Century. And then in a big matchup yesterday against Towson, he scored the first goal and was the primary ball handler for his team in the first half. They won the matchup 5-4 and he played well. I missed their first two scrimmages, but watched the replay on film, and he had at least 4 goals and a few assists in each of these games. He is so quiet and humble. And he is so fearless and tough. I love seeing him having success on the field.
We drove up to Syracuse on Friday. We missed Liz and had the open weekend because of Easter. We have not been able to travel much this spring. So, Liz was not expecting us. We texted her and she met us in the lobby and then visited with us before her curfew.
In the morning, we met Liz and her teammates in the lobby. And as they were shoving off for the field, we had a funky spot in Cuse we wanted to visit for breakfast. Funk N Waffles on Clinton St.
After breakfast, we went to Christian Brothers Academy to watch Liz and Louisville take on Syracuse. Liz still has the moves, watched her throwing fakes and no look passes. Itching for her to be cleared from injury to play again. Louisville hung tough and had the game tied 8-8 in the 3rd quarter, but Cuse proved too much for Louisville and ran away with a 23-13 victory.
After the team tailgate, we hit the road, but not before stopping into Peachtree Sandwich Company in East Syracuse. Marcia and I had the roast beef sandwich with fries. The staff was so cool. They gave the kids candy and fudge. Loved this place.
After lunch we drove to Niagara. Liz was doing her thing with her team so we went to Rainforest Cafe. Jack enjoyed the animatronics. He and Luke took pictures.
When dinner was done it was ten o’clock. Dad and Jack were still up for an adventure. So, we bundled up and walked/jogged to the American Falls. To get to the falls, we ran over bridges with huge rapids below, just above the falls. When we got to the edge, it was awe-inspiring.
On Easter morning we found a good diner for breakfast – Hyde Park Cafe. Small place and we loved it. I parked in front of Cracker’s Tavern in the motorcycles only parking. Figured no motorcycles this morning!
It has been three years since we were last in the same room together. All three of us that is. I’ve seen Bobby once or twice a year. And seen George here and there. But never together. So it was great for the three of us to get together with our families.
Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to take a look around once in a while, you might miss it.
This photo of us was taken at George’s, three years ago. I guess, at 41 years old, this photo was the first time that I realized I was actually shorter than my brothers. How freaking strange that I never realized this!!
There is nothing like family. I hope that my children grow up and stay close to each other. My brothers and I may not agree on everything. In fact, on many things we disagree. But we love each other. And we help each other when we need it. And it gives me such comfort to have these great men in my life. I admire them both. They have forged their own paths in life. And they are respected. And they have worked hard. And they are great dads.
Six With Sticks 