Bob the Builder - Yes We Can!

Nathan imitates Bob the Builder.  Time to get him a tool belt.

Barefoot Running benefits of a Midfoot/Frontfoot Strike

By way of background, this Father's Day, Abbie thoughtfully decided that I needed a new pair of sandals and had Mommy procure a pair.  Umm, thanks Abbie, but I've got my eye on some different footwear.  Yes, yes, it's the thought that counts but have fun in the return line. 

Nathan ends his sentences with the phase: "ANYMORE!" as a point of emphasis

Nathan started ending his sentences with "ANYMORE!" as a point of emphasis a few months back.

For example, if he gets in a verbal dispute with his sister, the argument will devolve into him spouting his displeasure with a declaration such as: I don't like you Abbie, ANYMORE!

Toliet Training Gone Awry

Nathan Potty Training Update

He knows what he has to do, but in true Nathan fashion, he refuses to do so.  We've been making candy an incentive, but that's not good enough anymore.

Somehow I don't think this would further entice him:

http://blog.pricecharting.com/2011/05/how-to-build-video-game-urinal.html

Abbie's First Soccer Game

Zero goals, which makes sense inasmuch as Abbie made 0 attempt to run to the scrub of 4-year olds.

Bad negotiations by a four-year old, doesn't understand the concept of pre-existing parental duty

Soccer practice is scheduled for 5:30PM tonight.

I called to see if practice is cancelled.

Me: Looks like it's not going to rain*, so there's soccer practice tonight, right?

Wife: Well maybe, Abbie is being difficult and I've been trying to convince her all day to go.  She says doesn't want to go to soccer practice.

Me: Alright, put her on the phone.

(long pause, with Lora saying in the background, "talk in the phone, don't be rude")

Abbie: Daddy?

Me: Are you going to soccer today?

Abbie: No...

Me: How about I meet you there (at the soccer field) after work?

Abbie: (begrudgingly) Okkkay....

Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather watch the NBA playoffs at home tonight instead of hanging around a soccer field on a cloudy and windy 40 degree evening. 


*It was in fact raining during practice.

Nathan Tells a Knock-Knock joke

Too bad he doesn't do it in a Borat voice

Bottling time after 24 days of Fermentation

Today is beer bottling day.  I enlisted Abbie's help.  She was happy to oblige when she learned part of her duties included dispensing a teaspoon of sugar into each ~16 oz Groulsh bottles.  Well, that and she got to use a funnel.

Kylie, this is you.

Well, not exactly, minus the white spot on her chest.

6-Pack De Jour and Misc. Animated Gifs

If I were in New Hampshire, this would be my local brew of choice.

Conversely, I wouldn't recommend this as local brew choice while in Florida:

Nathan's Revenge Fantasy

In the continuing saga of Nathan's quest to join the civilized world, he's getting the hang of how potty training works.  By getting the hang of things, he understand what needs to be done and has done the deed in the past, but he generally doesn't have the patience to sit and wait.



Well today it's business as usual as he's sitting on the potty.  Waiting for it, waiting for it...

Brewing a Maibock German Style Lager with Abbie

In time for spring, I decided to take the Mr. Beer kit out of hibernation to brew a Maibock German Style Lager that is described by Mr. Beer as complex, bready, and having a slightly honey-like malt sweetness.  This is probably the first time I've brewed since moving to Peoria.  I mention this as the Lake Michigan water via the DuPage Water Commission used in my earlier endeavors didn't cause any problems.  Let's see what the water tables of Peoria gives us.  (That said, the water in Peoria has a much higher magnesium and calcium content compared against Lake Michigan water.  However those ions are mitigated by the water softer.)  

Nathan Get His First Mitt

So my first mitt was for right-handed throwers.  For those that don't know, I throw left-handed.  This led to some confusion as a kid as I always wanted to put a ball in my mitt and in the same motion throw my mitt.

At the Hilton Oceanfront Resort

Video of a telephone conversation between Abbie and Nathan.

It's packed with hilarious moments, the main joking being that they're 3 feet from each other, but here are two highlights:

Abbie: Kids are causing crazies!

Nathan: I'M ON MY TRIP, ABBIE!! (Spoken into a phone at Spinal Tap volume 11)

At Dayton Beach

End of Day 1

Chica con collar de "Hello Kitty" y la camisa en una toalla de "Hello Kitty"

At Cocoa Beach, FL

Asking a 4 year old to pack results in packing like a 13 year old

I asked Abbie to pack her own luggage for our upcoming trip. Subsequently she fills one whole bag of luggage with her items.

Also, she gets meta by taking a picture of me taking a picture of her.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury...

Undisputed facts:

1. Nathan got into a fight and bloodied up scratched a kid in the face in two areas in pre-preschool today. 
2. Nathan got in big trouble and was put in timeout by the teacher.
3. Spent the next hour kissing up to the teacher.

Issue: Whether Nathan has the mental mindset to know that he got in trouble?  To use the legal vernacular, the issue is whether he exhibits the mens rea to know that his actions were improper.

Let's go to the direct examination.