Sunday, February 19, 2012

The Big Race

As I'm sure you all recall, Rock has recently been training for a big race.  Athletes are creatures of routine, and Rock is no different.  The day before the race he got dressed in his best business suit and held meetings with his sponsors, handlers and donuts procurers. 
 After getting dressed like this he informed his manager (DeAndra) that he had an important meeting with Grandpa Dale at the store.
 After all the rituals, routines and training were done it was finally time for the big race!  Manson had a Frosty Fun Run this morning for their winter festival called Trax.  DeA wants me to emphasize that he got himself dressed for the race in his 'running race clothes'.
 Ryker wore a full bodysuit for better wind resistance.
 Rock took off like a shot and ran the entire course, a whole 1K!  I couldn't believe it, mostly because the course felt closer to a half mile than it did to 1000 miles, but who am I to argue with race organizers?
 He would stop at times to fix his socks, but otherwise ran the entire race.  He was pretty tired when he got into the cool-down van.
 "I'm number one!!"
 Ryker also ran pretty much the whole route, minus about 50% of it.  He walked with DeA and with how fast Rock was going I didn't get a good picture of Ryker.  But here he is with his 'water bottle trophy' that Rock think they both won.
 As a little post-race tradition (because all traditions start somewhere, right?) we took the boys for Happy Face pancakes at the Apple Cup.
  They really enjoyed their recovery chocolate milks.
After breakfast Ryker crashed in the car, so DeA took Rock to the ice skating rink while I 'babysat' Ryker on the couch.
Rock wore himself out quite a bit, so he recharged with canned and real oranges.  You can tell from his smile that he was struggling with energy.
Ryker was also pretty burned out, despite his nap.  He kept playing on the floor without doing a lot of movement.
Coming soon: The Rail Jam!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Thursday, February 9, 2012

DeA v. Santa



Rock's Birthday!!!

Little Rocko was born four years ago today on a snowy night in Davenport, Iowa.  Right after he was born DeA told me that she loved the sound of his cry...boy did she ever change her tune on that one!

Here' Ryker and Nick getting into the party mood.
 Lindsea was pretty excited, too!
 Ryker put on a brave face, but he realized that his party wasn't for a few more weeks.
 Here's an awkward picture of Rock's Cars cake.  He picked it out at Safeway and told DeA that he had to have it.
 He loves being the birthday boy.
Here's the amazing rendition of Happy Birthday featuring Mama Zista on speakerphone.
Ryker loves eating the birthday cake.
Rock got some cool presents, including Pop Tarts, Rice Crispy treats from Mama Zista and a book with pictures of him in it.
Mama Rae got him an "iPad" so that she didn't have to keep sharing hers with the boys.
Uncle Nick got Rocko a batting tee to help him hone his sweet lefty stroke.
Did I mention that Ryker loves birthday cake?
He may or may not have ODed on sugar tonight.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Wabbit Hunting With Wock

Hi everybody!  I'm Rock England and you're watching "Wabbit Hunting".  I'm your host, Rock England and this is my sidekick, Harry.
 The first trick to hunting wabbits, or big bad wolves for that matter, is that you need to wear your hunter orange.  That way no one mistakes you for a deer, even though deer have antlers and look like deer.
 The next thing you need is your trusty gun.  I prefer a .45 caliber rubber band gun.  It not only takes down the prey, but it also helps you pack it out.
 I cannot stress how important it is to wear Uncle Travis' motorcycle helmet, or an equivalent.
 You'll notice that Harry is also wearing a motorcycle helmet, this one of the CHiPs variety. 
 Welp, that's our show for today.  Now we are off to go shoot hunting.  Wish us luck, and remember: Deers don't look like people, but sometimes mean people look like deer.  Good night everybody!

The Dream Is Over

This is Young Aaron a week before he turned 21.  Look at him, so full of hopes and dreams.  It's as if that sunrise behind him symbolizes the endless possibilities that are in front of him.
Many of those dreams came true: He hit a ball into the corn at the Field of Dreams,
He married above himself,
and he has a beautiful family
 Unfortunately, one of the most important dreams died yesterday when he bought a minivan.  Just like that the dream died an ignominious death. 

Welcome to the family, Bubbles.  Welcome to the family.