Father...Husband...Fun

Biggies New Hair Cut

2011-03-16T09:42:00.001-04:00

PRE CUT

I always wanted to take Biggie to get his first short hair cut. I still remember my Grandpa Brown taking me to my first big boy hair cut at the barber shop in Michigan Center. His first big boy hair cut was a little different. I thought let's just get the hair out of his eyes. It took me a while since I hadn't cut hair in years. About two snips from finishing up taking about two inches off he decides he wants me to use the clippers. He wanted it short. So he got it! Happy with his new short haircut, he couldn't stop checking himself out in the mirror. I'm glad he liked it but he looks so old now. I miss the curls he had and I still feel a little shocked when I look at him. The following day at school he walked in loud and proud showing his fresh new cut off to all who would listen which was everyone.

The family is split on the look. I think I like the longer look. What do you think?

OUR GOLDFISH HAS PASSED ON AND OUR NEWEST ADDITION IS KIND OF SURPRISING.

2010-12-06T15:34:00.001-05:00

So Nemo, our originally named goldfish has officially taken a seat so over the weekend. So we took the next step in the food chain, sort of. We pondered getting a hamster for Boomer and Biggie thinking that the maintenence would be a great next step, but the kids ultimately decided on a kitten instead. The thought of possibly losing a rodent in the house made us think twice. A cat is a little more work for sure, but the pleasure this little fuzzie has brought is tremendous. We named it Ladoo Quinn Simmons or Quinn Ladoo Simmons depending on who you ask. Boomer has cleaned the litter box at least three times a day since Saturday. The kitty follows Big Boy around like a puppy and Boomer acts and sounds like a mommy the way she speaks to it in her mommy/baby voice. Too cute and of course both kids love picking the kitty up and showing it the way of the house. After hearing that cats are much lower maintenance than a puppy,I think we made the right decision.
Boomer made sure to show everyone pics of her kitty on the way into her school this morning which was just the cutest. She was such a proud owner. Her teacher thought it was funny that Boomer ended up with a kitty instead of a hamster which she spoke about all last week at school.
Last Thursday when the teacher heard that the fish was swimming upside down she braced for the worst and the class had a eulogy. Boomer drew a picture and said a few kind words. The kids have not spoke much about the lack of a fish except for Boomer asking me when I plan on cleaning out the tank.
Today is our first day apart from the kitty so I did take my lunch break to go check on him. He seemed fine as I got home, he was fast asleep in his little kitty bed. Home intruders must love it when they break in to a home only to find a cat that will rub on their legs. Anyway, so far it has been great and although I did not see us as a cat family, I think we are getting there. My wife, who has never had a pet, is getting used to our newest addition as well.

I HAVE THE FEELING THAT OUR GOLDFISH (NEMO) WILL NOT MAKE IT TO TOMORROW!

2010-12-01T08:59:00.001-05:00

The kids woke up this morning and noticed that Nemo our 4yr old goldfish is floating sideways in his tank. The poor guy was still breathing well but laboring to swim. Since he ate the other goldfish in the tank, he became the largest and outlasted the other three fish we had in there with him. Nemo is the prize of a Chinese Gift exchange from 4 Christmas parties ago and has lived pretty large.
Knowing that someday this would come up, I promised Boomer a hampster for the tank when Nemo took a seat. As she first noticed Nemo floating sideways, she was excited to get the hamster but soon realized that he would not make it and began to cry. I explained to her that for a goldfish to live 4 years was great and she could draw pictures of her with Nemo at school today. Meanwhile, Big Boy was asking me if he could use the fish net and scoop him out of the tank. She quit crying and began thinking of names for her new hamster or whatever rhodent she decides to get. I felt a little better with that. Mommy is not too keen on any rhodent in the house. Do I see a cat or dog in our near future?
On a lighter note, I stepped into the daycare of my 3yr old son Biggie and his teacher asked me if we had gone camping recently. I said we had gone the previous weekend, and that we had a lot of fun. Brady had a great time camping but why do you ask? Well...he kept peeing outside on the playground. I couldn't help but to laugh as I pictured his pale little butt and how well he went #1 outside at the campgrounds when the bathroom was no where close. I forgot to tell him that was only for camping. Oops. Anyway, he denied it with a sinister smile all the way home as I explained that you use it as a last resort. He said he was all the way out in the mulch! 15ft from the bathroom.

BRIBERY ALERT!!! BOOMER GETS A HAIRCUT BUT WANTS A FISHING POLE IN RETURN!!

2010-11-29T11:01:00.000-05:00

Well, I took Boomer to get her 3rd haircut ever and after negotiating she told me that she would only if I got her something. I thought for sure it was a pillow pet or snuggie that she really wants. Nope, a fishing pole. I was happy that she took an interest in something that would give us something else fun to do together and she even wanted to get one for her little brother. She picked a black rod with pink accents and picked out a spiderman pole our little buddy. Both caught something their first time out. About 15 minutes into the fishing expedition, Biggie caught a 6" bass and she caught a little sunfish. Daddy caught nothing! They made fun of me the whole walk home. What fun! We just need to get mommy out there.

THANKS GO OUT TO CAYO COSTA STATE PARK FOR A GREAT FAMILY OUTING

2010-11-24T09:29:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we took a 2 night trip to a beautiful Island Paradise in Cayo Costa Florida. Sure the diggs were a bit rough, a cabin with no electicity, but we made it work. Only 50 yards from the beach, you could hear the waves crashing all day and night. The kids, Boomer and Biggie, finally got to watch their daddy catch and battle with a few Lady Fish. They also found a pretty good sized millepede.(Pictured on the right) More pics to come.
The kids had a blast shelling and hiking the park and watching the dolphins roll in and out around the island. The island had an awesome lagoon that was just 100 yards south of our cabin. We had a mystery on our hands according to Boomer when we stumbled upon some mysterious paw prints of a big cat on the beach. It must be huge because these tracks were the size of my hands!
The kids explored a lot and on day 2 we got a few neighbors to our right and left so they were able to socialize a little. Grilled hot dogs both nights for dinner, no lady fish for us as I am a fan of catch and release of the fish. At least the smaller fish. I heard lady fish were better for bait than eating. Dessert consisted of s'mores. I think the kids enjoyed the burning of their marshmallows and sticks more than actually eating them.
Even with all the activities the island had to offer, Boomer still managed to get her math in on the north beach excursion. Proud of my little girl for fitting that in between the dolphin sightings and sea urchins washing ashore. We had a blast and are so happy to have this slice of paradise only 2 hours from our home. It was truly a family trip that the kids will remember for the rest of their lives. I highly recommend the trip to all, go in the winter because it is hot hot hot in the summer and the bugs are the size of small dogs! If we can make it, you can too! Fun Times!

Our B2 Bean Bag Venture has been a hit so far! Spread the word, share the story!

2010-11-03T13:06:00.000-04:00

In the beginning of October, the Simmons family started our next venture into fun furniture. This time we took a much lower overhead approach when opening the B2 Bean Bags store online . It took me a while and although it is very simple at this time, it has gotten a lot of traffic! We have sold a total of 7 bean bags and have requests for more than 20 in just under a week.
With the holidays approaching we are anticipating more traffic so get your orders in early. Currently we have a coupon for $10.00 off (coupon code 10off) your purchase with free shipping on the website through the holidays. We are utilizing social medias Twitter/Facebook to really reach out and gain a presence leading up to the Holidays.
Sure we are out to make money, but we are using the business to teach our kids the importance of giving back as well. They have chosen the local Give a Kid a Chance through the Tampa YMCA for their charity. This allows underpriveleged children the opportunity to attend summer camps at the YMCA. A very noble idea, this has the kids excited to give the Y a check at the end of the year.

WHAT'S IN THE NAME B2 Bean Bags?
The name came from the kids request to include them in the name of the business. Since the name of my last furniture store was named Davani's after my wife and I, B2 is short for Boomer and Biggie, my online name for the kids and has shown to be pretty catchy so far.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT OUR BEAN BAGS?
Our bean bags are made with Big Time Quality in mind. A Marine grade vinyl which is thick and durable. Fade and stain resistant makes it stand out from the thin vinyl used by Target and Walmart. We use some heavy duty sewing machines to give it double stitched seams that last for years! Added some handles for hanging up or tying it down on your boat. Yes, these are great for boating. The filler is a premium styro bead that is made to last. These will not flatten out into a pancake like the others out there. Cleans up easy with windex or WD40 for stubborn ink stains. A heavy duty #5 Nylon zipper that will not rust and stand up to some serious use. Our primary market was the serious video gamer but has been picked up by avid boaters here in Florida.
For contests, product updates and fun photos of our bean bags being used by friends and family follow us!

Follow us on Twitter: B2BeanBags
On Facebook: B2 Bean Bags

COACHING BIG BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM...SURPRISING PATIENCE BY ME!

2010-11-03T11:08:00.000-04:00

Monday the 25th of October was the first day of basketball practice for my 3 year old. November 1st was the first game and the hype was well worth the wait. The season has been pretty amazing so far. Our team roster boasts only 7 players but players they are. Most of the kids are 4 yr olds but boy can they ball...kind of. We have one boy who can dunk(on a 4 ft rim)and twins that are lights out shooters. Big Boy is all hustler, leading the team in steals. With an attention span of about 3-4 minutes, we sub in and out like Joe Madden subs his pitchers. No idea of the score, I chalk it up as a win because it's so fun watching these guys wander, cry, and ask for their parents and play a little basketball. I surprised myself with the amount of patience I have coaching someone else's kid, and look forward to the rest of the season. Go Jayhawks!!

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR! COOL WEATHER AND COOLER COSTUMES FOR THE KIDS..

2010-10-29T16:55:00.000-04:00

Ah yes the hot weather is slowly moving to the back burner here in sunny Tampa. The evening temps will be in the 70's for the kiddos on Sunday. I hope for good weather to all of our friends up north in the Mitten and Northeast. I can only recall rain or freezing cold All Hollows Eve's in my years of dressing up. The cold and rain subsides as soon as that first plastic wrapper hits the bottom of the bag. My heart raced....I always ate my first treat as soon as it made the bag! Except one year, this lady gave 5 pennies. I ate the candy from the second house but it threw off my ritual.
This year Boomer and Biggie will be a Witch and a Pirate. Costumes have come a long way. These things look nice enough to wear throughout the year. What age did you really start banking on candy when you trick or treated? I was about 6 or 7 and had to upgrade to a pillow case instead of those silly little bags! I also found value in hitting subdivisions by age 7 and eventually realized I could fill up the entire pillow case and then some if the homes were closer together. I targeted the Trailer Park on the main drag in my hometown. Homerun! I went through it twice if I ran fast enough. I was a chubby kid(not a distance runner)but the running was worth it!
I think this is the year to show the kids how it's done.

Great Weekend: Kids Photoshoot, Triathlon, B2 Bean Bags is coming soon!

2010-10-25T10:29:00.000-04:00

I want to begin this post thanking my WIFE for fully supporting me the entire race season. Without her, I could not have trained and done so well in my first season of Triathlon. As a non runner prior to this season, her tips have really helped me consistently place in the top run splits for my age group. Now can give me some swim tips?

For my wife's birthday, we bought the kids some face time with a photographer and on Sunday we spent the afternoon in St. Petersburg having a blast. You really see what fun being a kid is when you try to sit them for a photo shoot. 3 year olds act 3 and you realize how big your little girl is when she sits and actually listens to the photographer and looks like a little lady. Big Boy, our 3 year old did his own thing for the most part and Esther the photographer captured sure gold from both kids! You would think bribery in the form of ice-cream would work but it was the high fives that she offered that seemed to do the trick! Photos coming soon for this one!!!
On Saturday, we woke the kids up a little early, 5am-ish and they were great for my final Triathlon. Boomer has been to three other races but it was Big Boy's first. Aside from wanting to swim with me as the race began, he took it in with great curiosity. I heard them cheering at every transition and yelling and screaming near the finish line, it was great to have them there at the end.
Our family has launched a new endeavour B2 Bean Bags! Named after the kids, Boomer and Biggie, I hope to show the kids how to conduct business, network and be philanthropic...and maybe make some money. We are now on Facebook(B2 Bean Bags), Twitter(B2BeanBags) and the website will be up soon! www.B2BeanBags.com

"GO BLUE!" NO BIG BOY WE'RE NOT AT THE MICHIGAN GAME, IT'S U.S.F. SAY "GO BULLS!" GO BLUE IS FINE!

2010-09-28T12:57:00.000-04:00

We took a family trip this past weekend to a college football game. It was the University of South Florida versus Western Kentucky. Big Boy thought he should keep saying Go Blue! I told him that although it sounded similar they were actually saying Go Bulls! I liked his Go Blue a little more and of course I was proud of him! I see the boy as a natural fit for Michigan. Go Blue sounds so natural coming from him.
The kids were great and the game kept their attention a little longer than I anticipated. The USF Bulls share the field with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and on big plays and touchdowns the canons on the pirate ship fire. This freaked the kids out at first and caught my wife and I by surprise too!
If you have ever taken young kids to a long game you always have the challenges of keeping them entertained. There is always the cotton candy guy trying to walk slow in front of you, and Big Boy loves to try and touch all the mascots. Western Kentucky had this red thing that looked like Grimace from Mc Donalds that was Red and Melted a little bit. I still have no idea what it was but Biggie assumed it was a Boobah. I think he was right. Feel free to check out Boobah's on YOU TUBE. They are strange. Good time was had by all and Boomer was great she was not really impressed with the experience but she enjoyed playing around the pirate ship.

Big Boy is 3!!

2010-09-22T08:49:00.000-04:00

I hate to write anything the day of Birthdays for fear of Jinxing (if that is a word)it. My little buddy had a good day with his friends at school and requested a birthday dinner at Olive Garden. He enjoyed dishing up the salad with the tongs for everyone and had a blast eating most of my entree and making a mess at the table. His big birthday with all his friends and family is being celebrated on Oct. 3rd. What did he want for his birthday? He said he wants a desk for his homework! Yes! Sounds great to me, I can't recall a birthday where I asked for a desk...for homework. Desk on the way and his first USF Bulls game this weekend. Should be fun!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BOY!

Family Travels to Michigan, after traveling with kids for 5 years is it really getting any easier? Yes!

2010-09-10T08:38:00.000-04:00

Labor Day weekend the Simmons Family took a fun trip to my hometown of Jackson, Michigan. I grew up in Napoleon, Michigan in the northeast portion of Jackson County. My graduating class had about 70 people, quite a small town feel.
The visit was refreshing and a little crazy trying to coordinate all the visits, but we managed. Our trip started to the airport in Tampa which is possibly the easiest to get through from a convenience stand point. The long term shuttles are one after another. FYI. Bathrooms are convenient one on almost every corner.(no more diaper changing for the kiddos but potty before the flight is a must) Even for a Labor Day Weekend, the security lines were quick and hopefully secure. No Problems.
Direct flight to Detroit and grabbed the rental car. Then off to my sister's place, but on the way my son had to see Michigan! You see, to Big Boy, Michigan is Michigan Stadium I was proud of that. The rest of the weekend he wanted to go see Michigan. I think next year we will plan ahead for a Michigan game.
A small reunion of sorts on Friday night with some classmates from Napoleon's Class of 93' good time and great drink prices at Aggies.
It was great to see everyone that showed up.
Saturday came early and my family reunion is now a Labor Day Weekend tradition for the Hubbard/Simmons Families. The time was good at 11:00am so we were able to watch the Michigan game at 12:30. The weather was a bit cold on Grass Lake and the wind made us Floridians freeze even though it was 60 degrees. Kids had a blast playing with cousins and of course the family history is always great to hear.
Sunday we visited a Cider Mill, Flavor Fruit Farms. Kids had a blast and ate some donuts. Good time and even ran through a corn maze. The Cider Mill was out of cider though. I called to ask the hours but it never crossed my mind to ask if they had cider. I guess the apples weren't sweet enough to process. What's a farm without a petting zoo? Little pigs and chickens for the kids. They loved it!

Monday was just as busy as we visited friends in Farmington Hills that recently purchased a new home and had a baby. Brady enjoyed the Koi pond in the back yard and Boomer recommended sushi when the fish freeze this winter. Visited my roommate from Michigan that bought a home in Canton(Sorry it took me so long to see it Liz!) Amazing! Even though you furnished it with Hillside furniture. JK. It should be on cribs seriously.

Pictures coming soon!

S'MORES WITHOUT THE FIRE HAZARD....Finish your summer vacation off with a little culinary delight for the kiddos!

2010-08-23T16:44:00.000-04:00

Recently my wife and I made s'mores with Boomer and Big Boy and we had a blast. Although we didn't make them over a fire, we still had fun and still made a mess. We purchased some Nutella Hazelnut Spread, some Marshmallow Fluff and some cinnamon graham crackers. Just break the graham crackers in half and make a s'more without the blazing hot marshmallow burning the roof of your mouth. Please feel free to let me know of any other quick snacks that you guys find fun. Caution messy, but fun!

BACK TO SCHOOL THIS WEEK Good luck to all my fellow parents!!!

2010-08-23T08:20:00.000-04:00

Well the summer has almost ended and it leaves parents wondering did we do enough with the kids? Did we do too much with the kids? Do you need a vacation from your kids summer vacation? I think our family has done the right amount of travel and vacationing this summer. School starts and we have one last Family out of towner planned for Michigan over Labor Day Weekend. Jam packed with family and friend visits, cider mills and a visit to the newly renovated Michigan Stadium. Then we're done for a while.

With all the school supplies and uniforms purchased, organizing will be key this school year as Boomer hits Kindergarten. Big Boy is still in preschool. Lunches are becoming a challenge as the kids have hit the picky age of eating. Any sure fire lunch recommendations are appreciated!

This is the first year Boomer will be bringing home actual grades instead of progress reports so I feel an added anxiety leading into the school year. Fun Fun Fun! I hope you all enjoy and stay tuned for weekly posts. Feel free to sign up as a follower of either one of my blogs. You can also follow me on Twitter: supadupaD

Good Luck Parents!!

Honey I want to Apologize. Football Season is upon us so that means........

2010-08-06T10:33:00.000-04:00

We are going where? You told them we are coming over? But the Michigan game is on then! What? You asked me and I said yes? Was I watching a game? Oh you asked me last Sunday?

If these questions sound familiar, I want to apologize for your husband. Something just happens to our brains this time of year. I blame it on the smell in the air when you walk outside in the morning. It just smells like football season. Especially in the north. I get the smell here in Florida about November, but I already have the Fever that presents before it.

A couple things to make this season easier.

1. Master the DVR.
2. Know that Michigan Football begins Sept. 4th against UCONN. I officially let the season begin then.
3. Michigan/Ohio State game is Nov. 27th in Columbus
4. Hall of Fame Game for Pro Football is Aug. 8th
5. Know when your husbands fantasy football draft is. After this, the season has officially begun in our minds. Men have been known to lock themselves in closets with laptops (for setting lineups) not for that!
6. Get a calendar for all important dates and work the family festivities around the football season (or not)
7. The season end will be obvious. (signs of depression)Feb 6th 2011.

A couple things to make social events easier if they do not include football.

1. Offer beer and let them use their phone whenever they want.
2. Bring the event to your house. We control our own televisions!
3. Let the poor guy stay home from birthday parties. Too many kids make us nervous. (I could hardly watch Jon and Kate)
4. Arrange a separate TV at the event for the kids and negotiate the game before you leave the house. (I like to get it in writing)

I will be on Twitter(supadupaD)giving my mother followers big games that may interfere with weekend plans. Also, remember there are now Wednesday and Thursday games this season. I believe ESPN has Friday night games too.

Follow me on Twitter: supadupaD

CRUISING, SWIMMING, AND ALL THAT! Follow me on Twitter: supadupaD

2010-07-30T09:57:00.000-04:00

We recently have taken a cruise on the largest cruise ship in the world, The Oasis of the Seas. It is a Royal Caribbean ship that is about 5 times the size of the Titanic. A great time was had by all and with three neighborhoods, basketball courts and some on board surfing how could you not enjoy yourself?

Boomer and Big Boy had quite a time and loved the idea of ice cream available 24/7. Hopefully the pictures will be coming soon!

Boomer has successfully rode her bike down the street and back several times and is confident that she will have it mastered before summer end. I'm afraid to stop running next to her, I have yet to let her crash on her own. Her and Big Boy are taking swim classes at the local YMCA and doing a fine job so far. It sure makes for a crazy Saturday. Gymnastics, Swimming usually followed by a birthday party or two.

Congrats to my Brother in Law who recently accepted a position with Microsoft. Now we have a reason to visit the West Coast. Soon we will have another reason as their baby girl is due in September. The game changer as I like to say!

My new Iphone is on the way. The old one took a seat and wiped out all my unsaved pics, songs and all contact information. Feel free to Contact me through Facebook to update me on all your contact information. I don't sell your information.

Big Boy got a new Spiderman bike with matching Spiderman shoes. He is all Spidered out! His new bike is pretty fast, I turned my back for a second and he was down the drive and face planted in the cul-de-sac no scratches though and more importantly, he got back on it without hesitation.

Swim lessons at the local YMCA are coming along well. Boomer is so close to swimming and Big Boy is getting braver by the class. Our goal is to have Boomer swimming and biking by summer's end. Big Boy is a work in progress at almost 3yrs old.

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter: supadupaD
I post the funny things the kids say and random tidbits about my triathlon obsession. Enjoy!

GONE FISHIN' with the kids! (Found this one left unposted from April) Enjoy!

2010-07-14T13:17:00.001-04:00

Yesterday as I sat in line at the store, this guy was loaded up with new fishing gear. In his basket, his two girls. He was taking them out fishing. What a great idea. I was there to buy some stuff to get my lawnmower working but a fish pulled out of the water would surely blow the kids minds. We're going fishing!

I bought the basics. A fishing pole, a few hooks, a couple lures, bobbers and of course some nightcrawlers fresh from the grounds of Minnesota. It's time for some fishing.

Boomer was awake when I got home and Big Boy was mid nap so I figured I would ease into this trip by taking one at a time. Boomer was excited, we loaded the bike and trolley up and rolled out to the lake down the road. We set up on the bank, saw some huge fish that looked like carp but they were not interested in the lures. I switched to the nightcrawlers and we sat for quite a while...nothing. Boomer was bored so we walked to a new spot still nothing. One last cast and you guessed it a little bass that put up a good fight and eventually fell off as we pulled it from the water. True story! Ask Boomer.

Easter Sunday morning was a new story! I loaded up Big Boy and Boomer and rolled out to a new spot.

BOOMER HAS LOST HER FIRST TOOTH!!! (UPDATE)

2010-05-06T10:57:00.002-04:00

It is stored in a little ziplock bag and everyone has heard about it, some have seen it. Boomer, my 5 year old has officially lost her first tooth while enjoying a handful of goldfish crackers at school. A little bummed that I missed it, the excitement was still there when I made it home to see her pearly white. The funny thing is, she didn't want it under her pillow until Saturday night! Does she have an appointment with the tooth fairy? I guess we will see. Stay Tuned!

UPDATE:
She lost her second tooth two days later. For some reason she is waiting for the tooth fairy. Her Nani and Papa are coming to town this weekend. Is she waiting for the Nani and Papa fairy? We will find out soon!

EVERY PARENT OR SOON TO BE PARENT HAS GOT TO READ THIS!!

2010-04-25T15:59:00.002-04:00

Not really, this is more for parents that have children under 5 or so that still use a sippy cup/ thermos for their kids beverages. My wife and I have gone through maybe 25 different types of sippy cups and end up replacing them after about an average of two weeks.
One of the children at Big Boy's school had one and we figured we would try it out, we were out of options. This thing comes apart easy for clean up and keeps milk or water ice cold all day and night.
It's a little pricey for a sippy cup but with a 5 year warranty and easy to clean it was well worth the $15.00 price. In fact, we even got one for Boomer our 5 year old daughter. You can find it on Amazon.com through the link here on the site or at Target locally. But I can't say enough about this thing, I found it very blogworthy and may even look into something more adult themed for tailgating this fall. Maybe not but if it was cool to rock a sippy cup at a tailgate I might!

FUN FAMILY TRIP TO CLERMONT FLORIDA.

2010-03-28T18:12:00.000-04:00

We took a day trip this weekend to a little town called Clermont here in Florida. A cute little town known for it's Triathlon series and Lake Ridge Winery as well as a small town feel that is located just off the shores of Lake Minneola. We were in town for the first triathlon of the summer tri series. It was my first attempt at being a tri-daddy. We got into Clermont just before sunset so we cruised down to the event site so I could check out the water and put my nerves at ease. It was a bit chilly and the water was about 65 degrees. No Problem there, I had taken plunges into Wolf Lake back in the day on the first freeze of the winter besides I am about to sport my Sea Form Wetsuit. We let the kids play for a bit and head back to the hotel. Not before a quick bite to eat at Firehouse Subs "Welcome to Firehouse!"

Race morning we woke the kids at 6:00am we turned on all the lights so our little buddies would think it was daylight and time to get up. They woke without much fanfare and we all headed down to breakfast and then off to the race. Boomer was a little interested in the fact that it was still dark outside as we walked to the car.

As race time approached the kids were amazed at the break of dawn. Pretty cool. Hugs and kisses later, I made the plunge into the 65 degree water and heard my troops yelling my name as I made my way from the water to the bike transition area. I gave some GU pack (liquid gooey carbohydrate supplement) to Boomer as the family watched me transition to the bike portion of the race. Somehow the GU ended up all over Mommy like graffiti instead. As I approached the end of the bike leg of the race all I could think about is seeing them again. They were there and Boomer gave me some words of inspiration....."You're the last one here daddy" the first words out of her mouth and everyone at the front of the transition area laughed at my expense of course. Run time! and finished better than I had anticipated and the family met me for some gatorade bananas hotdogs. Just a bunch of fun.
Next, off to Lakeland for a birthday party, then home. I slept great that night.

Strawberry Festival Fun.

2010-03-21T11:40:00.002-04:00

The annual strawberry festival took place last weekend in itty bitty Plant City! I took Boomer a few years ago and thought it was fun but never again. Wrong. We took both kids with Nani and Papa last week and had a blast. From the pig races to the World Famous Strawberry Shortcake, it was quite a sight to be seen. I captured some of it on the Canon T1i in sport mode for the quick movements. Video coming soon. First, the Festival tripled in size, it was an all out fair atmosphere with a massive midway with some rides making even the bravest stomach queasy. Everything was going fine the kids having fun eating their strawberry shake and Big Boy eating his ice cream when I took it upon myself to help him clean it up a bit as it was dipping on his clothes and hand. In typical save the day fashion I clean up the sloppy cone and give it back to him when he said NO! Uh Oh day turns bad. My cute little buddy breaks down after yelling at me. Why did I do that? It was my inner fat kid saying to me just sample it and frame it as a clean up job. I do this every so often but without the fallout. Never again no matter how good the ice cream looks. Lesson learned. Boomer had a fun time hitting the fun rides for little kids. She especially enjoyed watching the massive pot-bellied pigs race and her fresh strawberry shake.

Should you limit the number of birthday parties your child goes to?

2010-03-05T21:43:00.013-05:00

This weekend I am happy to say that we have no birthday party to attend. I'm not complaining, I'm just happy that if all goes well the kids won't miss their nap. Missing that nap window greatly increases my chances of witnessing a melted down 5 and 2 year old. Okay, that does sound a little like complaining. Don't get me wrong, I like to see my kids having fun with their friends. What about the cost of gifts? Think about it $15-$20.00 15-20 times a year. That is $225-$400.00 in gifts. Freaking myself out a little bit, that's just for one kid. I have two! Boomer has after school program with a whole different set of friends too! The kids give her birthday invites there as well. This was just on my mind. It all comes down to making sure they are social and they have fun. Yesterday Boomer asked me who's birthday party is this weekend and it was only Thursday and I didn't see anyone's birthday on my calender. We do have two gymnastics classes a carnival and possibly a strawberry festival on Sunday. I guess you shouldn't limit the birthdays, as long as you have the time and can afford it. Twenty dollars every other weekend to see your kids have a fun wild time with their friends seems like a deal. Let them get creative and make their own birthday card for their friend, they will surprise you. Have a great weekend friends! FatherHusbandFun on YOU TUBE.

Dropping the kids off at the babysitters was easy, but getting them to come home...

2010-02-28T14:35:00.000-05:00

So Saturday morning I drop the kids off at the babysitters, first time I've done this and the kids are so excited. I do this because it is rainy and cold for my 5k race and my wife is out of town. I run the race, come back and noone wants to come home with me. ? My five year old (Boomer)is not leaving until she bakes a cake. Who bakes cakes with their babysitter? Her brother Big Boy waited to see the outcome to make his decision My babysitters sat on the phone and demanded we make sandwiches for them. Anyway, after a half hour negotiation, we left but I promised to get them both an orange off one of the trees outside. My legs were tired and all the low hanging oranges had been picked. I'm in trouble, I can barely jump as it is. I had just ran over 3 miles a half hour earlier. Four jumps no good and the kids are beginning to heckle me. I run to the car grab a bag and swat two down. Mission accomplished! Now I'm a hero. For now.

Traveling with Children to the Big Easy.

2010-02-26T11:15:00.001-05:00

We recently took a trip to the Big Easy. The flight was the perfect length, about an hour and a half so the kids avoid the crazy cabin fever mayhem. Bummer that we missed Mardi Gras, the locals said it was a tame event compared to years past. The Super Bowl parade taxed the locals as it was an all week event leading up to Fat Tuesday. Still beads aplenty. The trees along the trolley routed Garden District were full of beads almost leaning.

My son two year old "Big Boy" took a liking to revolving doors at the hotels. He could care less if the person in the next compartment was stuck or not he was jumping in. I'm sure the revolving doors were the highlight of his trip. "Boomer" my five year old daughter loved all the masks that New Orleans had to offer. She had a blast with her mommy at the outdoor market where she picked up some "trinkets" she lives for trinkets, a nice little necklace that will post on here as soon as I find it. That's the problem with trinkets they are sized to lose them, i/e Little Pet Shops. So you have to replace them or deal with the consequences. Shops.

The Beignet was our staple food as well as some noodles as you can witness in the upcoming You Tube video.

Honey this is the last football game of the season I swear it is! Written Pre Super Bowl

2010-02-09T07:04:00.000-05:00

I want to take this time before the Super Bowl to thank my wife for putting up with me the last 6 1/2 months. I know first I had take time out of our relationship for the preseason to scout all the newly acquired college and NFL talent. Then of course I had to go to a couple of Fantasy Football Drafts on consecutive weekends.
As the regular season in College and Pro's began, you showed some interest in key games and story lines, I respect that. The Michigan-Michigan State, Michigan-Ohio State, the Buccaneers first win, you were there with me if only a minute or two to tell me to calm down. It counted. This is the final game. Right no pro bowl next week. And to my two top recruits Boomer (my daughter) and Big Boy
(my two year old boy), get ready my little athletes, baseball starts in 3 weeks. Rest now because it's a long season!