Thacker Babble

Superman Saved the Day

2012-01-12T23:53:00.000-05:00

Tonight Mom and I were doing our usual: dinner, playing, and being SILLY! Well, let me correct that. Mom is silly and I'm goofy. If you get that wrong, I will correct you. Anyway, where was I? That's right. Mom and I were being silly and goofy, respectively. We played with Tinkertoys, sang some songs,

then hammed it up for the camera.

All was fun and games until I noticed something SCARY.

Mom was still all grins and it was coming CLOSER!

A HUGE FURRY HEADED MONSTER was headed DIRECTLY towards Mom and me. AHHHH!!! There was much screaming, mayhem and chaos, until....

SUPERMAN appeared!! He zipped through here,

and ran through there,

and in a flash he was gone.

With his superhero powers, he had tamed the furry headed monster into my little Sprouty.

We love our little Sprout.

I hope you enjoyed hearing of our adventures this evening. If you hang out with Mom and me, be expecting laughs and the unexpected. It keeps us smiling and on our toes.

For the Birds

2012-01-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

Mom and I stayed home sick today. I was running a fever when she picked me up from daycare yesterday so I was automatically out for 24 hours. Mom and I made the most of it. We colored with markers, watched a Barney video and "The Little Engine That Could" movie, played with some of my new toys, made some popcorn, drank some hot tea, and cuddled. Towards the end of the daylight hours today, we slipped outside for some fresh air and to do a little project. We hung up another bird feeder for the birds.

It took us a little bit to figure out how to fill it without spilling seed everywhere. Sprout was on standby for clean up duty. We enjoy watching the chickadees, cardinals, titmice, nuthatches, blue jays, and of course squirrels graze from our other feeder - an open tray. We're interested to see if this one with a different seed will attract other birds.

Thanks Aunt Sydney for the bird feeder. We love it!

2011 Sealed with a Kiss

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

Over our Christmas holiday travels, Mom, Granny Linda, Aunt Lelley and I went to meet my new friend, Miss Vivian Kate. Vivi is the beautiful daughter of my mom and Aunt Lelley's childhood friend, Suzanne.

At first, Miss Vivi wasn't too sure about me. No need to worry.

I poured on my charm, flashed my big pearly whites, and let her touch and smell my hair.

The intoxicating smell and silky softness of my hair fell over Vivi.

She warmed up to me.

Before long, she was smitten.

I sealed our experience with a big smackeroo right on the lips. Happy New Year Vivi!

The Mice Needles Have Been Clacking

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

My tailors are mice,
Their needles are clacking.
They sew really nice
While I'm out backpacking.
We have a good time
And we run a tight gig.
We sew lots of stuff
Even though we're not big.
This fleece is quite warm
I assure you my friend,
Now if you will excuse me
I have mice to tend.

Ryan Williamson, The Mouse Works

Mom and I like to support local shopping spots. Mom found Mouse Works a few years back and we've been rocking our Mouse Works hats ever since. Ryan has partnered with a fleece manufacturer to get their scraps. He uses these scraps to make his wonderfully colorful and FUN creations. He is very resourceful and committed to the environment. His waste each year fits into ONE grocery bag. This year we gave a few hats for gifts.

Evelyn with her doggy hat

Peter with his animal hat and Sarah with her doggy hat

Alex with his baby bunny hat

Shelley and I with our doggy hats

Christmas at Granny Linda and Grandaddy's

2011-12-29T17:58:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to tell you that Santa did in fact find me at Granny Linda and Grandaddy's house!

I was dinner entertainment for my great aunt Nancy on Christmas Eve.

Before settling into bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in my head, I set out some gingerbread men for Santa, then slept solid until Christmas morning. Mom was thankful.

Santa must have been watching me closely all year because I was good and got LOTS of toys as a result. Mom and I will be making room for the new with a trip to Goodwill for my gently used toys. Mom and I have talked about it, and I'm happy to share with those not as fortunate as me.

I had a blast rough housing with Grandaddy, playing with my cousin Brody on Christmas afternoon, dancing while my cousin Lacie played her fiddle,

and playing with my consignment-store-find kitchen from Granny Linda.

Mom, Paul and I headed back to Roanoke on Tuesday afternoon. I was asleep before we were at the end of Granny Linda and Grandaddy's road, slept through the drive, and crawled into my bed for another 1-1/2 hours. In need of some outside play time, we finished off the day with a bike ride through the park and dinner at Grace's.

Wednesday evening Aunt Lelley read books to me and played and played.

I'm a lucky little dude.

Santa, catch me if you can!

2011-12-29T17:10:00.001-05:00

On Friday December 23rd, Paul, Mom, Sprout and I were northbound for Charlottesville, a little bit closer to the North Pole than Roanoke, but according to Mom, still a LONG way away.

I cheesed it up with Alex and Paul,

opened some awesome gifts from Paul's family, played and played with Peter, Sarah and Evelyn downstairs,

found a worm in the sandbox, and

enjoyed the train beneath the Christmas tree at Gretchen and Jimmy's house on Christmas Eve.

Then Mom and I choo-chooed out of C'ville bound for Granny Linda and Grandaddy's house.

Santa Sightings

2011-12-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

On December 9th, Mom picked me up from daycare and we headed downtown for the Dickens of a Christmas parade. We conveniently found ourselves near Uptown Joes where we picked up some dinner and I scored some chocolate milk and a doughnut!

Mom and I stayed warm in our fuzzy hats while we watched the parade.

I mastered waving at the people in the parade and drinking my chocolate milk. We got a hug from our friends Sarah and Emma who were in the parade!

I munched on my holiday sprinkles doughnut while we took in the festivities and window shopped at the Roanoke Market after the parade.

On Saturday, we headed back downtown to the Virginia Museum of Transportation. I found SANTA!! We had a little chat. I think I'm still on the "good" list because he told one of his elves to give me a monster truck.

I love watching the model trains.

I test drove a Virginia Tech racecar.

I played with some cars. Please notice that I lined them all up. It's my modus operandi.

We rode the Santa Express - a real train with two cabooses and a two baggage carrier cars. We rode in the baggage carrier car. My monster truck and I thought this was fun!

After the train ride, I played outside on all of the transportation climbing apparatus for a bit, and then Mom was ready for lunch. I was NOT! I screamed and screamed and screamed while Mom just kept on walking through the museum. I was afraid I was going to lose her, so I followed her even though I was MAD and STILL screaming. Once in the parking lot, Mom thankfully stopped, and we had a little chat. Let me rephrase that. Mom talked to me very sternly.

Despite my screaming episode and not feeling too happy with how I had treated Mom, I really wanted to "check out some more cool stuff" downtown. Here is what I offered her. I promised to be good if we went to a restaurant. If I started misbehaving, we would go home. Mom took me up on my offer and the macaroni and cheese at Macados was YUMMY! and I behaved!

I hope Santa was watching me while I was at Macados and maybe not so much while I was screaming at the museum. Santa, I'm done with my screaming (for 2011). I do believe in you Santa!!

Thanksgiving Kept on Giving

2011-12-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

After a couple of days with my dad, I came home, squeezed in some good play time with Paul, got a good night's sleep, and piled into the car with Granny Linda, Grandaddy, Mom and Sprout bound for Raleigh and Aunt Lelley's house. We ate a scrumptious dinner and vegged for the evening. The weather was brisk and beautiful.

Grandaddy and I had a little chat on Shelley's front porch. I just love these recycled plastic, red rocking chairs and the glass mosaic table that Aunt Sydney made.

Sunday morning we hit the Neuse River trail just a hop and skip and a sprint from Aunt Lelley's house.

I started out leading the way.

I "took a break" to call Paul on my super-secret, no-one-can-see-it-or-hear-it-but-me cellphone.

We found a log perch and cheesed it up for the camera.

I rearranged a few found objects - sticks, rocks, dirt.

Thank goodness for my trusty old horse, I mean, Mom that carried me when all I wanted to do was a take a break, and another break, and another break. Thanksgiving at Aunt Lelley's was fun!

P.S. Aunt Lelley, I love my new pjs, orange pants, and two coordinating shirts!! Orange is always a hit for me and Mom.

Thanksgiving Day

2011-12-21T16:30:00.000-05:00

I spent Thanksgiving day with my dad and this year I got to see Bailey!!

We met at Uncle Dean and Aunt Cyndi's house and had a blast.

We played ball. We ran.

We explored.

And I learned how to operate the tow tractor. We had a great time!

Four Years Old!

2011-12-20T22:55:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to me! I am four years old and officially no longer a prime number (whatever that means).

I crawled in bed with Mom this morning and she sang "Happy Birthday" to me. That made me smile. When we wandered towards the kitchen, I discovered two gifts:

a Charlie Brown Christmas book with a recording of Granny Linda reading it to me and a Lego set from Mom. Fun! Mom and I listened to the book and then I spent the rest of the morning playing with my Legos.

I found the Lego man first!

Before we headed out the door to daycare, I put on my big grinny face and held up my apple high. I can chomp through one of these things now! (as compared to my early days....)

Mom surprised me in the afternoon with cupcakes and juice (locally made Bubblecake cupcakes and organic juice, of course) for me and all of my classmates at daycare.This evening I went to Dad's house for a bit, then met up with Mom for frozen yogurt at Sweet Frog, and then home to get right back to my Legos.

I've got my priorities straight, and houses and boats to build!

Christmas is Coming

2011-12-18T21:57:00.000-05:00

Hi there!

I've been counting down the days to Christmas on my advent calendar. Only 7 more days to go!! Each morning I peel open a new pocket that contains a super yummy fair trade chocolate heart and Mom reads me a bit more of the Christmas story. I have tried to swindle her into letting me have another chocolate heart mid-day, but she's tough and I only get one each day. My feet hit the floor, a chocolate heart hits my belly, and then I endure the next 24 hours.

Did you hear that?!?

I thought I heard bells. You know? Bells, like on Santa's sleigh bells? Hmmm... Maybe not.

Guess I better get back to building this fire. Winter's cold seems to have settled in upon us. We're keeping warm by the woodstove and looking forward to seeing lots of family at Christmas.

The Frog and The Princess

2011-12-09T16:30:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to announce that Mom and I traded in last year's puppy dog Halloween costume for a FROG!

While standing in line at the consignment sale, waiting to pay for my new-to-me frog costume and all of my other cool digs, Mom and I brainstormed as to what Halloween costume she should wear. Thankfully the lady behind us excitedly said, "Well a princess of course!" Get it? The Princess and The Frog? It was perfect. Whenever Mommy wears a dress, I ask her to twirl around in circles and tell her she looks like a princess. So that was that and Mommy was to be a princess. Here we are ready to hit the neighborhood.

The night was extra special because Aunt Neicy and Bailey came over and went trick-or-treating with us. (I got to practice more of my photography skills.)

Whenever Bailey and I get together, silliness ensues.

The Chef and Frog Legs

The Princess and The Road Kill

Catching Flies

Tri-State Adventure on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath

2011-12-08T16:30:00.000-05:00

Paul, Mom and I had such a great time on our Creeper Trail experience this spring, we planned another bike trip for this fall. On the last beautiful fall weekend of October we headed north to meet up with our buddy, Barrett. Barrett provided transportation to our drop off and pick up points of our adventure, White's Ferry, VA and wherever we ended up, respectively.

We're getting ready to head out. Barrett and Mommy are securing me and the gear in the trailer.

Late Thursday afternoon we hit the road.

We rode a mile and loaded up on White's Ferry to cross the Potomac into Maryland. We picked up the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath on the other side of the river and only covered a couple of miles that night before we set up camp. The temperature dropped, but we were warm and cozy in our tent.

The next day we packed up camp, piled back onto our bikes, and soaked up the warmth of the sunshine.

Soaking up the sunshine and staying warm

We explored the canal locks, admired old knotty silver maples, threw rocks in the river, peed in the woods and the river, played at the playground beside the trail, and covered about 30 miles (one mile of which I elected to run alongside Mommy's and Paul's bikes).

This knotty, old silver maple is a bit bigger than the ones in my front yard at home.

While eating lunch in Brunswick, MD, the restaurateur asked us if we knew of the forecasted snow. We had known it might rain on Saturday, but had not heard of the snow. As we were getting close to the end of our ride that day, a bike commuter rode up behind us and asked, "Do ya'll have snow tires for those?" Always up for an adventure, but always thinking, we ended our day about 2-1/2 miles past Harpers Ferry, WV just in case the weather had us seeking warm shelter in town the next morning.

We had a yummy dinner, roasted marshmellows around the campfire, and enjoyed visiting with some new friends at the campsite. (There are no strangers when I'm around.) Shortly after consuming my third or fourth marshmellow, the rain began. We bid our fellow campers good night and burrowed into the protection of our tent. It rained all night and it was cold; Mommy and Paul guessed it was in the mid-thirties. By morning, our strategy had changed. Paul cooked us some oatmeal to warm our bellies before we packed up camp and headed the 2-1/2 miles back to Harpers Ferry. As we tucked our gear into the panniers and the trailer, the rain transitioned to big, wet snowflakes.

The snow falling over the river and amidst nature's gold of autumn leaves was beautiful.

Upon reaching the pedestrian bridge to cross over the river to get to the actual town of Harper's Ferry, we realized that the only way across was up, Up, UP a long set of metal grate stairs. Paul heroically hoisted Mommy's bike, then his bike, then the trailer, each fully-loaded up the stairs. Mommy and I trailed behind, holding hands, cautiously ascending the stairs, while I courageously looked down, and only uttered, "This is very dangerous" twice. Mommy was very proud of me and glad to reach the top of the stairs without having to carry me.

The pedestrian bridge was beautiful and thankfully involved no stairs on the other side.

Harper's Ferry was charming and a wonderful place to be "stuck" for the day. We warmed up in Hannah's Train Depot (a restaurant in a little red caboose), had some lunch, and then headed out on foot in search of a place to stay the night. The snow was still coming down fast and not showing signs of stopping. We didn't want to make Barrett come out to get us in this weather. From talking with the waitstaff at Hannah's, the B&B we had hoped to stay at downtown was all booked. Thankfully the B&B proprietor made phone calls for us and found us a spot a half mile up the hill with Tony at The Camp Hill B&B. Mom and I walked to the B&B listening to tree branches pop, pop, crack, CRASH to the ground from the weight of the leaves and snow. Paul doubled-back to Hannah's Train Depot to get his bike and trailer to make the long pull up the snow-slick road with our gear. After getting us checked in, Tony disappeared only to reappear a few minutes later with a big tub of Legos just for me. I was set!

Bikes abandoned and snow slowing, we walked the 1/2 mile back downtown to have dinner at the B&B that was booked only to find out they had lost power.

While waiting for Mom and Paul to decide what they were going to do, I pelted this scarecrow with snowballs. It was GREAT! Luck was on our side as there was still power at our B&B and a restaurant one mile back up the hill. After our day's adventure, dinner was a welcome sight when it arrived that evening.

Barrett and Danielle safely arrived with our car Sunday morning. We loaded up all of our gear and cruised back to Virginia. Despite not being on our bikes and camping the whole trip along the C&O Canal, the trip turned out just as we had hoped - full of belly laughs, wholesome exercise, yummy food, outside time, and rolling with it.

Leaf Pile!!

2011-12-07T16:30:00.002-05:00

How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.
~John Burroughs

Mom and I raked up all of the leaves from our two big old silver maples in our front yard and piled them around one tree. We love raking leaves on a clear, sunny day. The air is crisp. The exercise is great. The reward is FUN!! Some of the neighborhood kids and I jumped around in the pile of leaves, whipping leaves into flight once again, and scattering leaves everywhere. Nightfall came. Mom and I pretended to be deer and nestled in to listen to the night's songs and relish in the warmth of the our autumn bed of leaves.

A Birthday Party for Grandaddy

2011-12-06T16:30:00.000-05:00

On October 22, a day after Grandaddy's official birthday, Granny Linda, Grandaddy, Aunt Lelley, Aunt Donna, Uncle Doug, Cousin Marc, Cousin Alexa, Paul, Mommy and I gathered to have a little fun Grandaddy style in Richmond.

We took a cruise along the James River and Kanawha Canal.

I listened and watched intently,

and explored all the nooks and crannies of the boat.

We visited Tredegar Iron Works and manned the cannon.

We celebrated Grandaddy's 80th birthday with some of his favorites: steak, potatoes, salad, and pineapple upside down cake.

And all of the kids and grandkids showed Grandaddy how much we LOVE him.

Pajamas for Who?

2011-12-05T16:30:00.000-05:00

I was warm from all of my pre-bedtime tumbling and I thought Sprout looked a little cold. I shared my pajamas with her.

Career Opportunities

2011-12-04T22:14:00.000-05:00

As I get older, I am starting to consider what I would like to be when I grow up to be big kid. At this point, I'm leaving my options wide open. Here are some of the careers I've considered.

Professional Cyclist

Portrait Photographer

Freelance Photographer

Sustainable Forester

Blue Tailed Skink

Discovery Channel Host

Salesperson

Comedian

One thing is for sure, I will always be Mommy's grinnyhead.

Make New Friends But Keep the Old

2011-10-09T21:28:00.000-04:00

As a kid in the Girl Scouts, Mom learned a bunch of songs that she shares with me from time-to-time. Some are super silly and some have good lessons to keep in mind. For example, "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold." It works really well sung in a round. I'm still trying to figure out singing in the round, but I really the new friend, old friend part.

Mom and I went on a road trip in August to see some old friends.

We stopped to have lunch with our friend Jenn in Richmond.

I got to say hi to my up-and-coming new friend too! I am happy to share with you that she was born on September 9th. Welcome to the world Audrey Elizabeth!

From Richmond we hit the road again, stopped in Newport News for the weekend, and stayed with my buddy Naomi. Click on Naomi's name for a recap of some of our past shenanigans.

I got to meet her little brother Jude. Their mom and dad, Ruth and Brian, are super cool and great friends with Mom.

There is a lot of silliness when we're all together. We painted the outside of a cardboard box with GOBS of paint. We went walking in the moonlight along the James River. We played at the beach along the York River: poking at jellyfish, collecting seashells, making sandcastles, using driftwood as paddles, and striking a few yoga poses with Mom and Ruth. The blanket tent in the living room was a hit. Seafood on Saturday night and pastries on Sunday morning in Williamsburg were YUMMY!

Thanks all for a great silver and gold road trippin' weekend!

Paddlin' the New

2011-10-08T23:50:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the New River: the oldest river in North America and second oldest only to the Nile River as the oldest river in the entire world. Despite Hurricane Irene pounding the coast and some of our friends and family in Richmond, we took advantage of the eerily beautiful August day (Yeah, I know it's October! We've got some catching up to do!). The cloud formations were captivating and the constant gentle breeze was wonderful.

Paul and I got Mom set up in the hammock to relax with her lame ankle

and then headed out in the boat.

Paul paddled for a while. I was all grins.

Then I paddled for a while.

I'm learning about how to launch and dock the boat.

Once back on land, I couldn't resist some goofy time in the hammock.

Plan B

2011-08-22T16:00:00.001-04:00

Did you know that Mom stays up and does stuff around the house after she puts me to bed? I'm just now figuring this out and am most curious as to what she is doing. I used to simply get out of bed, walk out of my room, and sidle up to her in her office, in the kitchen, in her room folding laundry, reading a book, whatever. Plan A for my investigative work didn't fare out so well. She usually got frustrated that I was out of bed AGAIN (on my third or fourth visit from my room) and I usually end up in tears.

That's when I rolled out Plan B. I sneak out to a place where I can keep tabs on Mom without her knowing where I am. It's been working well so far with the exception of one night. I got a little sleepy and found this cushy little spot.

This is where Mom found me before she went to bed. I think Mom has caught on to my Plan B.

Plan C?

Road Trip! Bound for Durham and Raleigh, NC

2011-08-18T23:02:00.001-04:00

On July 22, Mom, Sprout and I fueled up the trusty ol' GTI and headed south. Baby Alex was turning four weeks old the next day and we just had to go see him along the way to Raleigh.

He is teeeeny tiny and so cute - just had to tickle him. Thanks Elizabeth, Tom, Sarah, Peter and Alex for letting us stop by to see you.

Aunt Lelley was ready for us with pizza for dinner. Yum!

Saturday morning we headed to downtown Raleigh and the children's museum, Marbles.

Has any one seen my marbles? I've lost my marbles. Aunt Lelley is going to help me find them.

Marbles was fantastic!!

I drove Mom around in my convertible.

Aunt Lelley and I sailed the high seas.

I suited up and put out a fire.

The train table had me entranced for a while.

I did some grocery shopping - lots of veggies, whole grains, juice, and fruit (gotta fuel my fruitarian habits),

unloaded my reusable cloth bag in the kitchen,

and cooked up a delish meal for myself.

Raleigh was HOT so I was happy to play with the boats and soak myself. And that was just the first floor!

I raced up to the second floor, constructed my race car, and took it to the drag races. Luckily there were no limitations on height for race entrants.

Then we were off to the workshop. Grandaddy will be so proud of me.

Sawing (Please note how safety conscious I am.)

Sanding

Drilling (Who needs battery power when I've got Thacker POWER?)

Screwing

After all that hard work inside the workshop, Mom and I decided to ride a few miles with the guys on the last big race day of the 2011 Tour de France.

We're in such great shape, we didn't even break a sweat and smiled through the whole experience.

What a fun Saturday morning!! After lunch and a BIG nap that afternoon, we played in the neighborhood pool. I love playing in the water. I smiled and laughed the entire time we were in the pool. Mom says if I can just figure out how to keep my mouth closed, I'd be golden. Whatever Mom! I'm having fun, and I'm a boy not a fish.

We finished up the weekend in Raleigh at Falls Lake State Park. It was HOT so I was happy with my new found slow and steady friend.

Throwing rocks and playing with sticks at the lake's edge was fun too. See you again soon! I've almost caught you up on all of my summer adventures!

Road Trip! Bound for Wilmington, Delaware

2011-08-17T16:30:00.000-04:00

If you ask me what street I live on, I'll respond "Northview Drive!" If you ask me what city I live in, I'll respond, "Roanoke!" If you ask me what state I live in, I'll respond, "Virginia!" If you ask me what state Annie and Stefan live in, I'll respond, "Delaware!"

Mom, Sprout and I loaded up and headed north for the 4th of July to visit our friends Annie and Stefan and their furry kids: Wolfie and Kiki.

Watching my movies in between travel games with Mom

My furry back seat sidekick all buckled in for the ride too

Watching the magic of the evening primroses open with Annie

Which one will open next?

Playing in the sprinkler in Annie's beautiful garden. I'm running around squealing in delight. Can you see me?

Exchanging pleasantries with the peacock at the co-op where I scored some berries and lemonade

Staying cool with my lemonade

On July 4th, we all loaded up, Stefan donned his custom driving gloves (he cut the finger tips out of them), and we headed to Longwood Gardens for an evening of playing in the gardens, yummy food, and of course, FIREWORKS!!

I loved playing in the Indoor Children's Garden.

Little water squirts

A wall of water droplets

Water doesn't run uphill. It leaps and I'm going to catch it!

More water fun.

Playing the big xylophone.

After dinner, I rolled in the grass to help my food digest. It's better than eating the grass like Sprout sometimes does.

While in my super secret shrub hideout, I noticed that it was getting dark. Time to head for the FIREWORKS!! They were amazing!! Stefan took this great picture.

Thanks Annie, Stefan, Wolfie and Kiki for a great 4th of July weekend full of memorable times and great food!

P.S. Thanks for letting Mom and I nap for hours and hours each day. Naps on vacation are the best. We were apparently whooped.

The Big Screen

2011-08-16T16:30:00.002-04:00

On Saturday June 25th Aunt Niecy and Cousin Bailey came over for a fun summer day. In Roanoke, you know it's summer when the historic Grandin Theatre shows free cartoons on Saturday mornings.

Bailey and I liked the movie but our favorite part of the day came after the movie: sharing some cupcakes at Viva la Cupcake, playing on the Virginia Heights Elementary School playground, and eating Grace's Pizza.

Bailey is my buddy.

Summer Time

2011-08-15T21:27:00.000-04:00

The summer solstice hit and I've been hahahappy!

Backyard pool with water features. YAY!

Too cool for the pool!

Roller Derby Dude

2011-06-20T23:27:00.000-04:00

Just before going to bed last Thursday night, the UPS man left a package on my front door. I retrieved the box. Mom helped me open it, and CHECK IT OUT!! Look what was inside!!

Roller skates!!! Thanks Aunt Sydney!!

Now if I could just find a comb to stick in my back pocket of my jeans while wearing these skates, I'd be set.

Watch out roller derby girls!