Bugs Palace!

First up, I would like to wish my baby sister Katie and her new husband Brian all the best. The two crazy kids FINALLY tied the knot. The day was fantastic. Katie looked beautiful and I can’t even begin to express how proud of I was of the kids (Reese included). They couldn’t have done a better job of being flower girls and ring bearer. Congrats guys!!! I wish you all the best!!

Speaking of Katie and Brian they also finally moved into their new house. Months of rebuilding have finally been coming to an end. All the hard work has really paid off. You wouldn’t even know its the same place in there. They have done a great job and really put their touch on it.

Automotive updates : MINI is still for sale. I’m in no rush to sell it, but sure would be nice to free up some money. Good news is, I do love the car and if it doesn’t sell I won’t loose any sleep over it. Only catch is, until the MINI sells, I can’t really move much on my new project. That’s right. Last month I picked up a new project car. Or rather truck. It’s a 2000 Chevy Silverado. Regular cab, short bed. Little rough around the edges but it is the definition of clean slate.  I’m thinking of an SS clone but thats gonna take some time.  Over the winter I’m hoping to do some of the cosmetic touches to make it look decent and install the stereo and maybe even install the suspension. Time and money will dictate how fast I move on it.

Lastly tomorrow we are loading  up the Jeep and heading to Florida !!! Been a long time coming but the day is finally here. We were supposed to be going last year, so this really is long over due. Mickey Mouse, here we come!!!

Our pics from the wedding are HERE

Schools back folks. No more short weeks, quiet tasks while going in and out of schools at will. Time to deal with staff and students as well as dress codes and time limits. Oh well, I really do like most staff members, and the kids are the reason I have a job so I guess I can’t really complain. Especially since one of the students is my wonderful little girl. She has started full-day-every-day schedule. No more kindergarten schedules. It’s all grade 1 now. She’s pretty tired each evening and worn right out by the end of the week, but so far she is taking it like a champ. I can only pray it continues for the rest of the year. Right now our toughest thing to deal with is our little man wanting to go to school each day with his sister. Next year bud..

With school starting up, its that time of year for our wedding anniversary. As of September the 6th, Shannon and I have officially been married for 10 years. Happy anniversary to my beautiful wife.

To celebrate our 10th year as a married couple, we spent the night in Niagara Falls with the kids. Started out Friday night having dinner with my family on Lundy’s lane then back down to the Falls to watch the fireworks over the water. The next morning Shannon and Foxxxy ran a 5k “Run or Dye” race. Was pretty neat, and I am very proud of her for deciding to do this and actually following through with it.

FINALLY the US Steel lockout is OVER! Vote last night was tight, but they decided in favor of the latest offer. Now everyone can get back to work and life can hopefully get back to normal. I know it was hard, but watching my old man do whatever it takes to make ends meet during the lockout shows just what it takes to be a man who provides for his family. Hopefully I never have to be in that situation. But If I am, I hope to have the strength to handle it as well as Dad did. It may have nearly killed him as he can’t work like he’s 20 anymore, but he is still standing. I think he deserves a visit to the mouse house. Only 40 days to go!

Katie and Brian’s house is coming closer to completion. Seems to be more of a never ending project then my bug, but it’s getting there. Nearly livable now. Hopefully another couple weeks and all will be done.. Or at least enough to move them and their new fur-babies in. Oh, right. The fur-babies. They adopted a pair of spaniels. CUTE little buggers. Archie and Reggie. Both black with typical spaniel looks. Did I mention cute?

As mentioned above, Florida trip is coming up soon! As is Katie/Brians wedding. Where did this summer go? At least both the wedding and trip are nearly sorted all out. Both should be a good time. Can’t wait!  After seeing the kids in the Disney store last night, I’m afraid they may totally lose their minds in the Magic  Kingdom.

With the trips coming soon, that means summer is coming to an end 🙁  Despite all attempts to slow down time, school is fast approaching (my little baby is starting Gr1… Seriously).  We had a lot of fun this summer. Didn’t do nearly as much as we’d have liked but it was fun anyways. Also go to knock out a couple ballparks on the MLB list. 36 hour tour and we can now knock Baltimore Oriels (Camden Yards) and Pittsburgh Pirates (PNC Park). Wish the kids could have made the trip, but I’m pretty sure they had more fun with Grandma then they would have in the Jeep for nearly 30 hours solid over 2 days.

Been able to do lots of driving in the bug this summer. So nice finally being appraised, insured and have the car at a point where I can simply go to the garage, hop in, turn the key and go. Makes all these years of tinkering worth it. Only real tasks left to do are to add bumpers, new carb(s), new exhaust and some interior additions. Hopefully get at least the bumpers knocked out this winter officially finishing the exterior look I have had in mind all these years.

Nothing new to report from the rest of the fleet. MINI, Wrangler, and CBR seem to behaving. Jeep gave a little troubles this summer, but warranty fixed that right up. It’s really funny owning a convertible and a motorcycle. As soon as you buy ‘open’ vehicles you find yourself becoming a meteorologist. ANY day in the open air : Is a good day. When was the last time you seen a motorcycle or a Jeep outside the shrinks office? Exactly 😉

Enough for now. Time to shower up and head over to the park for the town end-of-summer festival.  Until next time. GO YANKS GO.