Monster Trucks

When my kids kept talking about the Monster Truck they saw on the way to school, I knew that I needed to find a way to educate my kids about what a real Monster Truck looked (and sounded) like. We got the opportunity on January 26 to go. I suckered in 27 other people to come with us to the event held were we go to see Kings games. Needless to say, there wasn't much room for them to showcase their skills, but it was my kids first time (and mine) to a real live Monster Truck event. I would like to go again if I can find a venue where they have more room to maneuvur. Plus, I have to get Jesse out next time.

Afterwards, we went to the nicest McDonald's I have ever been. They had corian counters, hand scooped Breyer's ice cream, crown moulding, metal work, and real flowers in bud vases. You might think that we were in a posh area, but it was closer to being in the hood.


This truck could show up to your Birthday party for the right price! If only they would let you drive it!


Bulldozer won the freestyle competition. Here he is getting some good air.

The crowd favorite was Grave Digger. He beats Arachnaphobia here in the head to head. He was tearing it up on the freestyle, but ended rolling over. It looked a little planned, but the crowd loved it.

Week at Tahoe

We decided it was time for a good winter getaway over the Martin Luther King weekend. It was a busy time outside of Glenbrook up at Tahoe, but for the most part, we had a peaceful week. We ran into some friends while we were up there and got to catch up at least a little bit. I took Blake and Cecilee skiing for the first time. I felt like the worst Dad ever when I got them to the mountain because it was 5 degrees when we got there, with a wind chill of -15. I was even too cold and stayed in the lodge the whole time reading up on my insurance literature. I would go out to take some photos/videos, but I could hardly hold the camera still. Luckily, the kids were taken in and out of their lodge often so they stayed warmer than me for the most part.

I was very impressed with their program. By the middle of the first day, Blake and Cece were going down the very gentle slope solo. They think Blake may be ready for chair lift at the middle of the next lesson. I am glad they are having fun. The second time there, Blake specifically asked that he not get a helmet. I guess he felt like a sissy for wearing one.

I took them again on Monday with my friend Scott. Cecilee couldn't join us because she started with a fever. It was a much better day skiing and I enjoyed skiing on parabolics for the first time. It was like getting 10 years younger.

Jesse enjoyed going out into the snow with the other kids. He came back as cold as a cucumber, but he was still mad that he had to come inside. He gets cabin fever worse than his daddy!

Blake also found a new past time while at the Lake, ice throwing. We got a good stick to break up the ice near the lake and then he would throw it. He would be lucky to get a foot or two, but he could do it for hours. Too bad we ran out of ice. It was even more of a bummer that the golf cart ran out of power on the way back and I had to push it uphill. I never thought it was that heavy of a cart, but I guess 8 car batteries gets a little heavy.