Christmas in June

Christmas in June,
Originally uploaded by jcroach.

Not exactly sure what Parker asked Santa Claus for Christmas, but I just love that grin. He probably asked for a pair of "Hulk Smash Hands" like he keeps seeing at Target.

Holiday World Trip

Carousel,
Originally uploaded by jcroach.

Just got back from Holiday World. Parker had a blast! It was a little too chilly to really enjoy the water and he was a little too shirt to do any of the water slide, but he loved spending time with his cousins and Grandma McElwee (or "EeEe" i.e. Granny as he calls her). I you have kids between 2 and about 14, I highly recommend Holiday World. Crowds aren't too big, the park isn't too big, free parking, free drinks, free sunscreen, lots of kids things to do, three big roller coasters, reasonably priced all around. Hopefully we can go again next year!

Artists for Obama

Here's some great new Obama posters donated to the campaign by American artists. I'd love to get my hands on a couple of autographed prints of these.

A nice evening drive

A nice evening drive,
Originally uploaded by jcroach.

Parker and a new friend enjoying a drive through the carnival. He's got the turning left thing down. Holiday world here we come!

Ready to surf!

Ready to swim,
Originally uploaded by jcroach.

A great picture taken by Cate Waggoner of Parker at Jack and her house. It looks like he's getting ready to attack the big waves. We took him to the local carnival last night and had to drag him off of some of the rides. So, between the pool and the carnival, he's had a good preview of our trip to Holiday World this weekend!

Baracknophobia

Another classic from Jon Stewart and the Daily Show on completely unfounded internet rumors about Barack Obama.

New Clone Wars Trailer

Maybe I'll find a way to see The Incredible Hulk in the next couple of weeks. Until then, here's a new trailer for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, out August 15th.

Yes we can!

Unless you've been living under a rock the last few days, you should know that Barack Obama is now the presumptive Democratic candidate for President. It's been an exciting primary season, but November can't come soon enough! I really wish we could have been one of the 17,000 to see him speak when he was in Bloomington last month. Want to know more about Senator Obama? Click Here!

Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes,
Originally uploaded by jcroach.

Here's a cute picture of Parker that Cathy took this past weekend. He's looking for buried treasure at the Indiana Dunes State Park.

Can you give me some privacy?

Can you give me some privacy? ,
Originally uploaded by jcroach.

Parker taking care of some paperwork. We're bound to use this as blackmail on him once he starts dating.

Jedi Parker

Jedi Parker,
Originally uploaded by jcroach.

Here's a cute picture of Parker at Brian Popovitz's house, taken by Chad Wells. Parker got into a vicious light saber fight with Jon Beard's son Will. I hope he doesn't turn to the dark side.

Bon Voyage Nigel, Helen and Ellie

Our friends Nigel Pizzini and Helen Gremillion and their daughter Ellie left Bloomington Saturday for New Zealand. Nigel is a native Kiwi and has lived in various parts of the world and the country since leaving New Zealand. He's lived in Bloomington for the past 6 years and we got to know him when we were volunteering with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. We've been friends ever since and have gotten to know his family. We wish the Pizzini/Gremillion family the best of luck in their new home and jobs. Nigel is going to be a full time Dad! Maybe we'll save our pennies and try to visit them some day!

Potty Training: Done

Well, that was easy. What's the big deal? Parker was potty trained in a little less than 2 weeks. Well, we've been working with his for almost a year, but once he decided he was ready to do it all the time, he was ready. He now wears big boy underwear all the time, except for long car rides and at night. And even then, the extra precaution hasn't been necessary. We were even away from home the last two weekends and he had only two accidents. I don't even count one because it was at the end of a 3 hour car ride and we were stuck in construction traffic in Chicago. He went 4 times at Denny's on Friday night! Our baby is growing up! Next big step, tricycle proficiency.