Touch a truck!

Touch a truck!,
Originally uploaded by jcroach.

Here's a cute picture of Parker driving the soy bio-diesel powered bus at the Bloomington Parks and Rec "Touch a Truck" event. If only his legs were longer he'd be driving it.

Reunions and Soda Jerks

So, I missed my 10 year college reunion last weekend. OK, so maybe I didn't really miss it all that much. None of my old friends form DPU were going to be there anyway. We'll take Parker to a couple more DPU football games in the fall. That's a lot more fun than a reunion anyway.

Speaking of the mid 1990s, I saw that one of my favorite bands from that time has a new album coming out. Buffalo Tom's "Three Easy Pieces" is scheduled for release on July 10th. This is their first new studio album since 1998's "Smitten." One of my fraternity brothers turned me on to them my freshman year. My brother George and I crammed into a car with him and a couple of other guys on "Sibling weekend" and headed to Indy to see them at this little hole in the wall all ages club in Indy called Second Ave. back in 1994. They put on a great show, but haven't been back to Indiana since. Maybe they'll pass through Bloomington this time around. I'll never get tired of songs like "Soda Jerk", "Tail Lights Fade" and "Souvenir."

Another great early 1990s band has a new album coming out. Smashing Pumpkin's new album Zeitgeist is also scheduled for release on that same day. Their first since 2000.

An education in the Dark Continent

Our friend Eric Williams, who's a social studies teacher at Lebanon Middle School, recently got back from a 2 week African safari. He was awarded a Teacher Creativity Fellowship grant from the Lilly Endowment to take the safari and use what he learned in the classroom. We haven't gotten a chance to talk to Eric yet or see his pictures, which I'm sure are amazing, but you can read all about it online at the Lebanon Reporter.

Pac-man's Skeleton?

Found this on the web. Ever wonder what's under Pac-man's shiny yellow skin? This sculpture was created in 2002 by French artist Le Gentil Garcon with help from a paleontologist.

Battle of the Bands

Thought I'd pass this on for some free advertising. My cousin, Jack Waggoner, has band, The Strokin' Aces, that's trying to get seen and heard in the Indy music scene. They're playing in a Battle of the Bands at Birdy's nightclub in Indianapolis on Sunday, June 3rd. So, if you're in indy that weekend and want to hear some good live music, check them out!

BEST PARTY EVER!

Parker jumping,
Originally uploaded by chmcelwee.

MacyAnn Hill had her 4th birthday party this weekend. They rented a big bouncy thing that looked like a castle. Parker wasn't so sure at first, but as you can see, he quickly got the hang of it! He loved it, and so did I actually!!! It was so much fun and it was fun to see our friends too! The Hills have now set the bar very high for the birthday party entertainment!

The Birthday Girl

MacyAnn,
Originally uploaded by chmcelwee.

Here is cute MacyAnn!

"Parker Do It"

Parker Climbing,
Originally uploaded by chmcelwee.

Parker is getting so big! He will be 20-months old this week! He is becoming more independent every day. His new favorite thing to say is "Parker Do It" It is fun to watch him try all of these new things-but it takes much longer to get ready in the morning. This picture is him climbing at the park - he is very independent and has no fear - I am not sure that is the best combination!

Just Chillin'

Parker and Daddy,
Originally uploaded by chmcelwee.

Parker and his Daddy-just watching some cartoons on a Saturday morning.

Weeping and gnashing of teeth

I had a real shock yesterday. Part of my tooth broke off! I was sitting in my office, chewing on a pen, talking to a local engineer, and my tooth broke! It totally freaked me out. Now, I've had teeth falling out dreams before. Those dreams are usually interpreted as reflecting anxiety about body image or as being an over-exaggeration of your worries and anxiety. Well, the second one would have fit me, that's for sure. I wish it had all been a dream, but it wasn't. I even kept the piece that broke off thinking the dentist could glue it back on or something. No such luck. Looks like I'm going to need a 3/4 crown. This will be my first major dental work - I never had braces or a root canal - so I'm a little nervous. Maybe while I'm in the chair the dentist can fit me for a set of those diamond grills all the kids are wearing. Dinkin' flicka!