Last week I realized that Sundays have become one of my least favorite days of the week filled with laundry, cleaning, etc. I asked the rest of the Heinisch family if we could change it up this week. So, this afternoon Cal, Cam, Doug and I played nine holes of golf. Still have some work to do on my game, but overall we had a great time - Cal chipped it in twice, Doug had a birdie and Cam shot his all time low.
Doug grilled pizza for dinner and afterwards Meg and I took a bike ride. I didn't quite have the stamina she does, but I did alright. It's a good thing we bought Brett a truck. It was a lot easier hauling my bike home when I had to give up!! We followed Meg back as she finished up our trip! I think three miles might be all my legs are up for yet! Doug and I were even able to finish up the evening with a walk.
I still worked on the laundry today and spent an hour of more arranging a student credit card for Brett. It was nice, however, to do something besides housework! I even taught Brett how to do his own laundry, so he'll be ready for college.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Mini Vacation
We arrived home at 4 this afternoon, exhausted, but happy! It was a great mini vacation, jammed pack full of activities. Along with the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame yesterday, we were able to play a round of "Goofy Golf." It became a little tense as Doug was easily the winner, Brett had at least ten putts circle the hole and bounce out, and Cam found it to be the most challenging miniature golf course he had ever played. Ice cream at Coldstone Creamery was next on our agenda, so no one could stay disappointed too long.
We spent the evening at a Hampton Inn a block off of the Bowling Green State University campus. Cal and Doug were able to play a round of nine while Cam and Meg swam and Brett read. On this trip Brett was able to finish a memoir of Pope Frances and several chapters of American Betrayal in the hope of soon starting Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Heinisch children were thrilled to see a Buffalo Wild Wings right outside our hotel room window in the parking lot. Dinner was spent there soaking in the Ohio sports atmosphere and boneless wings.
We were up early today, so that Cam, Meg, Brett and I could take in the Toledo Zoo. It was a great experience. Cam loved the gorilla that was sitting in the window ready for a picture and the hippos enjoying a bath. Brett's favorite was the orangatun and Meg enjoyed the polar bears. Doug and Cal were happy to be able to take in another round of golf, before we headed home.
Overall, it was great to get away. Pretty soon the demands of school will end our summer jaunts. Until then, we will enjoy these carefree days!
We spent the evening at a Hampton Inn a block off of the Bowling Green State University campus. Cal and Doug were able to play a round of nine while Cam and Meg swam and Brett read. On this trip Brett was able to finish a memoir of Pope Frances and several chapters of American Betrayal in the hope of soon starting Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Heinisch children were thrilled to see a Buffalo Wild Wings right outside our hotel room window in the parking lot. Dinner was spent there soaking in the Ohio sports atmosphere and boneless wings.
We were up early today, so that Cam, Meg, Brett and I could take in the Toledo Zoo. It was a great experience. Cam loved the gorilla that was sitting in the window ready for a picture and the hippos enjoying a bath. Brett's favorite was the orangatun and Meg enjoyed the polar bears. Doug and Cal were happy to be able to take in another round of golf, before we headed home.
Overall, it was great to get away. Pretty soon the demands of school will end our summer jaunts. Until then, we will enjoy these carefree days!
Friday, July 5, 2013
Cleveland Rocks
We started our mini vacation at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH. This year's special exhibit was 50 years of the Rolling Stones. As they are Doug's favorite band, we had to check it out. This has been our 4th trip to the Hall and once again, well worth it. The Stones exhibit was jammed packed with memorabilia and highlights (and people) of their long time career. I still find it challenging to look at them, but their music of the 1960s was fantastic. It is amazing to me that they have physically survived this long with the fast life they have led.
We enjoyed the Hall's multitude of other exhibits as well. Cal has always been an Elvis fan and there was a large selection on his career. In fact the Hall has designated him as the Father of Rock N Roll and it is hard to argue with that. There was also sections devoted to the Beatles, important early influences to the beginning of Rock N Roll, and to the cities of musical trends - Detroit, San Francisco and more recently Seattle to name a few. We all liked the outrageous outfits on display - Michael Jackson, Madonna, James Brown, etc. Meg and I discussed the fact that Mick Jagger could probably fit into even the skinniest woman's clothing on display! One of the highlights for me was the small exhibit on Rick Nelson. It replays a 10 minute documentary of his music and what he loved about being a teen idol. I absolutely loved watching The Ozzie and Harriet Show in reruns when I was Meg's age and remember exactly where I was when his plane went down New Year's Eve 1985 (Granny and Paw Paw's in Florida.)
As I reflect on our visit while watching Cam swim at the hotel, I have come to realize that there weren't a lot of families with young children at the Hall today. Most were Brett and Cal's age. All four of ours enjoyed the trip, but I wonder if that is because we have exposed them to so much of what we like that they were glad to finally see what we are talking about. Music and the history of it are a huge part of Life in the Heinisch Home. Can't imagine a trip without it! Tomorrow I will add a "new" old song to the rotation - Garden Party!
We enjoyed the Hall's multitude of other exhibits as well. Cal has always been an Elvis fan and there was a large selection on his career. In fact the Hall has designated him as the Father of Rock N Roll and it is hard to argue with that. There was also sections devoted to the Beatles, important early influences to the beginning of Rock N Roll, and to the cities of musical trends - Detroit, San Francisco and more recently Seattle to name a few. We all liked the outrageous outfits on display - Michael Jackson, Madonna, James Brown, etc. Meg and I discussed the fact that Mick Jagger could probably fit into even the skinniest woman's clothing on display! One of the highlights for me was the small exhibit on Rick Nelson. It replays a 10 minute documentary of his music and what he loved about being a teen idol. I absolutely loved watching The Ozzie and Harriet Show in reruns when I was Meg's age and remember exactly where I was when his plane went down New Year's Eve 1985 (Granny and Paw Paw's in Florida.)
As I reflect on our visit while watching Cam swim at the hotel, I have come to realize that there weren't a lot of families with young children at the Hall today. Most were Brett and Cal's age. All four of ours enjoyed the trip, but I wonder if that is because we have exposed them to so much of what we like that they were glad to finally see what we are talking about. Music and the history of it are a huge part of Life in the Heinisch Home. Can't imagine a trip without it! Tomorrow I will add a "new" old song to the rotation - Garden Party!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
4th of July
The 4th of July is always one of our favorite holidays as it is also Doug's birthday. How great it is to know that he always has a day off from work and there are fireworks to end a day of celebration. Today we went to my cousin's for a cookout/pool party. We then stopped by the mall to pick up Doug's present at the Apple Store and several books from Barnes & Noble.
The boys went golfing while I packed for the weekend in Cleveland. A bonfire, sparklers, and lasso golf all made for a great night at home. Doug opened his gifts to find that everyone decided to replenish his wine bar! German Chocolate cake, raspberry pie, sugar cookies and ice cream were on hand for dessert. The only disappointing part of the evening was the fireworks. It was not the town of Syracuse's fault. Last year we sat under the Arch in St. Louis listening to the band Heart watching the fireworks. There wasn't much this year that could compare, but at least now we know where the Heinisch children want to go next year for Independence Day!
The boys went golfing while I packed for the weekend in Cleveland. A bonfire, sparklers, and lasso golf all made for a great night at home. Doug opened his gifts to find that everyone decided to replenish his wine bar! German Chocolate cake, raspberry pie, sugar cookies and ice cream were on hand for dessert. The only disappointing part of the evening was the fireworks. It was not the town of Syracuse's fault. Last year we sat under the Arch in St. Louis listening to the band Heart watching the fireworks. There wasn't much this year that could compare, but at least now we know where the Heinisch children want to go next year for Independence Day!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Vacation
Vacation officially started this evening. Tried to go to Joe's Ice Cream, a local favorite, but it was packed! The Heinisch children didn't complain too loudly as we had taken Parce with us to Golden Corrall earlier in the day. Cal had even passed on the trip for ice cream as he was still full from trying to out eat Parce. They had talked pretty big before we left, thinking of having a "Monster Thick Burger" from Hardee's as an appetizer. "It only has 1300 calories, Mom!"
Before we tried Joe's, Doug and I walked through the neighborhood. There were a lot of families out and about. We were stopped by several. Right now the big story in our town is the resignation of the boys head basketball at our high school. Everyone has an opinion and wants to ask ours. (We don't really have one. Cal loves playing basketball and will adapt to whomever the coach is!)
We ended the evening with our own personal firework show. Some were duds, but the last one made up for them all. Our neighbors were shooting off several of the big ones as well, so all in all a great start to our four day weekend!
Before we tried Joe's, Doug and I walked through the neighborhood. There were a lot of families out and about. We were stopped by several. Right now the big story in our town is the resignation of the boys head basketball at our high school. Everyone has an opinion and wants to ask ours. (We don't really have one. Cal loves playing basketball and will adapt to whomever the coach is!)
We ended the evening with our own personal firework show. Some were duds, but the last one made up for them all. Our neighbors were shooting off several of the big ones as well, so all in all a great start to our four day weekend!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Summer Cookout
Well, we survived a summer cookout with nine 7th graders. Meg had asked if she got all A's this year, if she could have a party. She held up her end of the bargain, so tonight was the get together she had wanted. Until this week I didn't realize how much she and her friends had been planning this. There was a guest list of both boys and girls, and for the most part they all got along well.
The night started with a round of badminton. That turned into a wiffel ball game. Doug made hamburgers and hot dogs. They then had an egg toss, played dodge ball and a couple of games of sardines. A bonfire with s'mores, snow cones and Wii party ended the evening of fun.
As I drove the girls home, one of them said, "This has been the best night ever." I was glad to hear that. It is challenging to entertain both boys and girls of that age, but as they all know each other so well, they easily included everyone. I promised the girls that they could have a bonfire after one of the high school football games this fall. Let the planning begin!
The night started with a round of badminton. That turned into a wiffel ball game. Doug made hamburgers and hot dogs. They then had an egg toss, played dodge ball and a couple of games of sardines. A bonfire with s'mores, snow cones and Wii party ended the evening of fun.
As I drove the girls home, one of them said, "This has been the best night ever." I was glad to hear that. It is challenging to entertain both boys and girls of that age, but as they all know each other so well, they easily included everyone. I promised the girls that they could have a bonfire after one of the high school football games this fall. Let the planning begin!
Monday, July 1, 2013
First Time in Three Years
Today I did something that I hadn't done in three years - I played golf. I can't believe that I waited that long to go out again. We have a family membership. Cal plays almost everyday. Doug goes out once or twice a week with one or more of the Heinisch children. So, why have I waited so long to do something that used to mean the world to mean. I guess life happens is all I can say!
I did have a lot of fun. Brett, Parce, Mom, Meg, Cam and I made a unique group. I would love to say I beat everyone, but my putting and a horrible number nine led to my demise. Still I was able to shoot a legitimate 51 and it left me wanting to play again. Thus, not to bad for a first time out in three years! Pretty soon, even Cal will want to play with me (Ha! Ha!)
I did have a lot of fun. Brett, Parce, Mom, Meg, Cam and I made a unique group. I would love to say I beat everyone, but my putting and a horrible number nine led to my demise. Still I was able to shoot a legitimate 51 and it left me wanting to play again. Thus, not to bad for a first time out in three years! Pretty soon, even Cal will want to play with me (Ha! Ha!)
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