True Chinese Cuisine .....

That is the main subject of all the e-mails coming our way from China. Seems today they served an entire Chicken on a platter. Chicken complete with feet, neck and head. I am sure the Kasey thought that was the funniest thing in the world. And I am sure she took pictures of it.

The group visited Tianamen Square today. I am hoping the tour guide gave them the background of the area so they could get the entire WOW factor. They also visited the crystal coffin that Chairman Mao was laid to rest. And then they went to the Temple of Heaven and played a "wierd hacky sack" game like the Chinese did. From the e-mail, everyone bought a hacky sack! Tomorrow is Kasey's big concert in the Forbidden City.

I received an e-mail from Mom today too. She didn't say too much, just they are really busy with seeing everything and having a great time.

Summer Nights

When you live in Tampa Bay, it is a necessity to have have annual passes to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. Either you are going to the parks or one of the kids friends are going to the parks. Either way, you need a pass.

Our "understood" family rule is that we do not go to Busch Gardens (or any theme park) from April 15 - September 15th, it is just too hot. But we will go to Summer Nights at Busch Gardens. The park stays open to 10pm and they have some cool street music and entertainment, it is cooler weather wise and the lines are shorter. The kids think they are breaking some serious rules by staying out after dark! Ha Ha.

Here is a video of Trevor running through the water ..... It was about a million humid degrees at 9pm at night, well okay, it was about 85 degrees but the humidity was wicked! They needed to cool off! He is with his friend Aiden and my friend Susie ... Susie is the fun one, I'm the photographer !!

Here are some pictures of our 1st trip to Summer Nights.......

{Erin and Aiden on the Gwazi Bats}

{Rachael and Trevor on the Gwazi Bats}

{Trevor and his partner in crime, Aiden, pounding back the juicey cups}

{Duh, the orangutans escaped - Seriously, one did}

{Erin getting ready to go into the tiger cage pop-up window}

{Trevor checking out the water play place @ Jungala}

{Playing in the water play area with a pink swim diaper}

{Trevor & Aiden in the climby thingy}

{oh yeah, I wanna jump}

{Trevor really liked the water}

{In the crawl space under the tiger exhibit, too cool}

{I think is was a butterfly, but I'm really not sure}

{I was told it is a grasshopper, I dunno}

{Rachael and Korie}

Shopping in China

My mom was able to get an e-mail off before their flight to Beijing. They had a blast their last day in Shanghai. They did some serious shopping and I can't wait to see what they found along the way. Nothing is better than Chinese Trinket shopping!! Kasey made a good dent in her "to buy for" list, I am sure.

The latest update said that internet access in Beijing is touch and go. The hotel doesn't have any access in the rooms. They landed in Beijing at 3:14am our time. The hotel is nice, newly renovated. I should be receiving another update once the group arrives back at the hotel, which should be in about 1 hour.

Chinese Chicken Feet ....

The e-mail I recieve was from last 10am yesterday, China time. We just received the e-mail from from today with today's highlights. They went to the Silk Factory and were grossed out by silk worms. Apparantly many of them didn't realize where silk came from. The highlight of the day was practicing with the Chinese Orchestra, they played authentic Chinese instruments and everyone had a great time, there was a lot of laughter from both sides.

Today, the food wasnt' so good. One of the offerings was Chicken Feet and Bamboo Shoots. Most students left the food on the plates, some tried it. They didn't want to ask what it was in fear that they wouldn't be able to stomach it, but they did and they were freaked out.

I don't think I will hear from Kasey or Mom tomorrow, they are traveling to Beijing.

Having a Great Time in China

I received an e-mail last night @ 10pm our time. The orchestra was busy practicing for their big performance before they hit the Silk Factory and Yu Gardens. Mom said that sounded wonderful. The weather is nice and a little overcast, apparently there is alot of smog. Kasey encountered her first squatter toilet, and passed on it, waiting in line for a "western one". She did take a picture!! The culture is drastically different, she is in a little shock. They are enjoying the food (imagine that), they said it was amazing. Their dinner last night was at a very nice restaurant on the water in the "The Bund" district.

They are having the time of their lives! Taking lots of pictures to share! It is now 10:05pm on Thursday in China, they are leaving at 8am for Beijing.

I'll update again when I receive the next e-mail.

Off, Off and away ..... to China

I am happy to report that they are at the gate in Chicago waiting to board. They will fly directly to China and land at 1:55pm (June 25th) China time, which is 1:55am (June 25th) our time. China is exactly 12 hours ahead of us!

Kasey and Nanny got a good nights sleep in Chicago. They were unable to have dinner with Tara because Kasey was so late arriving. They did go to a local well known Chicago eatery for dinner and back to the hotel to pass out.

I'll update the trip along the way, we are on a distribution list and receive updates everyday.

It makes me want to burst out a really bad rendition of John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane" !! ha ha ha ....

It's a Big Daddy Birthday

Today is Erin's Birthday! Happy Birthday to you! Hope you have a super day and great ready to party like a rock star - toddler style !! Save your calories, the kids got something special planned!

Even Kasey was able to give him a call, that is after she cleared security in the airport!!

We love you Erin!!

China Update

The update from the mass e-mail that gets sent out is that all the group has been confirmed on a flight. Kasey and Nanny are officially seperated. I spoke to my Mom a few minutes ago and she is in Washington DC on standby to get to Chicago. She gave me a cell phone number to reach Kasey. Kasey is doing fine in Tampa. She is confirmed on a 4:30pm flight going direct to Chicago with 17 others who did not make the previous flights. Kasey says she is a little tired and a lot bored and just wants to be in Chicago. The good news is that the chaperones said the kids are being great!

I know Kasey is still in Tampa, see the below picture:

{I would have preferred her face, but I'll take what I can get}

Kasey & Nanny are off to China

Well, not really. The organization that is handling the entire trip failed to have some of the Visa's cleared. They are not going to China today.

Because of this the entire group has missed the plane to Chicago. They are currently in the process of the finding everyone a seat on one of five flights heading to Chicago this afternoon. Kasey and my Mom (Kasey calls her Nanny) will be on broken up. However, Nanny is on the first plane out, and Kasey will follow on the 3rd flight with the Orchestra Director. They will meet in the Chicago and head to the hotel.

However, I have a brother in Chicago that they may visit and I think Nanny is going to take Kasey on a "Duck Tour" since she has not been to Chicago. Hey, when given lemons make some Lemonade!! So hopefully they will make it to Chicago in time to do that and then have time to go to dinner with Uncle Duane and Aunt Tara.

With the Visa's to be cleared by this afternoon, they will be off to Shanghai tomorrow am.

Here is a picture of the Orchestra on Friday.

The Boys Get Summer Cuts!

It's been a couple days since I have been able to post. My time gets away from me sometimes. We are busy getting ready for Kasey to go to China. It is now 5 days and counting until the plane wheels are up and she is on her way. There isn't a whole lot other than that going on. And the list of things to do for Kasey is getting smaller. We want everything to be ready to go, because this is a one shot deal. It will be a very long time before she is able to get this opportunity again.

Big Erin has had a lot of time off this week. He spent alot of time with the kids, saving Rachael and Erin from daycare. They do love our daycare, but Rachael doesn't like to get up in the morning. She has developed a love of sleep, usually not getting up until after 9:30am. We are in the midst of a vicious circle, she stays up late watching Nick at Night or her latest favorite show is Jon & Kate plus 8, and then she sleeps in causing her not to be tired the next night and sleeping in the next morning ... see the vicious circle?? Sometimes I think I am too lenient when it comes to summer bedtimes, but is is summer, so shouldn't I be a little lenient?

Another rite of summer is the Summer Cuts! Yup, Erin likes the boys to have their "summer cuts". They are cool and easy to manage. For those of you who don't know, Erin Jr's hair grows like a Chia Pet (he has 2 cowlicks in front & 2 in back) and Trevor has wavy hair, so when it grows he looks like a crazy man! Here are the pics of the boys with the new do's:

{Still missing that front tooth}

{Check out the wavy locks}

Happy Father's Day

Dear Erin,

Dearest Erin Quinn,
Husband and Daddy great.
We just want you to know
That you really, truly rate.

We love you very much,
And appreciate all you are.
At work you're a true champion,
At home you are a star!

This Father's Day wish is part
Of how we show our truest feelings.
Because when it comes to you
Our affection knows no kind of ceilings.

You're up so bright and early,
Around 10am every day. (tee hee hee)
Off to work for all of us,
Dear Erin, that's your way.

You're hot for one hot model,
Joanne Quinn is her name.
You dream that you're a muscle man,
And you know? I dare to dream the same!

'Course lately you've developed
Another talent if you will.
You're learning how to break more wind,
Ain't that a bitter pill!

You wrestle with the kids
And with our Roo & Trevor, play muscle man.
You like to tell Kasey and Rach that you're a rock star,
Well, you're NOT - - but they are still your fans.

Your favorite food is Turkey Subs,
You're great at many sports.
Go to lots of Soccer on Saturdays,
And drink your pints -- and quarts. (hummmm)

Watching comedy with you
Is always a great laugh.
Our time together is never enough,
Can I petition for time and a half?

Dear Erin, sweet husband,
Loving Father, dear old Dad.
Just know your family adores you,
In fact, we love you mad.

And on this Father's Day darling,
Our wishes are just for you.
A long and happy life dear,
With lots more laughter, too.

Our Niece Graduated from High School !!

It seems like just yesterday that she started Kindergarten. Where did the time go? She is on her way to College, holy cow!!

Look how beautiful she is! You go Xander!! But don't forget us little people when you are the CEO of that big company .....

We love you!

Next up in 2009 .. Kasey!!

More Rachael News

For those that know about our soccer addiction .....

Rachael made her Division 1 soccer team. Yes, this is the same team as last year, but you must tryout every year. And one thing I have learned is that it is never guaranteed that you will be chosen for your team.

She is talented, and if you ask her she will tell you! She loves the game and she loves everything about the game. Soccer is the "it" thing for her. She is a very good player .... I can even say that without looking through my "Mommy Goggles"!

Like usual .. WE ARE SO PROUD OF HER!!

Wordless Wednesday

It's almost China Time !!

Check out the ticker to the right! 12, count em', 12 days until Kasey and my Mom leave for China. That is amazing, time has flown. We have been busy getting her ready for China and I am getting more confused by the day. This is hard stuff.

She is going to play with the Chinese Orchestra in the Pre-Olympic Music Festival. Her High School Orchestra was chosen to participate. As a group they are traveling to Shanghai and then on to Beijing. Pretty exciting stuff for a rising High School Senior. They will be seeing all the awesome sites that makes China so beautiful and majestic. She is very excited except for the long plane ride. That I know she is dreading!!

We received this information a couple of days ago, but I don't see how they are going to be able to pack for 9 days and have the luggage only weigh 44 pounds! That is crazy. Think of all the stuff they have to pack! Oh my gosh ! They even need her to take a folding music stand. How much does that weigh? And where are we going to pack this? Oh, and check out the clothes, is that enough for 9 days??

Check this out:

Info from latest e-mail:
The baggage allowance for our trip to and from China on United Airlines allows for 2 checked bags up to 50 lbs each. This is PLENTY of room. The problem is within China we are only allowed 1 checked bag up to 44 lbs. In addition, on the way home, string students are taking home their instrument case as a souvenir. I would suggest each person use a medium sized suitcase to pack everything. You may want to start practice packing to get an idea of what you need. Here is a suggested packing list.

Clothing
2- pairs of school board approved shorts
2- pairs of pants ( 1 –jean, 1- slacks)
6- short sleeved shirts & china t-shirt
1- long sleeved shirt
1- tennis shoes
1- dress shoes or sandals
1- shower shoes AKA flip flops
1- nice outfit
1- pajamas
1- hat
1- pair of sunglasses
PLENTY of undergarments & socks
Uniform
Folding Music Stand
Address book

They have appointed a student the "blogger". She will be blogging and posting pictures along the way. Yup, I'll pass them along. Maybe there will even be a Kasey and Nanny sighting!!

Better Late Than Never News

With all the craziness that comes along with the school year coming to an end, I forgot to share pictures of Rachael accepting her "Brooker Brave of the Month" award. The chosen quality that the child needs to exemplify was "Joy". Her teacher told me that she brings joy to her classroom and to her classmates.

My response was something like this, "Ok?". Just kidding. If Rachael is anything, it is joyful. She is super funny and can make anyone laugh. This is why I struggle with disciplining her, because she makes me so angry but then does something totally funny and I struggle not to laugh. She has one liners and zingers that can make anyone laugh hysterically. And she does it with ease, it just comes naturally.

Rachael accepting her award with the Principal, Mrs. Lacy and a local Judge.

Toothless Erin

Erin lost his 3rd tooth yesterday, but it was his first TOP tooth. He looks to cute. I had to share these pics.

He lost it at school on the last day. He was able to visit the nurse's clinic one last time. Miss Karen is so nice to him. He told her that the tooth fairy brings $5 a tooth at our home. WHAT ?? That's crazy money for a 7 year old! I remember getting 50 cents for big teeth and being happy with it....

And, his tooth fairy's name is Vinny...I'm serious ...

School's Out for the Summer

Today is the last day of school. It is officially summer. No homework, no projects, no homework, no bedtimes, no homework, no packing lunches, and did I mention no homework?

The kids were crazy this morning. I don't know if they were excited or what, but crazy they were. Rachael gets very attached to her teacher, so I know saying goodbye to Mrs. Sawyer will be hard for Rach. Erin, well, he could care less. He's just happy to be done!!

In past years I have looked at summer as a huge headache. Trying to keep the kids busy and not bored seemed like an impossible task. Maybe I've mellowed out, but I really don't care a whole lot this year. This school year took a toll on me. It was a trying year, and there were many roadblocks and hurdles to get through. So this summer we will "Chill Out", swim, play outside, and ride our bikes until the mosquitos eat us alive. This will be the summer to go to Adventure Islands Water Park and Busch Gardens Summer Nights. No stress summer is the way to go.

So here are pics from last August 20th, 2007 and pics from today. Look at the faces, they have grown so much in year. They look a little more "new" in the picture from last August. It was time for school to be over.

Rachael's First Day of 4th Grade - August 2007

Erin's First Day of 1st Grade- August 2007

Last Day of School - June 4th, 2008

Check out Rachael's Yellow Patrol Belt!!

Happy Hurricane Season

Today is the first official day of Hurricane Season. Oh yeah! Do you hear the sarcasm? It started yesterday with Tropical Storm Arthur. Until yesterday, I hadn't given hurricane season a 2nd thought. It is just one of those things that comes along with afternoon downpours and horrid humidity.

This mornings news reports were all about Hurricane Season and Hurricane preparedness. And while I am prepared for a Hurricane to a point, the thought of a hurricane brings Erin and I back to the summer/fall of 2004 and the many days without electricity.

Here are my top 10 memories of the 3 Hurricanes - Charlie, Frances and Jeanne.

1. The 2 hours commute home during the Charlie Evacuation and then lack of Charlie's presence in our area, and thank god for that.
2. Being in Sarasota for Kasey's soccer tournament when the Hurricane Warning was issued for Jeanne and staying for another Margarita, because we were SOOO over it!
3. Erin running for the coffee machine when the lights started flickering during Frances and needing that one last cup.
4. Me calling the last hot shower, because the kids could use hot water from the grill to take a bath. SELFISH Mommy!!
5. Looking desperately for ice after Frances and actually waiting in lines for it.
6. Being really mad because our cable company fixed our cable lines, but we didn't have any electricity to use the darn TV.
7. Erin falling and breaking his foot and hoping the clinic was open and had electricity to X-ray it.
8. Little Erin screaming everytime an electricity truck came by. And me getting so angry because they never stopped.
9. Getting the kids ready for school in the dark, because the schools had electricity and we didn't.
10. The happiness that came over us when we heard the air conditioning kick on after 4 days in the stiffling heat after Jeanne!!

So there they are. That was 4 years ago, it seems like yesterday. Here's to hoping for another quiet hurricane season....