1/26/08
Last night, Tony led a snow campout up in Ontario at the Klondike Derby. Apparently, Colin is super warm at night, even in the winter. He melted all snow anywhere around them! Colin's team raced their sled, built fires in record time, applied first aid, and completed a scavenger hunt. It was a beautiful 25 degrees out today and lovely compared to the 10 degrees and terrible wind all week. We were relieved! Even Connor took a ride on the Klondike sled they built!
Connor and Eileen camped out with Sasha at home in the living room. He was really disappointed, but still has a cold hanging on for the last 10 days and we didn't want to take a chance in the snow. Maybe next time at the winter camp out at Cutler in March. He had a fun week at school, and is starting on making Valentines. We have found out he is allergic to Fluffy, the hamster in his classroom, which explains the constant runny nose we have not been able to get rid of!
Colin has an indoor baseball game tonight he can't wait for, and next weekend is Solofest, where judges from around the state grade you on your piece, sight reading, scales, and technique. He plays level 5 music on his trumpet, and I think there are only 6; so he is doing well!
Connor started drum lessons this week and loves it! His "homework" was to listen to music and find the beat. He was so excited to purchase his sticks. He takes lessons once a week after school at my school and loves it! Those drumsticks don't leave his hands long!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Phew, what a a week!
1/19/08 Today is Uncle Mark's Birthday! We love him!
This week was pretty insane. NYS Exams for Colin, Tony and Eileen in 3 districts, Connor was sick for the week with a 104 fever, and it got cold again!
Colin: On top of his state exam, he is studying for his midterms. We started at 20 min a night 3 weeks ago and we are now at 30 min a night. He's also been practicing his trumpet for Solofest in a few weeks. He is a pooped puppy! On the bright side, he was the first 7th grader in Wayne Central history to make the Varsity Outdoor Track and Field team, and he is really psyched about that! He is at a friend's overnight B-Day Party and deserves the fun!
Connor: After fighting off this lovely virus this week, he pepped up today enough to take him to the mall and ride the carousel. He pretended we were knights and he picked the black stallion to ride. Apparently, they were not fast enough. Just not the same when you are used to the real ones! He threw a penny in the well and made a wish for Colin!
Eileen: Turned 36 on Wednesday, the day Connor was his sickest. I had to prep for a sub, but really enjoyed being able to stay home with him. The best B-day gift! My Grandma Helen McBride shared this B-day date with me. Special prayer for her! Bless her soul, 8 kids...How did she ever do it? On my daily run I reflected upon her influence. I miss her.
Tony: Met one of his past skiers he coached at the mall today. Man, do we feel old now! He has been updating his school and scout website this week on top of the ELA's. His parents called today where it was 65 in FL! At 20 degrees and snowing, we are so jealous! But, what would it be like without snow? You wouldn't be able to do what the boys did in these new pictures! How fun!
Love to all~
This week was pretty insane. NYS Exams for Colin, Tony and Eileen in 3 districts, Connor was sick for the week with a 104 fever, and it got cold again!
Colin: On top of his state exam, he is studying for his midterms. We started at 20 min a night 3 weeks ago and we are now at 30 min a night. He's also been practicing his trumpet for Solofest in a few weeks. He is a pooped puppy! On the bright side, he was the first 7th grader in Wayne Central history to make the Varsity Outdoor Track and Field team, and he is really psyched about that! He is at a friend's overnight B-Day Party and deserves the fun!
Connor: After fighting off this lovely virus this week, he pepped up today enough to take him to the mall and ride the carousel. He pretended we were knights and he picked the black stallion to ride. Apparently, they were not fast enough. Just not the same when you are used to the real ones! He threw a penny in the well and made a wish for Colin!
Eileen: Turned 36 on Wednesday, the day Connor was his sickest. I had to prep for a sub, but really enjoyed being able to stay home with him. The best B-day gift! My Grandma Helen McBride shared this B-day date with me. Special prayer for her! Bless her soul, 8 kids...How did she ever do it? On my daily run I reflected upon her influence. I miss her.
Tony: Met one of his past skiers he coached at the mall today. Man, do we feel old now! He has been updating his school and scout website this week on top of the ELA's. His parents called today where it was 65 in FL! At 20 degrees and snowing, we are so jealous! But, what would it be like without snow? You wouldn't be able to do what the boys did in these new pictures! How fun!
Love to all~
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Video of Nationals at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kansas
Goose bumps, heart beating video of Colin racing in Kansas with all the runners that braved the 20 degree weather with windy conditions. Some of you may note that the video is steadier than the one I took on that day, but I'm sure you'll be fine without hearing my breathing, comments on strategy(although Colin went with the C plan- C being for Colin), and a father's amazement as Colin showed true grit in a fantastic runner's dual. Check out the link from the USATF website for JO Cross Country. Click on the Boys Midget 3k race! They even have commentators on the video!
http://www.usatf.org/events/2007/USATFJuniorOlympicXCChampionships/video/
Love,
Tony
http://www.usatf.org/events/2007/USATFJuniorOlympicXCChampionships/video/
Love,
Tony
Monday, January 14, 2008
Thank you, David!
1/14/08
How exciting! David Goldstone found us on the web! He was the phenomenal runner just behind Colin in his National JO race in Kansas! Colin has so much respect for him and will be thrilled when I tell him he left us a post! Congratulations, David! You are one outstanding runner! Thank you so much for your friendly spirit and competitiveness! Also, he was able to clarify what the race official could not for us...he is from Washington, not California! Funny, Tony's favorite football team is there! ...Also the state we almost moved to the year Colin was born! Thanks again, and we hope to see you again next year! Wouldn't it be funny if they went to college together some day?
How exciting! David Goldstone found us on the web! He was the phenomenal runner just behind Colin in his National JO race in Kansas! Colin has so much respect for him and will be thrilled when I tell him he left us a post! Congratulations, David! You are one outstanding runner! Thank you so much for your friendly spirit and competitiveness! Also, he was able to clarify what the race official could not for us...he is from Washington, not California! Funny, Tony's favorite football team is there! ...Also the state we almost moved to the year Colin was born! Thanks again, and we hope to see you again next year! Wouldn't it be funny if they went to college together some day?
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Boys' Week
1/12/08
Today is Uncle Garrett's 24th Birthday! Happy Birthday!
We are posting pictures from our visit with Bernadette and Mark at Christmas, as well as Tony's picture with Chris Rizzo at his Wedding in D.C. this last weekend! I have to rely on Jenn and Karl's site for Christmas pictures with them, as our camera was still not found unpacking until we got to Bernadette's! See her link!
Connor: He had fun learning about the Three Kings visit at preschool. He fell in love with the apple corer from Pampered Chef. He ate 5 apples that when stretched out after this process look like slinky toys! He is currently wearing his Spiderman Halloween costume and playing Pirates with the CD blasting!
Colin: Prepping for his NYS exams and midterms next week. With three ELA exams in this house next week, yoy can imagine the joy here. He is working on merit badges and studying hard! He got to practice at the U of R this week with the Varsity Indoor Track team and had so much fun at his dad's alma mater. Those indoor track corners were ticky, nearly hitting the wall on the turns! Good thing I wasn't there. Just found out that he will be in the next edition of the national scouting magazine: Boy's Life!
Tony: Rough week. Lost one of his students this week and it really hit him hard. We're just thanking God for our own kids and the joy they bring right now. He really had fun at Chris's wedding!
Eileen: Just finished the scout newsletter for the next three months if you want to check out what we will be doing! Found out Lynee and the girls will be coming from Maine for winter break and am just so excited! We got together with Colleen, Todd, Bailey and Kaitlin doing our annual Three Kings present exchange! They are all getting so big! We also had a fun New Year's with our old neighbors, The Lozipones, and a dinner with the Gerhardts! Don't even want to talk about the 60 hours of work this week...
Tomorrow afternoon we are going to see Veggietales: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything with Connor and National Treasure 2 with Colin! Hope everyone has a wonderful week. Hug your kids!
Today is Uncle Garrett's 24th Birthday! Happy Birthday!
We are posting pictures from our visit with Bernadette and Mark at Christmas, as well as Tony's picture with Chris Rizzo at his Wedding in D.C. this last weekend! I have to rely on Jenn and Karl's site for Christmas pictures with them, as our camera was still not found unpacking until we got to Bernadette's! See her link!
Connor: He had fun learning about the Three Kings visit at preschool. He fell in love with the apple corer from Pampered Chef. He ate 5 apples that when stretched out after this process look like slinky toys! He is currently wearing his Spiderman Halloween costume and playing Pirates with the CD blasting!
Colin: Prepping for his NYS exams and midterms next week. With three ELA exams in this house next week, yoy can imagine the joy here. He is working on merit badges and studying hard! He got to practice at the U of R this week with the Varsity Indoor Track team and had so much fun at his dad's alma mater. Those indoor track corners were ticky, nearly hitting the wall on the turns! Good thing I wasn't there. Just found out that he will be in the next edition of the national scouting magazine: Boy's Life!
Tony: Rough week. Lost one of his students this week and it really hit him hard. We're just thanking God for our own kids and the joy they bring right now. He really had fun at Chris's wedding!
Eileen: Just finished the scout newsletter for the next three months if you want to check out what we will be doing! Found out Lynee and the girls will be coming from Maine for winter break and am just so excited! We got together with Colleen, Todd, Bailey and Kaitlin doing our annual Three Kings present exchange! They are all getting so big! We also had a fun New Year's with our old neighbors, The Lozipones, and a dinner with the Gerhardts! Don't even want to talk about the 60 hours of work this week...
Tomorrow afternoon we are going to see Veggietales: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything with Connor and National Treasure 2 with Colin! Hope everyone has a wonderful week. Hug your kids!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The boys' week
1/5/06
Today I added another link to the right of the text. It is the website to Karl and Jenn Kerr. They already have Christmas pictures posted! You can see the boys and their kids having fun in the snow as well! (Hope that is not yellow pee, Colin!) Man, we need a digital camera soon! Great job, Jenn! Her website is so much more advanced than mine!
Colin had indoor track practice this week after school. Next week they practice at the UofR. Tony should have fun going back there to help out. The boys will get to see their Dad's National Championship picture on the wall at Fauver Stadium (Colin is thinking "Time for a mustache, Dad?") Colin is currently reading The Bourne Ultimatum and his next book he has lined up is The Kite Runner that came out last year. The current movie "Charlie Wilson's War" takes much of it's background from that. I plan on bringing him to see National Treasure 2 this week. He loves US History!
Connor had a great time at Preschool this week playing with his friends. He learned about the three kings and tomorrow we will visit Mexico on the web to see what they do to celebrate. He is writing his name and practicing ABC's. He is still in Pirate Mode and is creating a Lego Pirate Ship with his brother as I write. He also asked an interesting question this week about a certain body part...oy vay! Not appropriate for the website by any means! Colin was dying!
Tony left for DC 4am Friday. Just got off the phone and he is having a great time with his old running buddies, but tired from the drive. Chris Rizzo's wedding is today. He may get a chance to see his brother, Tristan, on the way back. Here's hoping they can meet up.
I will be developing film sometime this week and hope to have new pictures up for view by next weekend. Aunt Cathy McBride had a great idea. Thinking about starting a "McBrides" website so we could each add to it each week. Give everyone the password to be able to add blogs and pics from all over the eastern coast! There's a new goal! Any ideas for a name? Maniac McBrides...no...McBride Melee...no.....still thinking. Any ideas?
Hi, Uncle Hughie. This is Colin. Thanks so much for cheering me on from Arizona! You're the best!
Today I added another link to the right of the text. It is the website to Karl and Jenn Kerr. They already have Christmas pictures posted! You can see the boys and their kids having fun in the snow as well! (Hope that is not yellow pee, Colin!) Man, we need a digital camera soon! Great job, Jenn! Her website is so much more advanced than mine!
Colin had indoor track practice this week after school. Next week they practice at the UofR. Tony should have fun going back there to help out. The boys will get to see their Dad's National Championship picture on the wall at Fauver Stadium (Colin is thinking "Time for a mustache, Dad?") Colin is currently reading The Bourne Ultimatum and his next book he has lined up is The Kite Runner that came out last year. The current movie "Charlie Wilson's War" takes much of it's background from that. I plan on bringing him to see National Treasure 2 this week. He loves US History!
Connor had a great time at Preschool this week playing with his friends. He learned about the three kings and tomorrow we will visit Mexico on the web to see what they do to celebrate. He is writing his name and practicing ABC's. He is still in Pirate Mode and is creating a Lego Pirate Ship with his brother as I write. He also asked an interesting question this week about a certain body part...oy vay! Not appropriate for the website by any means! Colin was dying!
Tony left for DC 4am Friday. Just got off the phone and he is having a great time with his old running buddies, but tired from the drive. Chris Rizzo's wedding is today. He may get a chance to see his brother, Tristan, on the way back. Here's hoping they can meet up.
I will be developing film sometime this week and hope to have new pictures up for view by next weekend. Aunt Cathy McBride had a great idea. Thinking about starting a "McBrides" website so we could each add to it each week. Give everyone the password to be able to add blogs and pics from all over the eastern coast! There's a new goal! Any ideas for a name? Maniac McBrides...no...McBride Melee...no.....still thinking. Any ideas?
Hi, Uncle Hughie. This is Colin. Thanks so much for cheering me on from Arizona! You're the best!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Thanks to all my work buddies!
1/2/08
When I checked my mailbox this morning, there were at least 20 articles clipped out of the Rochester D&C newspaper in there! Thank you to all the teachers and staff who thought of us being out of town and nabbed them for us! I have pasted the article here for all those out of towners to read!
Walworth's Colin Earns National Championship
John BoccacinoStaff writer
(December 23, 2007) — Every second counts in cross-country running. That's a lesson Colin Kerr learned when he first started running, and his attention to detail has earned him a national title.
Colin capped an eventful month of running by capturing the 2007 Junior Olympics Midget title in Lawrence, Kansas, Dec. 8, edging out 268 other runners ages 10 to 12 to win his first national championship. Colin's winning time in the two-mile race was 10 minutes, 27 seconds, 0.95 seconds faster than the runner-up on the University of Kansas track.
"This is a really cool feeling. I wasn't expecting this, but my coaches really helped get me here," said Colin, 12, a seventh-grader at the T.C. Armstrong Middle School at Wayne Central and a Walworth resident.
Colin took the lead 25 yards into the race but went back and forth with Washington's David Goldstone until David pulled ahead with a little more than 300 yards remaining. On the final downhill stretch Colin, in his first year running cross country, pulled away.
"The two hills in the race were the difference," said Colin, who captured the Regional Junior Olympics title Nov. 18 to qualify for nationals. "Running strong on those helped me get ahead of the other guys."
Carl Johnston is the varsity coach for Wayne and started working with Colin this fall on identifying and developing good race strategies."He doesn't get too caught up in his success and he knows he can continue to improve," said Johnston, 42, an Ontario resident. "For him to evolve as quickly as he did is unusual. For his age, he really knows how to run a race."
Colin and his friends and family celebrated his win with a big party on Dec. 14.JBOCCACI@DemocratandChronicle.com
We are sure Colin is way over this and ready to move on, but his parents are still on cloud 9. Even Connor loves to wear his gold medal! He now practices with the varsity indoor track team to stay in shape for baseball in the spring! He is doing well in school and continues to play trumpet in jazz band, concert band and has Area-All State and solofest coming up in March.
Connor is in Pirate Cove! He loves listening to the Pirates of the C. CD and searching for treasure at home. Thanks to all who sent pirate gear! It's quite fun! He mentioned a pirate ship B day cake in February! Wish me luck making that one! He and I listened to the Pirates CD on the way to work this morning, and I think he can hum and "play drums" to every tune!
I probably won't update for a week now, but just needed to say thanks and share with you all!
When I checked my mailbox this morning, there were at least 20 articles clipped out of the Rochester D&C newspaper in there! Thank you to all the teachers and staff who thought of us being out of town and nabbed them for us! I have pasted the article here for all those out of towners to read!
Walworth's Colin Earns National Championship
John BoccacinoStaff writer
(December 23, 2007) — Every second counts in cross-country running. That's a lesson Colin Kerr learned when he first started running, and his attention to detail has earned him a national title.
Colin capped an eventful month of running by capturing the 2007 Junior Olympics Midget title in Lawrence, Kansas, Dec. 8, edging out 268 other runners ages 10 to 12 to win his first national championship. Colin's winning time in the two-mile race was 10 minutes, 27 seconds, 0.95 seconds faster than the runner-up on the University of Kansas track.
"This is a really cool feeling. I wasn't expecting this, but my coaches really helped get me here," said Colin, 12, a seventh-grader at the T.C. Armstrong Middle School at Wayne Central and a Walworth resident.
Colin took the lead 25 yards into the race but went back and forth with Washington's David Goldstone until David pulled ahead with a little more than 300 yards remaining. On the final downhill stretch Colin, in his first year running cross country, pulled away.
"The two hills in the race were the difference," said Colin, who captured the Regional Junior Olympics title Nov. 18 to qualify for nationals. "Running strong on those helped me get ahead of the other guys."
Carl Johnston is the varsity coach for Wayne and started working with Colin this fall on identifying and developing good race strategies."He doesn't get too caught up in his success and he knows he can continue to improve," said Johnston, 42, an Ontario resident. "For him to evolve as quickly as he did is unusual. For his age, he really knows how to run a race."
Colin and his friends and family celebrated his win with a big party on Dec. 14.JBOCCACI@DemocratandChronicle.com
We are sure Colin is way over this and ready to move on, but his parents are still on cloud 9. Even Connor loves to wear his gold medal! He now practices with the varsity indoor track team to stay in shape for baseball in the spring! He is doing well in school and continues to play trumpet in jazz band, concert band and has Area-All State and solofest coming up in March.
Connor is in Pirate Cove! He loves listening to the Pirates of the C. CD and searching for treasure at home. Thanks to all who sent pirate gear! It's quite fun! He mentioned a pirate ship B day cake in February! Wish me luck making that one! He and I listened to the Pirates CD on the way to work this morning, and I think he can hum and "play drums" to every tune!
I probably won't update for a week now, but just needed to say thanks and share with you all!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
The Kerr Krew & Scouting
1/01/08
Happy New Year!
We were blessed to be able to visit both the Kerr family and the McBride family in Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park, NY this holiday season. We had a blast! Colin and Connor enjoyed making snow forts, sledding and playing kings and castles in the playroom at Karl and Jenn's place. They truly love each other and pick up playing like we never missed a few months with Ian, Emma and Vivi. They have all gotten so big! Their house is beautiful, homey and fun; of course, Kerrs are in it! It's funny how even though we live so far away from each other, that our front yards in the winter look quite alike....snow forts, sledding hills, igloos, ice rinks...quite a testament to Tony and Karl's fun imaginations and love for their kids. We had a nice surprise when Tristan arrived! All three brothers were together for Christmas for the first time in many years! It was perfect! We took pictures for Grandma and Grandpa Kerr who are enjoying the sunshine in Florida...we are sure laughing away at us in the 2 ft of snow here. Many thanks to Lilly, too, for sharing her space with Sasha!
We were quite impressed with the amount of progress that Bernadette and Mark have made in their lovely new home in Clifton Park. Cody, their golden lab, is adorable and even shared his living space with our Samoyed, Sasha! We don't leave her alone now that Mugsy has passed on. She gets too depressed...and quite honestly, so do we. Uncle Mark tried his hand at Colin's trumpet (Cody just loved that!) and did quite well holding his own on the PS2! The tree, fireplace, food and fun were more than enough to liven up the holidays. Bernadette put on quite the feast with Mom. To add to that, Jeanette surprised us all by driving up from NJ with Timothy, she and Gordon's adorable 9 mos. old. He is so happy and such a wonderful combination of both of them! Grandma and Grandpa McBride were blessed to be able to see each of their kids! Poor Uncle Garrett had to leave at 4am the following day for work. He made quite the sacrifice to be there, too! It was just too hard to say good-bye!
I have to give a huge thanks to my sister-in-law, Jenn Kerr, for giving me a start on this web site. I update one for school, one for scouts and one for the PTO, putting our own on hold for way too long! I hope to have pictures developed soon to put on for everyone to view. This week Tony leaves for D.C., as his best friend, Chris Rizzo, is finally getting married! He is in the Special Forces and has had to rearrange his wedding a few times to serve our country. God Bless! Check back for pictures soon! We will be digging out of 12 inches of snow tonight....the blog may have to wait!
Happy New Year!
We were blessed to be able to visit both the Kerr family and the McBride family in Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park, NY this holiday season. We had a blast! Colin and Connor enjoyed making snow forts, sledding and playing kings and castles in the playroom at Karl and Jenn's place. They truly love each other and pick up playing like we never missed a few months with Ian, Emma and Vivi. They have all gotten so big! Their house is beautiful, homey and fun; of course, Kerrs are in it! It's funny how even though we live so far away from each other, that our front yards in the winter look quite alike....snow forts, sledding hills, igloos, ice rinks...quite a testament to Tony and Karl's fun imaginations and love for their kids. We had a nice surprise when Tristan arrived! All three brothers were together for Christmas for the first time in many years! It was perfect! We took pictures for Grandma and Grandpa Kerr who are enjoying the sunshine in Florida...we are sure laughing away at us in the 2 ft of snow here. Many thanks to Lilly, too, for sharing her space with Sasha!
We were quite impressed with the amount of progress that Bernadette and Mark have made in their lovely new home in Clifton Park. Cody, their golden lab, is adorable and even shared his living space with our Samoyed, Sasha! We don't leave her alone now that Mugsy has passed on. She gets too depressed...and quite honestly, so do we. Uncle Mark tried his hand at Colin's trumpet (Cody just loved that!) and did quite well holding his own on the PS2! The tree, fireplace, food and fun were more than enough to liven up the holidays. Bernadette put on quite the feast with Mom. To add to that, Jeanette surprised us all by driving up from NJ with Timothy, she and Gordon's adorable 9 mos. old. He is so happy and such a wonderful combination of both of them! Grandma and Grandpa McBride were blessed to be able to see each of their kids! Poor Uncle Garrett had to leave at 4am the following day for work. He made quite the sacrifice to be there, too! It was just too hard to say good-bye!
I have to give a huge thanks to my sister-in-law, Jenn Kerr, for giving me a start on this web site. I update one for school, one for scouts and one for the PTO, putting our own on hold for way too long! I hope to have pictures developed soon to put on for everyone to view. This week Tony leaves for D.C., as his best friend, Chris Rizzo, is finally getting married! He is in the Special Forces and has had to rearrange his wedding a few times to serve our country. God Bless! Check back for pictures soon! We will be digging out of 12 inches of snow tonight....the blog may have to wait!
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