More Cincinnati pictures

Who knew you could have so many different experiences in the same place?

Here are a few other pictures from our Vineyard retreat week.  This was during our dinner break on Tuesday.

Heritage Village

Who knew the 1800's could be so cool?

While we were in Cincinnati, we had some free time - and while we were driving around, we stumbled across the Heritage Village.  It was a park, but in one section of it, they had an 1800's village made up of many buildings they had rescued over the years.  We were able to tour a church, doctor's office, general store, garden, train station, printing business, and multiple houses.  The houses were arranged starting with the oldest and by the time we were at the end of the village, we were almost to the late 1800's.  It was a great time and we actually learned a lot.

They had a tunnel in the first building we went into showing a few different animals that live underground and dig holes.  Of course I had to be the first one through it.

They even put Taylor to work...those buckets were really heavy WITHOUT having any water in them.  glad we don't have to fill them multiple times and carry them up from the river every day...

Doesn't this church remind you of 'Little House on the Prairie?"

biking

Who knew the riding a bike was so fun?

So about three weeks ago, Taylor decided to learn to ride a bike.  We went to an open parking lot and let her give it a try.  Within about 10 minutes, she was starting to slowly ride around in little spurts.  We were so proud.  After a few times of practicing in the parking lot, we have now started to ride through the neighborhood as a family (yes they convinced me to get a bike also).  It has been a lot of fun and we try to go whenever we can to ride.  Trinity isn't too excited about it though - she whines and cries everytime we go - I think she wants to go with us.

cincinnati

Who knew you could have two totally different opinions about the same conference?

So here I am in Cincinnati at the Vineyard Regional Conference - and am loving it. I'm having a great time at the hotel, hanging with J and Tay, and listening to the different speakers (who are all amazing people). I'm enjoying myself thinking everyone is having fun.

We are currently waiting for J to get out of a workshop (none of them really moved me since I'm not a pastor or planting a church) and after an hour of hanging out, Taylor finally told me she was bored. I suggested she do a blog entry and here is what she had to say. Apparently her view of what has happened so far is different from mine...

Don't get me wrong, she has already finished reading a book, played a TON with Eve, started writing a play (and is many, many pages in), and we went to a museum yesterday and walked around a 'town' from the 1800's...so I'm hoping it hasn't been this bad the whole time we've been down here (I've asked, she said she was having fun before). I guess it's just time to change the scenery and see if that helps. We are planning on going swimming later today which should be fun - the pool at the hotel has a waterfall in it.

We have one more session tonight, one tomorrow morning and the conference will be finished. I just hope (and pray) Tay can hold out that long...

rock band

Who knew I'd be in a rock band? Well, this will have to do for now (I can see Mike Brooks cringing)...

A few weeks ago, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit Don, Julie, Eve and Don's Dad. After dinner, we were able to have a short band practice...and below are some pictures of our group. We had a lot of fun.

We have Guitar Hero for the Wii so J, Tay and I are pretty versed on the guitar playing front. Throwing in the drums and vocals was challenging, but really made a huge difference. A few more practices and we may be ready to take this show on the road...

Don's Dad on the vocals...

Don running the vocals, Tay jumping in on the guitar.

This was our first try - Tay was jamming on the drums...

KG

Who knew I could enjoy watching the NBA playoffs so much? Probably anyone that knows me at all I guess...

So the more I watch Kevin Garnett play, the more I can identify with his style and passion for the game...I'm really enjoying watching him play - which is hard because I've never really been a Celtic fan...I'm getting there though.

The first one is a picture from last night, and the others are just ones I like...

Annie

Who knew Taylor would be such a talented actress? She had her school play last night (tonight is a second showing) – they performed the play 'Annie.' Tay is Molly (Annie's best friend at the orphanage). She had some lines and was up there each time the orphans were, which was quite a few of the songs (normally the kids are only up for one song).

J and I were able to fight our way into front row seats - and turned out to be on the best side of the stage possible. Taylor was right in front of us for almost all of the stuff she did, including the final song in which she was so close we could reach out and give her a high five.

She did such an amazing job – we are soooooooo proud. Between this play, and the Christmas play last year, I think it's time J and I stepped up and get Tay some more chances to act!

Here are some preliminary pics from last night. I'll get more up after I have a chance to sort through them...

Backstage with Tay

Costume and Make-up Time (J and I were able to be back stage and help)

Orphans sleeping on the floor in Act 1

Tay in Action

Tay sitting on the end of the stage for the last song (right in front of us!)

long time no talk

Who knew I could actually run out of things to say?

It's been so long since I've thrown up a post...and I've actually be dying to come up with something, but haven't been able to think of anything to talk about (I know, shocking).

On a side note, we moved our loud (and pretty large) speakers into the basement and the Wii is now hooked up to them. Let's just say Guitar Hero is on a whole other level now...and between you and me, when I'm home alone, I'm sure the neighbors can hear me rocking out...

I'm definitely looking forward to the summer, and being able to be outside again. I know Trinity is really enjoying being outside and being able to go with us when we go places. She expects to go with us no matter where we go now, it's kind of funny. We have even had her in the front yard with us a few times (big step) and so far she has been ok. We are still working on teaching her to stop before running into the street, but when we are sitting on the front step, she just hangs out with us and hasn't run off (yet).

Well, I guess this is what happens when I don't really have anything to say...I just ramble...which reminds me, I need to check Amy's blog...

lion king

Who knew my wife was still the coolest and bestest ever - even after all these years? Me, that's who.

In case there are some people out there that didn't know, I have the bestest wife ever - and one of the things I have always cherished about her was her ability to surprise me. In general, I loathe surprises (so don't get any ideas) – but she knows how to surprise me in a way that I can handle, and actually enjoy.

Last week was our anniversary and we had the opportunity to go away for the weekend. To kick off our weekend away, J planned a surprise for me on Thursday – she took me to see the Broadway performance of The Lion King. They are currently touring the US and had a 2 week stop in Toledo – and J somehow got us tickets – and not only 'tickets' they were 4th ROW TICKETS! It was great. The show was amazing and I had such a great time.

I've always been a huge fan of the Lion King (I know, I know) and really enjoy the soundtrack as much (or more) than the movie itself. Being able to experience the Broadway show was amazing. The sets, costumes, acting, and voices were simply incredible. The people they cast for each actor sounded like the characters in the movie – which was totally wild.

It was such a great night and a wonderful way to start out our anniversary weekend.

Who knew a picture could make you feel better about your day? I kind of liked this one.