jjci moblog

Ian's Homework

2012-01-18T18:45:00.001-05:00

I don't recall much homework in kindergarten, but then that was an age ago. You can tell how focused he is by how far the tongue sticks out of his mouth.

Ian the Graphic Artist

2011-12-31T11:18:00.001-05:00

Ian's premier present this year was a kids graphics tablet. It's kiddy/plasticky, but it works really quite well, and he's been enjoying it as a new medium for his art.

Lego Yoda Claus

2011-12-31T11:14:00.001-05:00

Cam and Ian were very excited to find this guy behind the last flap in their Advent calendar.

Christmas Eve Plate

2011-12-31T11:12:00.003-05:00

Scotch egg, ham and egg pie, cheeses, salad, and roll - mmmm....

Ian's Christmas Portrait 2011

2011-12-24T11:28:00.001-05:00

I get hands and feet, Joanna outlandish eyelashes.

Minigolf

2011-12-21T15:18:00.001-05:00

For the first day of Christmas break, while Karen and Arthur and the girls are still in town, we took the boys to Asheville's Fun Depot, a (mostly) indoor fun park. The boys' first play choice was the minigolf course; Ian was 46 over par, Cam 49 over. (Par is 43.)

Cam Makes Dinner

2011-12-19T17:20:00.001-05:00

Auntie Karen and Uncle Arthur got Cam some cooking implements and a little cookbook for Christmas, which he opened yesterday (as they're in town with the girls). Tonight, he started putting them to good use.

Cam in a Spot of Bother

2011-11-26T10:56:00.001-05:00

Savannah Playground

2011-11-26T10:40:00.001-05:00

Visiting Karen, Arthur, and the girls for Thanksgiving. Spent some time this morning at the YMCA playground.

Strawberry Ice Cream

2011-10-22T11:20:00.001-04:00

Another Saturday morning walk, but this time we stopped at the drug store - the coldest morning of the season, with frost on the ground, and Cam wants ice cream instead of a nice warm cookie.

Pepperoni Pizza

2011-10-17T07:23:00.001-04:00

Ian is developing into quite the little artist. Little drawings like this, of pepperoni pizza, now are frequent creations on the living room floor.

Mountain Trickle

2011-10-16T16:23:00.000-04:00

This little stream on Stoney Creek Road (Forest Road 63) is lot more forceful in spring; now it's just a trickle.

Rhododendron Hell

2011-10-16T16:16:00.000-04:00

Actually, it's quite a pleasant place, but "hell" around these parts is the term for a rhododendron thicket. I imagine it would have been quite an infernal hike had the path not already been cut.

View from Craggy Pinnacle

2011-10-16T15:56:00.000-04:00

Looking down on the Blue Ridge Parkway from the top end of the Craggy Pinnacle Trail.

Craggy Pinnacle Trailhead

2011-10-16T15:51:00.000-04:00

Joanna and the boys at the foot of the Craggy Pinnacle trail.

Appalachians in Autumn

2011-10-16T15:46:00.000-04:00

Went up on the Blue Ridge Parkway today to see the leaves, and it was a beautiful day for it. This is Burnett Reservoir, in the valley below Craggy Gardens.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie

2011-10-15T10:53:00.003-04:00

Cam has begun a regimen of "walking the dad" on weekends. What does he get out of it? Usually a cookie at ever bakery on Main Street.

Springy Turtle

2011-10-01T10:17:00.001-04:00

Getting a bit big for this playground.

Effects of Splash Mountain

2011-07-25T19:57:00.001-04:00

Cam wanted to go on his favorite ride, Splash Mountain, one last time today. We remained dry during the first two trips, but this time Joanna (and I) got a bit damp. Somehow, the boys escaped most of the water.

Boys with Buzz

2011-07-25T19:54:00.000-04:00

After capturing Zurg, the boys got an opportunity to pose with Buzz Lightyear.

Zurg Captured

2011-07-25T19:53:00.000-04:00

We rode the Buzz Lightyear ride again today, and once again Cam and Ian managed to capture Evil Emperor Zurg. Well done, boys!

Talking Trashcan

2011-07-25T19:50:00.000-04:00

On our last day, the boys spent some time in Tomorrowland talking with this trashcan, which talked back. Apparently, it was attracted to Cam's ears and claimed to be a close personal friend of R2-D2.

Riding Dumbo

2011-07-25T19:49:00.000-04:00

We didn't get around to this classic ride until the last day, and it was hot standing in line. In the background is the worksite for an expanded Fantasyland.

Cinderella's Castle

2011-07-25T19:46:00.000-04:00

Last day at Disney, last trip to the Magic Kingdom.

Boys with Donald

2011-07-24T20:53:00.000-04:00

One of Ian's (surprisingly) favorite rides was the Mexico boat ride, featuring the Three Caballeros (Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles).

Boys with a Troll

2011-07-24T20:50:00.000-04:00

The Norway pavilion has the coolest photo opportunities.

Vikings!

2011-07-24T20:49:00.000-04:00

These two don't really need the accoutrements to be fearfully destructive.

Ready for Soarin'

2011-07-24T20:29:00.000-04:00

We agreed the best ride at Epcot is Soarin', a glider flight simulator over California.

Tongues

2011-07-24T20:25:00.000-04:00

As Cam seemed incapable of letting his photo be taken without sticking out his tongue, we took one intentionally. That seemed to help, as he didn't do it again the rest of the day.

Totem Pole

2011-07-24T09:04:00.000-04:00

I don't think this is an authentic artifact.

Caught in the Headlights

2011-07-24T09:02:00.000-04:00

Joanna looks surprised because, in the twilight of the San Angel Inn, she couldn't quite make out that I was readying the camera. I think that in this photo she looks rather like one of those rare jungle animals photographed with a motion-activated camera.

Pyramid and Volcano

2011-07-24T08:59:00.000-04:00

This was the view from our table at the San Angel Inn inside the Mexico pavilion of Epcot on Saturday night. Pleasantly atmospheric if a bit dim.

Splash Mountain View

2011-07-24T08:52:00.000-04:00

Cam's favorite ride has been Splash Mountain, a Song of the South-themed flume ride. This is from the top of the longest drop of the ride, looking east over Cinderella's Castle and Space Mountain.

Cam Controls a Magic Carpet

2011-07-24T08:48:00.000-04:00

We got back to the Magic Kingdom early Saturday, when the lines were really short, and managed to get on a lot of rides that get swamped later in the day.

Bengal Tiger

2011-07-23T16:34:00.000-04:00

A popular t-shirt at Animal Kingdom has a picture of Pooh and this tiger with the words "Tigger, is that you?" Cam finds it hilarious. Cam, this photos is for you.

Macaws

2011-07-23T16:32:00.000-04:00

Nothing particularly interesting about these birds. I just like the photo. :)

On a Jungle Trek

2011-07-23T16:30:00.000-04:00

After the safari, we took self-guided tours through the jungle habitats of Africa and Asia.

Lion Tongue

2011-07-23T16:28:00.000-04:00

And here I was thinking Mickey was the only cat to lie about with her tongue lolling out. Live and learn.

Giraffe!

2011-07-23T16:26:00.000-04:00

The Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom is nice and all, but you can see many of the same animals on the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom, and the animals there are...well, real.

Boys & the Tree of Life

2011-07-23T16:23:00.000-04:00

The Magic Kingdom has a castle, Epcot has a giant golf ball, and Animal Kingdom has the Tree of Life, which is carved with images of all sorts of animals (these two not included).

Cam Makes Dino Noises

2011-07-23T07:19:00.001-04:00

Perhaps the boys' favorite attraction at Animal Kingdom, where we went Friday, was the Boneyard, a large play area with slides and caves and such. Here, Cam is jumping on a dinosaur footprint, which triggered dinosaur roars.

Ian Pierce, World Champion Sleeper

2011-07-23T07:16:00.000-04:00

After a less-than-magical Thursday (vomited twice, excessive heat, up late to watch fireworks), Ian slept in Friday. And slept. And slept. And...well, you get the picture. As you can see here, he really throws himself into his sleeping.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks

2011-07-22T08:28:00.000-04:00

There are fireworks every night at many of the parks, and they sell special "Fireworks View" rooms from some of the hotels. You're not supposed to be able to see the fireworks from the Wilderness Lodge, but if you know how to ask for the right room....

Ian Feeling Better

2011-07-22T08:25:00.000-04:00

Though he'd thrown up twice this day, and though he wasn't interested in eating much of anything after lunch, Ian was pretty peppy at dinner time.

Dinner with Mickey and Friends

2011-07-22T08:22:00.000-04:00

On Thursday night we had dinner at The Garden Grill, a rotating restaurant in The Land pavilion at Epcot. Whereas Disney characters were nowhere to be found in the EPCOT of yore, today they're everywhere, including right at your table. This night we had dinner with...

...Mickey and...

...Pluto and...

...Chip and...

...Dale.

Ian Swallowed by a Sombrero

2011-07-21T23:09:00.000-04:00

Before dinner at the Garden Grill in The Land, we went to the Mexico pavilion, rode the boat ride, and poked about in the marketplace. We tried to get Cam to wear the (much smaller) mariachi hat for this photo, but he refused. (He's only 8, but at times his sensibilities are positively tween-like.)

Sir Ian

2011-07-21T23:03:00.000-04:00

By the time we made it to the U.K. pavilion (two or three from the Morocco pavilion, where we'd had lunch), Ian had perked up and was ready to pose for photos again.

Vomit, Part 2

2011-07-21T22:58:00.001-04:00

Ian threw up at about 3:30 Thursday morning, after eating almost no dinner but plenty of dessert the night before. (We left an extra tip for Housekeeping.) After lunch today, with the heat and humidity and such, he did it again. Joanna (rightly) faults me for taking this photo, and I wouldn't have posted it here except for two things: 1) Ian's Mickey ears look darn cute, and 2) Cam was a concerned and diligent big brother throughout, offering his water and doing all he could to help (offering water, support, etc.).

Day #4: Epcot

2011-07-21T22:52:00.000-04:00

Temperature: Hot. Humidity: Extra moist. Comfort level: Nil.

Cam & Ian Visit Pooh

2011-07-21T22:36:00.001-04:00

On our second full day at Disney, Wednesday, we went back to the Magic Kingdom and rode a bunch of rides we hadn't gotten around to on Monday. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, one of my favorites from days of yore, has been replaced by a Pooh-themed ride, which has possibly the best queueing line at WDW, with games and play areas and all sorts of fun stuff for the pre-tween set.

Ian and Cam in Front of Spaceship Earth

2011-07-19T22:52:00.000-04:00

Another one of those obligatory photos. Note that Ian is carrying Stitch, whom he picked up today with money from Auntie Karen and Uncle Arthur (thanks, guys). He is very excited to have him and is sleeping with him clutched in his arms as I type.

Cam, Ian, and a Manatee

2011-07-19T22:50:00.001-04:00

I think the title of this post pretty much says it all.

Downtime with Fish

2011-07-19T22:48:00.000-04:00

After Hollywood Studios, which none of us thought worth returning to later, we headed over to Epcot for dinner. Before we ate, though, we spent a bit of time at The Sea with Nemo and Friends. (It used to be "The Living Seas" and was about aquanauts and aquaculture and such, but now it's less science-y and more an ad for Disney-Pixar products.)

Ian, Cam, & a Green Army Man

2011-07-19T22:44:00.000-04:00

Cam and Ian take time to salute our (plastic) troops. Some of us remember the actual toys, but they know them only from the Toy Story movies.

Hollywood Studios

2011-07-19T22:42:00.000-04:00

Day 2 at Disney World, and today we headed to Hollywood Studios.

Dinner with Critters from the Hundred Acre Wood

2011-07-19T22:31:00.001-04:00

We ate dinner the first night at the Crystal Palace restaurant in the Magic Kingdom with...

...Pooh and...

...Piglet and...

...Tigger and...

...Eeyore.

In Line for It's a Small World

2011-07-18T21:14:00.000-04:00

The first thing Ian wanted was a pair of ears. The hat store had all sorts of options, but he wanted the plain ones. Cam, on the other hand, selected a more distinctive pair.

Walt, Mickey, & the Castle

2011-07-18T21:11:00.000-04:00

Obligatory photo. Had to be done.

Wilderness Lodge Lobby

2011-07-18T21:10:00.000-04:00

The Wilderness Lodge is modeled on old park lodges, though I doubt any of those had a lobby quite as expansive as this!

Cam Finds a "Hidden Mickey"

2011-07-18T21:04:00.000-04:00

"Hidden Mickeys" are these Mickey Mouse shapes hidden all around WDW. Cam has made it his mission to find as many as he can.

Moving in at the Wilderness Lodge

2011-07-18T21:02:00.000-04:00

Made it to WDW early Monday afternoon and checked in at the Wilderness Lodge. Do you think the boys (and Joanna) are excited? :)

Same Beach, Same Cooler

2011-07-18T06:36:00.000-04:00

Left home Saturday morning and drove 5½ hours to Karen & Arthur's new home in Savannah, about halfway to WDW in Orlando. Sunday morning we headed to Tybee Island Beach and spent about two hours playing in the sand and the bathtub-warm water. The cooler, for those wondering, belonged to my grandfather, who lived in Savannah for more than 30 years and probably bought it here. He died a decade ago, but his cooler, with his initials, lives on (and still gets used regularly).

Playing in the Surf

2011-07-17T10:05:00.001-04:00

Tybee Island, near Savannah

Sand (and Water) Table, Savannah

2011-07-17T08:28:00.001-04:00

Ian and Elena share a love for getting dirty and getting wet.

Which one's Ian?

2011-07-09T10:52:00.000-04:00

The day before we left Maine, we were fortunate to get a beautiful beach day. While at Mothers Beach in Kennebunk, Ian met another five-year-old — the son of someone I went to high school with, as it happens! — who was his spitting image, and they spent a good half-hour running around together. (And if you're still wondering, Ian's the one on the left.)

Dancing with Grammie

2011-07-09T10:46:00.000-04:00

Ian was probably the youngest person at the reception who intentionally went out on the dance floor (the little flower girl and ring bearer looking overawed and uncomfortably) and kept going out whenever he could.

Nick, Ian, & Danny

2011-07-09T10:41:00.000-04:00

It's still strange to think of Ian as "big," but then compared to his cousins....

Reading Comics

2011-07-09T10:40:00.000-04:00

This is how Cam spent most of his time at the wedding reception.

Dancing with the Boys

2011-07-09T10:37:00.000-04:00

Cam spent much of the evening (this moment excepted) reading comic books, while Ian was the life of the party, dancing with anyone who would let him. He kept watching others and trying to emulate their moves, and he turned out to be a pretty good dancer. In contrast, Cam's style was...(ahem)...unique. :)

At Zach & Janine's Wedding

2011-07-09T10:31:00.000-04:00

Saving Mario

2011-07-09T10:25:00.000-04:00

Just as we were about to go out on the boat, Ian dropped his little plastic Mario figure in the lake, at which point both he and Cam started wailing. While I got changed into my swim trunks, Ian kept leaning of the edge of the dock and saying, "It's okay, Mario. Daddy's gonna save you." Fortunately, I managed to stave off hypothermia just long enough to retrieve the toy.

Breakfast at Camp

2011-07-09T10:19:00.000-04:00

Ian's favorite breakfast in Maine: powdered donuts.

Calling for a Ride

2011-07-09T10:17:00.000-04:00

When Dad and I went four-wheeling at camp last month, we found the trails near Rockwood a bit rough on our knees and spines, so rather than turn around and suffer through them again on the ride back, we called for a lift out. This is miles from the nearest road, but somehow we managed to get a signal, and somehow Mom and Joanna managed to hook the trailer to the truck, so our beaten bodies were saved the return trip.

Crabtree Meadows

2011-07-09T10:11:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back, the four of us went for a nice hike on the BRP at Crabtree Meadows. This little rhododendron thicket (called a "hell") was too nice a photo op to pass up.

Visit to Farm Island

2011-06-15T12:10:00.001-04:00

Ian the Dragon-Slayer Rides Again

2011-06-14T10:09:00.001-04:00

Ian Watching the Fire

2011-06-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

The last few days at camp have been pretty cool, never making it out of the 50s, and damp. As he hasn't been able to get out and can't watch TV, Ian has taken to watching the fire for his morning entertainment.

Cam on Grampa's New Toy

2011-06-12T15:58:00.001-04:00

"Never operate this vehicle if you are under age 16."

Smoke from the Chimney

2011-06-12T15:57:00.001-04:00

Either it's cold at Moosehead, or we have a new pope.

Baker Brook Cove

2011-06-12T14:00:00.001-04:00

The view from the dock at camp on out first morning in Maine.

Mickey in the Sun

2011-05-08T11:32:00.001-04:00

Poor old cat -- she's lost quite a but of weight (to say nothing of fur and teeth!) over the past couple of years, and arthritis has slowed her down, so she really seems to appreciate a nice sunny spot like this on a warm spring morning.

Ian Gives His Pirate Nana a Mother's Day Card

2011-05-07T17:49:00.001-04:00

Nana is really happy I posted this! :)

Ian the Dragon-Slayer

2011-05-01T10:11:00.001-04:00

His sword: a bubble wand. His shield: a velcro tennis ball mitt. His prey: dragons.

Grammie's Eldest & Youngest Grandsons

2011-04-30T13:28:00.001-04:00

Reception Luncheon

2011-04-30T13:19:00.001-04:00

Gramma's service was this morning. Afterwards we had lunch at the home of one of Nancy's friends and found a comfy spot in the shade in their back garden.

Watching Will and Kate

2011-04-29T09:59:00.001-04:00

I didn't need to set my alarm this morning - at 6:00 AM, the sound of a boys choir wafted in from the living room. You can take the girl out of England, but you can't take England out of the girl.

Weaverville Elementary 3rd Grade A/B Honor Roll

2011-04-28T08:32:00.001-04:00

Cam was recognized this morning at the elementary school's honor roll celebration: all A and B grade in the third quarter.

Joanna's Birthday Cake

2011-04-23T19:54:00.001-04:00

Second Birthday Girl

2011-04-23T19:26:00.001-04:00

It's a few days early, but as we're all together, we figured we'd celebrate Joanna's birthday today too.

Moms and Kids

2011-04-23T14:37:00.001-04:00

Joanna and Karen looked over the divvying up of the sweets.

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-23T14:35:00.001-04:00

While Libby slept off the birthday cake, Cam, Ian, and Elena had an Easter egg hunt in the back yard.

Birthday Girl

2011-04-23T11:59:00.001-04:00

Birthday cake, the wearable food.

Libby's First Birthday Cake

2011-04-23T11:56:00.001-04:00

Per Tapp tradition, the cake is number-shaped.

Birthday Girl

2011-04-23T10:24:00.001-04:00

Every birthday girl needs a necklace made of plastic bugs.

Bakers Opening Presents

2011-04-23T10:10:00.001-04:00

Elena helps Libby open presents. Our biggest challenge was keeping the boys from jumping into the fray.

Libby's Birthday Presents

2011-04-23T10:06:00.001-04:00

Happy first birthday, Elizabeth Christine Baker!

Cam at Weaverville Elementary Terrific Kids Ceremony

2011-04-08T08:30:00.001-04:00

Cam was named a "Terrific Kid" this morning at school.

Spring in the Backyard

2011-04-03T15:55:00.001-04:00

It's 70 degrees and sunny, a perfect day to spend some time out back transmogrifying or playing pirates.

Test

2011-01-17T18:55:00.000-05:00

Mail-to-Blogger test....

Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Android phone

Giant Icicles

2010-12-28T11:41:00.001-05:00

I like not having gutters as they clog easy and route water away from the plants in the front garden. One side effect of taking them off: icicles.