My elmo bike...

Grandpa helped Madison or Madison helped Grandpa put her bike together...Of course it's an Elmo bike..

My First Foods...

Well, we tried applesauce for the first time tonight...Not too bad..

Our linebacker...

Today Parker had his 4 month appointment today. He weighs 14.11 ounces and measures 25 1/4. Wow he is getting so big. He was such a trooper- 4 shots and one oral dose.

Our New Smoker

Two weeks ago I bought a smoker at Cabela's here in KC. I decided upon the cookshack electric smoker. I know traditionalist will say it's not wood or it's not charcoal, but having the ability to set the temp and walk away is nice when you have limited time and young kids. Also, electric doesn't require as much air flow so the meat doesn't dry out as fast.

I took the day off on Friday and decided to smoke some pork chops. I cooked 4 chops w/ the bone for about 2 1/2 hours at 225. I also made an applejack glaze with apple juice, maple syrup, honey, garlic, cinnamon and Jack Daniels. They turned out great and the glaze I put on at the end was just as good. I was very amazed at the amount of smoke taste 2 ounces of wood produced in this smoker. I am excited about trying out all kinds of meats and vegetables in the upcoming weeks.

Parker holding his head high..

Parker just love his tummy time. He giggled in delight and enjoyed getting his picture taken.

Humidity, Heat and Hotdogs..Cheering on the Royals

With temperatures in the 90's we took the kiddos to the Royals game. We arrive 1/2 hour before the first pitch, Darin is showing you where we parked (next to the Chiefs stadium). We were outside (in the shade) until the 4th inning, then went into the Diamond Club to relax for one inning before leaving.

Parker was not sure about things and Madison ate some Sheridan's frozen custard (oreos and worms) with mom.

House almost painted - the theme is Chocolate

Our Cruise is officially booked

Jen and I will be taking a 7 day round trip Cruise departing from LA next spring. We'll leave on Saturday April 30th visiting the cities of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. We haven't finalized our activities but we'd like to do some of the jungle zip line adventures and perhaps a day at the beach learning to make authentic salsa and margaritas.

The Itinerary has us leaving LA at 4pm on Saturday. Sunday and Monday will be at sea. Tuesday at Puerto Vallarta, Wednesday at Mazatlan and Thursday at Cabo. Friday will be spent as sea as we arrive the following Saturday at 7am.

We have also booked our hotel for the 29th of April. Jen and I like to go out the day before to make sure we have no flight issues. We are staying at the Terranea resort in Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA. ( www.terranea.com ) They have great views of the Pacific ocean and is a quick taxi ride to our port.

It should be a nice relaxing week and it can't come soon enough.

Rollin Rolin over

Last night, Parker managed to roll over from his back to his stomach. He gets angry when we try to flip him back. Pretty good for 3 1/2 months old.

Brother and Sister showing the love...for now

As I was getting ready yesterday morning, Madison and Parker spent some quality time together. Madison loves her little brother Parker and kisses him to prove it.