Monday, January 28, 2008

Welcome Tucker!

"Tuck" went to visit the doc today and left with a glowing report card. He's healthy and seems to respond well to all the little tricks the doc uses to determine temperment and disposition. Everyone at the office loved Tucker. He's perking up quite a bit and becomes more and more playful each day. He's taking well to the crate training. He let out one feeble whimper last night as we laid down to sleep. He was quick to paw at his blanket and pass out. Jen takes the graveyard shift and I handle the early morning routine. He loves his walks and is doing a pretty good job of doing "his business" outside. He's made quick friends with neighbors Chewie and Timothy, although they aren't quite as excited about the relationship just yet. "Darn little hyper puppy"!
That's about all on the Puppy Front. More to follow, I'm sure.




Friday, January 25, 2008

Welcome Puppers

Please help us welcome the newest Cheek! No name just yet....we just picked up puppers today so the naming process is in full swing. We are headed off to PetsMart to buy all the necessary new doggie toys, etc.
Updates to follow




Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Quick update

Not much going on in Cheek house these days. Still on a bit of a recovery schedule from New Years and trying to catch up on the cleaning and yard work. I think we about there, but as all know, it's a never ending task. Now that football is over for the season, there's little to distract us from getting back to the basics.
On that note, two developments,

1) We are actively looking at adding to the family, no not that way! Jennifer and I have spent hours browsing the rescue shelters and humane society webpages for a furry friend. We are not 100% decided on taking that final step, but we may visit a couple little one that are on the short list this weekend. More to follow.......Maybe we'll just start with fish?

2) Last weekend when I asked the boys if they were interested in signing up for soccer in the spring, we got a mixed response. Alex was all for it, Brayden....not so much (shocker!) He will be starting skating lessons on March 1st and will do so for 8 weekends in the hopes of meeting the forward, backward and stopping skill level to be a youth hockey player.....I can't make this up. Florida boy goes Hockey.
I think this seals the deal. Brent's visit on the day of Brayden's birth was a either a sign from the god's or he slipped baby Brayden a little "somethin-somethin" that forever changed him as a human being. If he suddenly has an affinity for math and computers, I'm sending him to Brent to raise. Hah....that's kinda funny.
Anyway, there is a rink close to the house and we'll give it shot. On a positive note, it's always "air conditioned" so Jennifer has already decided that "Dad" gets to handle the soccer and "mom" gets to attend skating lessons.

For those curious about surfing or some more geographically suited sports, one of our close friends got their oldest (7) a surf board for Christmas this year. As we spend many, nearly all, of our beach time with Conner and family, I imagine the boys will be quick to take that on.

That's about all. No great pics to send. The guest room is quickly booking up for the spring. So, if your interested get your reservations in early. We love company and now have a little more resort like amenities to entertain with (mmmmm hot tub).

By the way, it's been between 65 and 70 for the last week with lots of sun. The boys were in the hot tub on Saturday night. Sorry about the cold. It must really suck.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

NHP Friends

Had to move on with life. Apologies to Lizzie and Sam for their limited appearances in "the big kids" video! Music editing needs a little work, but it just started to get out of control and I needed sleep! Enjoy

Fishing Frustration

Tried yet again to check the block on Sailfish. Thought we had it for sure this time....right weather, right time of year, a chartered trip and everything. No such luck. Couple Bonitas, couple Mahi and one Sailfish that swam into the spread twice but never took the baits.....I have to tell you, my frustration almost outweighed the BCS game. Almost.
Well, I'm sure I'll get the chance sooner or later. Quick story from the trip.

I was in the tower with the CPT as we were hunting for better water and from about 200 yards in front of the boat you could spot a pair of Mahi heading right towards us. They swam down the right side of the boat no more than 30 or 40 feet away and about the time they cleared the transom, they spied dinner. They lit up like a christmas tree and headed in for long line. The first one missed the bait and sent it flying into the air much to the dismay of the crew below, but was quick to pick up the next bait and we were off to the races. The second fish swam all the way around to the left side long line and picked that one up....we were doubled up. I slid down to the pit and got to gaff both fish as the mate was busy clearing lines. Just a neat experience to see the whole thing go down. If you've ever watched Planet Earth on the Discovery channel and thought it would be great to be there.....it is. The Mahi fried up nicely in a beer batter the next night and was served with a cold corn,pepper and onion salad.
All for now....

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Tough Morning

Although some would say 3 shots at a National Championship in the last 7 years is great, it's not so easy if you live in SEC land where OSU seems to be incapable of catching a break and getting a win. This is an example of what I hear everyday, 365 days a year....even in a season when Mighty Florida falls to lowly Michigan..

"How's your kool aid dumb bucko's? Are you ready to succumb to the fact the b10 is in fact OVERRATED and the SEC is by far #1! PS....ask yourself...how many games could the bucko's win in the SEC...maybe one????"

Well, all I can say is that we've never proved otherwise, but our time will come. Who knows....if Laurainitis and Jenkins come back and we can manage a win at USC next year, we may get another chance.....and you better believe that if we knock out USC, the team on the other side of the ball will be from the SEC! Go Buckeyes!

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Taste of what's to come

Back in Business

Such a mixed blessing that the blog is up and running again. The harassment about updating pics and links is almost daily, but well worth it. It's so hard with friends and family so far away, the late nights are worth keeping eveyone up to speed with our goings on.
Speaking of which, we just returned from our trip to Nags Head, NC that we take every other year to catch up with our dearest friends from college....and the 9 kids that now come as a package with them. My, how we've managed to grow up yet stay young at the same time...for proof of that check out www.midwood.tv and play the "rockstar" video. Nice work by Brent on capturing the week in a creative, goofy and "clean enough" format.
It's much better if you know the participants, but check out at least the first minute or two...it's worth it just to see Brayden. I'll spend the rest of the week compiling pics and try to get a kids video out, there are some classic moments.
We had a wonderfully happy Holiday Season with thanks going out to all who helped expand the boy's toy collection. Special thanks to "Aunt Claudi" for the Gassy Gus board game. If you're wondering, your guess is right on!
So, don't stray too far. Pics and videos coming soon. We're all home and happy to be sleeping in our own beds after a great vacation. Take care and best regards for a wonderful 2008.

Jen's Dad's Retirement

For those that may have missed it, the boys and I had to make the first leg of our trip to NC on our own. Somehow we managed to make it to the final destination without mishap. Miracles never cease!
We did so because Jennifer's Dad, after 20 years with the Navy and 17 years with American Airlines flew his last trip before the "R" word, yes, retirement! Congrats to Dad on a well earned and most deserved retirement. Jennifer, Aunt Nancy and Mom flew (in business class!) to Zurich and back as Larry's special guests.
So for those of you doing the math, I was in Pooler, GA trying to track down a restaurant that serves both rice with soy sauce and cheese pizza while Jennifer and family were choosing from the wine list and enjoying port with cheese in fully reclining leather seats at 20,000 feet above the Atlantic. Hmmmmmm, me sees a few fishing trips in me future!
We were so happy that Jen could make the trip and make it back to us in Nags Head!