Spectacular

We didn't make the drive, but the view from the house was simply amazing. This picture is from Dec 2006 and the only night launch we saw from KSC. My greatest regret with launches is spending energy and time taking pics and video and generally not enjoying the event, so this morning I simply watched. A little early for the boys (4:13am), but well worth missing 45 mintues of sleep to see what will likely be the last night launch of the space shuttle. Without taking too many steps towards political commentary, it's unfortunate that we will take even one day away from manned space exploration. Regardless of where we launch from or what vehicle we go in, we should continue to explore. Being fortunate enough to watch this in person simply reminds me of the sheer power and importance of manned space flight. It's one of the most awe inspiring events you will ever witness.

My little fisherman

Cold and blustery couldn't keep us away. While we were hoping for the post cold front, aggressive bite, we got the post really cold front, dead fish lock jaw fishing trip. Managed to get each guy a fish on separate weekend trips, but it was tough going. Looking forward to long sunny days again where we see more fish in the boat than dead from cold stress. That cold snap really put a beat down on our fish and wildlife. We had a great time exploring islands, checking out the birds and splashing through the waves.

A real Fall in Florida

While the week of freezing temperatures brought rough times for many animals, plants and fish, it did have at least one upside. The boys enjoyed a day outside yesterday that actually felt like fall. Temps in low 60s, leaves falling from the trees, lots of browns, oranges and yellows in the landscaping. We get the falling leaves from time to time on the two Maples(transplants from Mr. Rich's move from NY), but it's usually accompanied by beautiful flowering plants and green lush foilage. This year, for at least one day, felt like Fall all around.

New Guests at the Zoo

Florida Fish and Wildlife are running out of space for cold sea turtles. Brevard Zoo takes over. I can't to go over and meet our new guests.

The Unthinkable

While I get that few people will have sympathy for the "cold" weather we've endured here over the last week, I have to make some comments. Florida people, animals, plants,etc...don't understand, like or know how to deal with cold weather. Although you may find our complaining trivial; really, how bad can 29 degrees be? Simply put, things stop living when it gets too cold down here. In addition to landscaping damage, many fish, animals, birds and reptiles can't live in these temperatures. Check out the story about inguanas falling from trees!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb3xQp2_rpQ

I don't remember a day since we've moved to Melbourne (Jacksonville was a different story) when the temp didn't get above 40 and usually 50 at some point during the day. While we would occasionally get down to or just below 32 over the past 7 years, it was only for a matter of minutes at any one time. You can count the hours on two hands. So given we didn't break 35 on Saturday, have had a week straight of subfreezing temps at night and actually saw frozen puddles on the road Sunday morning, it's been a very unusual weather event.
On a positive note, we're all bundled up and doing fine, Tucker wastes no time when "doing his business", the owners of the iceplex where Brayden skates probably saved $1,500 on their utilities this month, and the boys saw snow! For about 10 minutes on Saturday we progressed from falling slush, to sleet to actual snowflakes. No accumulation or notable flurries, but snow flakes none the less. Check out Jennifer's fine photographic evidence! Double click on the photo to get a better look.

NHP!

Another great year in the outer banks. North Carolina hosts yet another successful NHP trip!

Williamsburg

We really need to get back the "the burg" more often. Love this place!

Rip and Tear

Thanks to all (including Santa, of course) that made this mornings 6:30am wake up call worth while. It might have been just a bit overwhelming for Tucker

ICE!

Gaylord Palms...if there's one close to you, it's a great time. Entire conference hall with ice sculptures, igloos, ice ornaments, even an all ice nativity scene. Hand carved and absolutely amazing. A bit pricey, but if you live in FL and walk the dog in shorts and a t-shirt on Christmas day, it's well worth the $$ to feel cold for an hour.

Making Cookies!

Our Little Angels!

The boys sang last night in the Church's Christmas event. The children's choir was a small part of an amazing presentation, but nothing beats the sound of little kids singing at Christmas. They stole the show.

Wassail!

Let the Holidays begin! Wassail party at the Cheek's.

"It's beautiful Clark!"

Well, it's not quite up to Chevy Chase standards, but Jennifer is at it again.

Mmmmm Turkey

20 at the house...
Turkey Tetrazini, Turkey Soup, Sweet Potato Pancakes and Cranberry Bread for the next week

Tough end to the Season

Brayden played in the Championship Game for his Hockey League tonight. The game was the best of the season and Brayden had one of his best efforts. Braydens Redwings were up by 2 with 8 minutes left to go in the game when the Blackhawks squeaked one into the net. With just 2 minutes left, the Blackhawks did it again and tied the game. The Redwings had a chance to take the lead with seconds left, but couldn't make it happen. The goalie play on both sides was amazing with lots of great shots getting denied and many parents sighing in the bleachers. In sudden death penalty shots, the Blackhawks scored and the Redwings just couldnt answer. The Blackhawks skated around the rink with the cup while the Redwing locker room was filled with tears...I guess when you dont get a medal just for showing up, the kids take it a little more seriously. Many Mom and Dads "coaching" their little guys on how to walk out of the locker room with heads held high. I told Brayden that it is just an unfortunate part of being an Ohio Sports fan, so close, but so far away!

Uncle Bryan and Aunt Jennifer!

Congrats to my sis and her husband on the delivery of their baby boy! Andrew Michael Keach was born last night just before 11:00. He weighs in at 7 pounds, 11 oz with a full head a hair. Everyone is healthy and happy. While the boys were somewhat disappointed their choice of names were
overlooked (Aniken, Rainwater or Bob), the excitement was clear when Alex exclaimed, " we're going to be cousins and not kids anymore!"

Great job Lauren, Mike and Andrew. We're so proud of you guys and excited to watch you take on this rewarding new journey in your life.

Stimulating the Economy

The Cheek family is doing their best to get this economy up and running again. It's been 8 years or so since we've owned a boat....funny how that happens to coincide with the age of my oldest child... anyway, we're back in action. We found a nice little boat last month and took the plunge. This 16' Carolina Skiff passed the first family test two weekends ago when we headed out into the river for a little 20 mile cruise down to a spoil island just North of the Sebastian Inlet. We brought beach towels, lunch and fishing poles and had a great time splashing around!

Fall in Florida

As far as I'm concerned you can have your colorful trees and cold weather. Fall in Florida means Sailfish!

B's B-day!

The big question is, did he really expect boys to come to a skating party or did he think, "the girls will really dig this this!" One of the Moms actually asked Brayden to do more backwards skating.....he's already making nice with the girl's moms and he doesn't even know what he's doing.

In all reality, there were 2 boys at the party and Brayden had a fantastic day skating around with his friends. Very few had skated before, but as amazing as kids are, they nearly all were skating w/o help by the end of the day. We all had a great time!

The Amazing Tooth

The amazing part is that our 8 year old finally lost his first tooth! With that being said, there are at least 3 more the tooth fairy has on her 30 day pick up list. Poor Alex is eating a good amount of soup these days with his front 4 pretty much out of action.