Ground Zero

After the ringing of the closing bell, we decided to walk over to Ground Zero since it was just a few blocks away. I have never been - before or after, and I knew no one personally who died that day, but being here was heart wrenching.

New York, New York

Last week I was in New York City for work. I've never been a huge fan of New York. It's not a thing against big cities. I love San Francisco, Denver, London, Paris (barring the uniquely awful smell that is the Paris Metro), and Rome. And heaven knows, some of those places have the unfortunate circumstance of having a lot of Europeans in them. I kid, I kid.

But last week I had to be in NYC for the ringing of the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. My company was being recognized and sent me and my colleague as representatives. But before all that Calvin Klein-suit-wearing nonsense, we went to Times Square for a wee bit of sensory overload.

Where else can you get a bear hug from the Cookie Monster while Mickey Mouse looks on?



Could be worse, I suppose. You could get a squeeze from this guy.



We had to be on Wall St. pretty early so we kept our law breaking to a minimum.



Has Occupy Wall Street ended? There were maybe five or six quiet, half-hearted loungers on some steps outside the stock exchange. One had a sign but gave up holding it. I felt kinda' bad in my suit as I headed inside. Like I wanted to yell, "but last night we saw the Naked Cowboy!" as some sort of assurance that I wasn't evil. Thankfully I realized that admitting I laugh at men so desperate for work that they stand in the street singing in their tidy whities wasn't my best defense.

Hey, look, pretty building!



Inside, it wasn't quite as crazy as I imagined. For one thing, as modern and split second decision makers as these day trader types are, they still have these.



So the bell was rung, we clapped, and someone took our picture.

(cell)

Wordless Wednesday: Let's Go Fly A Kite

Thank You, Easter Bunny!

Easter is almost as busy as Christmas for us. Dan's in seminary and volunteering at two different churches for his normal schedule this semester. Add in holy week activities, fun Easter parties, and two services at two churches 30 minutes apart on Sunday - and I was ready for a nap by noon.

The week started with a trip to the Zoo for my company's annual Easter Party. I was really impressed that Evan tolerated a picture with the Easter Bunny again this year. I can't blame him for insisting he stand next to the chair instead of sitting on the lap of the large mute bunny. Santa Claus is human at least (ignoring that immortality thing for a moment) who talks and brings toys.





Then we went to a children's Easter festival at our church.

Photo note: The photos with the "Do Not Copy" watermark were taken by Bill Campbell (edited by me, with permission).





I may have to cave pretty soon and get one of these bouncy things for Evan's birthday. I'm pretty sure he'd live in one of these if we'd let him.





I have to brag on Evan a little bit because on Easter Sunday he sat through his first full church service AND was quiet. Mostly. I was prepared to have to take him to the play room but he was golden. When we got home, the Easter Bunny had visited our house and Evan hunted for eggs in our back yard.







Then we headed out to my parents for a fabulous lunch and grandparent time.



I bought this newsboy hat for Evan to wear with his Easter outfit. Grandpa was the only one who could get him to wear it.



It's really hard to sit still when the prospect of treat-filled eggs are right in front of you.



They make you think they pose and smile sweetly for the camera on request, no? He he he, just wait.



My sweet nephew, Liam, and his momma finding treasures.



This might be my favorite shot of the day, even if it is a little out of focus.



Remember those sweet little smiling boys? I didn't even realize they were doing this when I was taking the pictures. We were all just trying to get Liam to look at the camera. Miniature stealth photo bombers. But I think my Dad's expression just might be the funniest part of it all.





Happy Easter!