littleblakebook

Kauai Kristmas!

Back from two weeks in Kauai. Think this is my new fave Hawiian Isle. Notwithstanding the horrible radio station selection. I swear the Reggae station had a play list of maybe 10 songs. I started to dream some of them, I heard them so much. To say the entire vacay was filled with joy, would be disingenuous. I'll say, however, that it was still pretty great. No complaining... at least not with a straight face. Kids had an awesome time. We were in Haena, which is a little off the beaten path... and about four single-lane bridges beyond Hanalei. We met some great people, and even ran into our first cousin Michael McDonnell and his family. In fact, we were kind of amazed how how many people we ran into. Never knew Kauai was such a destination hol for so many folks. I've put an album to the side. I'll be updating it with pictures that Kellen and Madison took as well. I'm in charge of making the book, and I know they had a million great photoz. So, watch this space. 

Some Catch Up

I've been, literally, uploading all day. I've recently switched to a Mac. So, I'm able to do some new things... namely, upload photos to my MobileMe gallery. Folks can download the photos. It's great for me because I'm often taking many pictures of kids at school or activity or even pals out on the town. I won't have to remember to print them out. I can just upload'em, and people can chose to take them or not. Win/Win.

I've been trying to catch up with some photographic things... Such as Lily's last birthday. It was in September. If you're thinking that it's a little lax of me to be posting them in NOVEMBER, then you can imagine how punctual I've been with her birthday party. Mother of the Year, right here.

We've been going with the story that it's a busy time of year and that we'll do a non-birthday-birthday in March. 

Here is a photo of Lily getting her greatest wish for her birthday, a real iPod. We feel guilty about this, but let me tell you, she adores it. She's got the soundtrack to Grease, Hairspray, High School Musicals 1-3. It's all good.

Oh, and then... sometime after the birthday. It was an October zoo visit. Fun for the whole fam. Got a cute photo of the kids, over by the elephants. Pierce really does not enjoy the picture taking process. I'll just put that out there.

Get Your Summer Photos Here!

Well, I've finally edited most of these... while I should be doing other things. Like cleaning the house and filling out the emergency forms for the kids, but I digress.

The kids have just started school. Pierce has officially joined the school aged set, and we are very (sniff-sniff) proud of him. Lily is in second grade with her same teacher from last year. She's the grooviest. We are so happy to have her for another year. Sadly, for most of Lily's male classmates, her teacher will soon have a new man in her life. End of October is when her baby boy is due. So, it's sure to be a big year.

I've put an photo album to the side, entitled Reno Summer 2008. I didn't really take tons of pictures, this Summer. Only broke the big camera out for a few days at the ranch. Otherwise, just carted the lil one around a took a few snaps when I thought of it. Mostly, I didn't think of it, which is why it's a pretty lackluster representation of my friends and fam, but there you have it.

Remember, if you'd like to see the photo bigger and badder, just double click on the picture. Then, voila! Big picture. No need to search for your bi-focals.

Father's Day!

Just a little photo for Dad on his special Day!

Another Year -- Another NE Recital

June 2008 brings another dance recital. This year's number was "Ease on Down the Road" from the popular hit show, "The Wiz."

Here are the girls in all their glory...

Before the show and on-stage.

Lily's teacher from 1st grade came to see the show. She's the best, and we're so excited because she has decided to follow the class from first grade to second grade. Two years of Mrs. Belk. Yay.

And, here's Lily, after the show...

After all the numbers are performed, the entire dance company goes out on stage for the grand finale. Here is Lily and her pal, awaiting their cue.

John Flanigan

A few people have asked if Dad's obituary was posted anywhere. Here's one with the Reno Gazette Journal. Kell wrote it. I think it's great. Also, I've posted an album of some photos I have. Check it out.

http://www.legacy.com/RGJ/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=105324582

John Flanigan 1922-2008

We said goodbye to a great friend and father, my pops John Flanigan, last Wednesday. As a family, we've been poring over many photographs. Here's one from the archives. Me and my Dad. This is in Switzerland. Probably early 1970. Thank you for all the notes and emails.

Some Moments from our Xmas Road Trip

Check out some photos in our Bean Town Xmaas Adventure
You can check them out to the right.

Feels Good to be Back!

We did an extensive road trip from Omaha to Boston, through CT, NY, NJ, PA, OH, IN, IL, and IA. Thousands and thousands of miles. Really. Meanwhile, back at the OK Corral, China's trusty old computer died! Died, I tell ya. No internet. No nothin'. Luckily for Crackberry, I tell you. I was able to stay communicato with my peeps. Still, I do have a few photos! That's why we're here, folks. Let's get down to Biz.

First, Pierces Hanukkah Musical Performance at the JCC...

Then, we had Lily's yearly Nutcracker Performance at Nebraska Dance. Just an informal couple of numbers. Very entertaining!

Unfortunately, Pierce was less than thrilled with waiting around...

After all that, we had Lily's First Grade Music Program. It's always fun to see that many First Graders in a room. Party! Lily was happy to hang with many of her home girls. It was, as in most cases throughout waking hours, important that hair and makeup were appropriate. Why pass up the opportunity of an evening of glamour!

Pierce got to wear his Batman cape, which is more than a little tattered (Shhh) and is with us on most adventures. Important to fight bad guys wherever we are. You never know what evil lurks beneath the innocent exterior of a elementary school music program in Omaha, Nebraska. We bring our little crime fighter to keep out the rif raf.

There are lots more photos coming from our journey East. We did have an enjoyable time. Saw many Blakes and even got the chance to hang with old friends. Thanks to those who took us in. I'll post those next... So, keep an eye out!

First Rock Concert!

It was bound to happen. Lily desperately wanted tickets to the hottest show in town. Elton John? No. Manheim Steamroller? No again.

Omaha, hosted Hannah Montana at the Quest Center on Wednesday. Dad went with Lily. Tickets were nearly impossible to score. We had to sign up on a fan website to have access to tickets. It was a bloodbath. Many did not get tickets. The whole show, one night only, in a 20,000 seat event center sold out in 10 mintues. My stats may be a little off, but suffice it to say. This was one of those things in a little girl's life that is just too good to be true. For many, it was. We attempted to impress upon Lily that the tickets were very expensive and that this was a big treat. I think she got it.

Needless to say, for such a big event, in a small girl's life, we had some preparations. Morning saw a visit to the neighborhood salon for hair, nails and makeup. She had a couple suggestions on how she wanted her hair done. Most notably she wanted purple highlights. Okay. This was not an everyday thing. Adrian asked that she please not look too... how should I put it? Pageant-Ready. What could I do. She was thrilled with the blue eye-shadow and felt very grown up with her curly hair and frosty pink nails.

Alas, every limo in town was sold out at astronomical prices. My suspicion is that many parents anticipated there would not be adult beverages available and so thought a mobile bar would get them primed for two hours of shrieking at decibel levels that would kill a lab rat. No limo for us.

On that note, however, we did visit a newly opened store, in neighboring Papillion. This boutique/salon/party pavillion is called Sweet and Sassy. I'm not sure how to describe it. Caters to hordes of little girls for both salon visits and gatherings. Girls can have hair, makeup, and facials. When she's been primped and pampered, the girl can then walk the catwalk. Of course it's all caught on digi-cam and they can even watch themselves real-time as they sashay down the runway. It's a little scary, but the girls live for it.

Below is a Limo that the store rents out at an astronomical fee. All for the love of children... You can see the appeal.

The last picture is just before ADB and Lily left for the show. They had a great time. Adrian texted me several times throughout the show. Once to say that Hannah had emerged. Descended from the ceiling in a giant, pink cube. Another time to say that his ears were bleeding.