Thanksgiving Fun

Me and Chrissy had a great time this Thanksgiving. We did a good bit of traveling as well. We drove to Jacksonville on Tuesday.

We went to Gainesville on Wednesday (Chrissy's future home?). It was freezing. I don't remember it ever being that cold.

Got to go to the swamp and the O-dome. Do you see what it says on top of the O-dome?

Went to Orange Park, Florida to visit friends Wednesday night.

Spent time with the family for Thanksgiving. Did a little fishin.

Went to St. Augustine on Friday. Chrissy rode a donkey for her first and probably her last time; more to come when I figure out how to download video to blogger.

Saw the Christmas tree lighting on the river in Jacksonville with some friends.

I'll write about Saturday and Sunday later. They are both worthy of their own blog.

Fun times, but I'm glad to be home

Matsuzaka?

Due to popular demand (thanks Abbie), I'd like to talk a little baseball. I guess I should start by giving my opinion of the Matsuzaka situation. For those of you who don't know, the Seibu Lions from Japan have a hotshot pitcher who some project would be an ace on any team in the major leagues. Obviously, they wouldn't want to release him from his contract unless they were paid bigtime. Seibu decided they would have a closed bid for all major league teams to see who was willing to offer the most money for the rights to negotiate with him. Everyone was expecting the Yankees to come in with the highest bid but surprisingly, the Sox were highest bidder. They bid 51.1 million when the next highest was 42 million. If they can't come to terms with the Mat, he will stay with the Lions and the Sox don't have to pay a thing. AAAAAAND, the bad guys can't pick him up either. If they come to terms, they will pay the Lions the 51.1 million and pay a salary of probably around 10 mil a year. It seems at first glance that this is a terrible idea, but there are other factors:

1. As I said before, the Yankees can't get him.
2. Some say that Japan is the new Dominican Republic (Look at the best players in the game today, and see how many are from the Dominican). It might be a big market in the future.
3. He was lights out in the World Baseball Classic. He's already prooven he can be clutch without throwing an MLB pitch.

I think it might be a bit much to pay for him, but maybe it will work out. I wouldn't say the Sox have made the best moves in the last few years. Beckett hasn't met expectations. They traded Hanley Ramirez (a potential allstar). I'm starting to wonder if the 04 Series was just fate, not front office intelligence.

Things to look forward too: Schilling is still there, Papelbon should be a starter, we still have a guy named Wily Mo. Only 5 more months until baseball season starts again.

Until then, Go Pats, Go Jags, Go Gators, and as always, GO SOX!!!

Chrissy's new wheels

After months of discussion and debate, we finally decided on a vehicle. Meet Lester, the Highlander. How did we get the name Lester? I just made it up. Lets see how long it takes for Chrissy to read this and change the name.

Reunion 06

Yep,

Its that time again. The McLeod Family Reunion was held last weekend. Highlights:

1. Watching the Clemson GT game with the family.

2. The horse auction. They had the guy that talks real fast and everything.

3. Chrissy getting to see my chin for the first time (see pictures below).

4. Getting in a wreck a few days before, and the other guy's insurance company renting us a Toyota Rav4 to take to the reunion. The good thing about that is that its one of the vehicles Chrissy is thinking about buying, so she's had a chance to drive it for a while.

5. Reeeeeeeeeeally good food.

I'm watching game 5 of the World Series. Detroit's up 2-1, but I don't know if they'll be able to hold the lead. Its a sad time when baseball is almost over. Atleast there is still football to fall back on. Anyways, on with the pics:

Pumpkin Patch

Saturday was a great day. Chad's parent's and Nana came up to visit and so did Caroline and Olivia. The men went and did their own thing and us girls went to the pumpkin patch. We road on a hay ride and went through the pumpkin maze. The girls picked out 2 pumpkins a piece and later decorated them while I had to do a little work at the church. I meant to pick out a pumpkin for our porch but I couldn't decide which one I wnated (I'm not creative enough to decorate it like the girls did). I think that Chad needs to go with me and help me out. I think that everyone had a good time, I know I did. It's weird but I have never been to a pumpkin patch until last year when Jawan took me, I don't think that I had even heard of one before. Do all towns have one?

Brian's Birthday

This past Sunday was Brian's birthday, so Chad, Maggie and I went up to Oxford for the celebration. Friday night we went to eat with one of my best friends Carolyn. We had a great time hangning out and talking. That night Chad and Dad went to play tennis, big surprise there. Saturday Mom and I made a pound cake for Brian's birthday cake and Chad and Dad went and played tennis again. Dad grilled out some steaks and we all had a great lunch. We also watched the Florida game, go Gators! Guess what Chad and Dad did after that? You guessed it, they went to play tennis again but this time I got to go with them.

Reunion.

It's hard to believe that it has been 10 years since high school, but it has and last weekend was my reunion. It only feels like it's been a year or two (except for all of the kids everyone has, Chad and I are really behind). Chad has had a fun time teasing me about how old I am. Friday night we went to my high school's football game. I had a great time seeing everyone especially Abbie and Gina. I wished the game could have lasted longer so I would have had more time to see everyone. Chad and I had to miss the dinner Saturday night, but I did get a chance to hang out with Abbie and Marla afterwards. Well on to the pictures.

Here is Abbie and her daughter Zoe.















Here is Gina.















Here is Marla and Abbie.















And here is a cute picture of Chad and Maggie.

The Dog Days of Summer

Saturdays are usually the best days of the week since both Chad and Chrissy are home to play with me. Not so today. Chrissy has had a cold and laid around the house all day. Chad hasn't played with me much either. He was too busy watching football. Then they went to see a movie (Lady in the Water (Not worth the price of admission (even at the $1.50 movie (It was weird and the people in front of them wouldn't stop talking (Chad told me all about it when he got home (I'm using too many parentheses (I'm going to stop now))))))). I'm not going to be all negative though. There were a few good things that happened. Like I got to go on a walk, and I got to go for a short ride in the truck to the grocery store. Well, gotta go. Chrissy is making banana pudding and she's been known to drop a few crumbs from time to time.

The Things You Here.....

The things you here when you're around youngsters. We had an 80th birthday surprise party for my grandmother. It was a special time for our family. Here are some quotes from my nieces and nephews and one by a parent:

"Owen, Don't hit Uncle Chad in the ding dong"

"Mommy, when I think about that picture of your big butt, I can't stop laughing"

"Mommy, do I have to play with the neighbors? They're really weird."

"I may not be the smarted kid in my class, but I am the most fabulous."

I'm not convinced I will enjoy parenthood, but I sure will be entertained.

The Birthday Girl

The most fabulous kid in the class

The Big One Year Anniversary

I just have to tell you that I have a wonderful husband in case any of you did not already know that. Chad planned our entire anniversary weekend and kept it a secret from me until the night before the trip. He lined up a sub for me on Friday and we took off to Atlanta (actually we went to Oxford first to drop off Maggie). That night we got all dressed up, Chad even wore a tie, and he took me to the Sun Dial. It is a great restaurant with a great view. It is on the 72nd floor of a hotel. We had an excellent view going up the glass elevator and at our table. If you look closely you can see the Braves game in the background, maybe that's why he chose to eat there. Saturday we went to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch, I love that place. That night we went to the Braves game, and even though they lost we still had a good time.

Savannah Day 5

Our last day in Savannah, kind of sad. I had class until 11:30. After class, we went to lunch and then walked around one last time. We then went to Jacksonville for my Grandfather's 50 year anniversary of being a pastor. I couldn't imagine doing something for 50 years. I've got 30 years until retirement and after that, I'm through. It must be wonderful to love your job so much, that you'd be willing to devote your life to it. Well, on to the pictures!!!

Chad and Saint Patrick

We found Luther, John Wesley, and Saint Patrick. We wanted a picture with Calvin, but the Presbyterian Church was closed.

Found that pretty girl in the park again

Papa J O at his 50th anniversary

Savannah Day 4

Had another good day seeing the sites. Don't feel like writing much so without further ado, on with the pictures:

John Wesley

Minister from the Church of England to the New World. Credited as the Father of the Methodist Church

Savannah's "Little Dig"

Some interesting engineering. They drilled into the soil using augers (big drills) about 90 feet down and filled the area with cement grout and H beams for reinforcement. Now they are excavating the soil and pumping the water out. They have excavated over 120,000 cubic yards of soil so far. What are they doing this for? When finished, it will be a large underground parking lot. A hotel will then be constructed above the garage. You can read more about it at http://www.theellisproject.com/

Michaelangelo

Not sure what Michaelangelo is doing in Savannah, but I guess it has something to do with Savannah's art school. This town has a surprising amount of culture, at least surprising to me.

The parks are beautiful downtown. There are many statues and fountains, like this one here.

Savannah Day 3

After a long day of boring class, we had a great evening together. We ate at Churchhill's Pub. Great environment, good food, bad red velvet cake. We then saw a few beautiful churches and walked through some parks. Still no rain!

I'm standing next to a painting of one of my heroes, Martin Luther

Pretty Girl in the park let me take her Picture

Savannah: Day 2 (Chrissy)

Yesterday was a much better day to go looking around. After I met Chad for lunch I went on a long walk by the river. It was so nice and there are so many stores to look at. I won't lie, my favorites were the candy stores with all the fudge and chocolate covered everything. I didn't buy any but I did get a free sample of the oreo fudge, it was yummy. Last night I took Chad to the river and we ate at a cajun place. It was okay, not really my thing though. Later we had some delicous ice cream and sat on a bench while we listened to a guy playing the saxaphone.

The Garden at the Independent Presbyterian Church

Missing Maggie

I miss my dog. This is a picture from the day I first met her. Isn't she cute? She's staying with the grandparents while we're in Savannah. Can't wait to go get her.

Savannah: Day 1

Savannah is beautiful. There are many restaurants we'd love to try, and some beautiful parks within walking distance of the hotel. The problem is, its pouring down rain and we can't even get to the car without getting soaked. We ordered pizza (poor delivery guy) and we're stuck in the hotel, watching TV. I checked the weather and it is supposed to rain all week. Hopefully things will get better.

4th of July

So I know that I've been a little slow in posting this, but it's better late than never. It's been very busy getting ready for the school year and working. Chad and I had a great time visiting with family for the 4th. There was also a lot of great food, we had tons of desserts, casseroles, and bbq. Maggie went on her first boat ride. She handeled it well but she was not too happy at first. Here are a couple of pictures og Chad with Lilly and me with Steffany.

Maggie the Fish and Sox fan

Maggie went swimming for the first time (at least of her own accord). She never ceases to amaze me. That's why she's the wonderdog.




Maggie is definitely a Sox Fans (colorblind too)

Good times at the wedding

Last month, we went to one of my best friend's wedding back in Jacksonville. Here are a couple of pictures from the wedding:

THE IMPOSSIBLE HAS HAPPENED!

THIS IS MY "I'M WEARING LAVENDER" FACE

ME AND CHRISSY ON THE ST. JOHNS RIVER

Boo Pedro?

A lot of debate over the last few days about what to do with Pedro. Do the fans boo him? Cheer him? Act indifferent? I say they cheer him. I know I will not be there. If I was, I'd stand up and clap. Perfect game tonight for me would be a 1-o victory for the Sox, Petey being pulled in the 8th and the Mets giving up the run in the ninth. I'm actually kind of worried about to night. I remember Roger's first game back in bean town after being shown the door. He pitched with a vengeance. Hopefully that doesn't happen tonight. Oh well. The games about to start. Go SOX!

Bittersweet Victory

Our friends Mitch, Jawan, Jennifer, and John Ed

Had a great time Saturday watching the Sox beat the Braves at Turner Field. I'll have to admit though it was a little bittersweet. I've been a Braves fan since I was old enough to know what was going on. I loved Dale, Glenn Hubbard, Ozzie Virgil, and Bob Horner. And I remember being allowed to stay up late and watch Sid Bream beat the tag at home. My favorite pitcher was Steve Avery and favorite fielder was Mark Lemke. But after the Braves World Series beatings by the Yankees, I started getting into the Sox Yankees rivalry. Then I started pulling for the Sox just to see the Yanks loose. Then I started reading Bill Simmon's articles. I fell in love with the Sox. I loved how the underdog finally won. David finally beat Goliath. And now its Boston for me. I love how they overcame a 3-0 deficit for the greatest comeback in playoff history. I love how they might have lost in the past, but they always went down swinging. I love how their fans almost outnumber their opponents at away games. I love how they start anti-yankee chants at away games in another team's stadium. And I love being a Sox fan. Now that the series is over, I say go Braves again. But always, Go Sox.

Great things that happened:

Papi and my favorite player Kevin Youkilis both hit homeruns.

Papelbon came in and recorded a save.

Beckett looked awesome.

And of course, the Sox won.

Vacation Pics

Here are a few pics from our reunion/ vacation in St. Simons Island. We had a great time at the beach, the waterpark, and the lott cottage. Lots of fun!