Westmoreland Asays

A few years ago the boys were banished to the basement for a reason that alludes my memory, but they had to sleep down there for a night, I think (or maybe one of them needed to, and the others sneaked down for moral support). We have two televisions in the basement, and while their main purpose is for displaying retro video game systems, one is equipped with homemade, digital bunny ears that can pick up a few channels over the airwaves. From the main floor of the house, one can readily hear whatever goes on in the basement, so it didn't take long for Meg and I to know that the boys breaking their curfew. But it was not video games that had driven the boys over the edge: it was He-Man . Such a gesture was too cute to extinguish, so we laughed and let them watch it late into the night (at least by Westmoreland Asay home standards--school starts at 8:00 a.m. here). With Meg's mother in town for a few weeks--and needing a place to crash off-and-on her sojourn--Aaron vacated hi...

Our ward held a rocket launch party at Clinton Park , a place Meg and Aaron and I hadn't visited since 2004--a place that inspired me to write one of the last entries in my journal (this blog, born a few months later, essentially replaced my journal), which happened to chronicle my distaste for living in homogenous Beaverton and a desire to live within Portland. Well, it took a while, and a new city in between, but we eventually made it. Our spring weather has been fantastic this year, and today was no exception. Nobody in our family had built a rocket to launch, but we enjoyed watching others launch and chase after theirs (aged trees ate many, if not most, of the rockets that escaped the launchpad). Watching my family interact with their peers and friends from afar with my camera suits my pleasure well, not that I'm some crazy hermit that stalks his prey from the fringe--I get along with people just fine. Meg and the boys probably enjoyed socializing and playing catch wi...

NOT just another day at the office Fun fact: kids love getting a day off from school to go to work; parents love to get a day off work to go to school. Aaron accompanied me to the office today for Bring Your Child to Work day and raved about his experience. In a couple of weeks, I will be chaperoning Aaron's outdoor school trip (I'm predicting a raving experience, but be sure to check back later for the full story). I'd wager that most jobs are rote and tedious and boring and unimportant (unto themselves)--but somebody needs to do them, or we wouldn't be able to enjoy much of this wonderful world. So I'm encouraged that Aaron shows so much interest in learning about what happens in my particular business. Aaron and friend built the tallest structure Last year we rode our bikes, but Aaron had band practice after school so we rode the bus so Meg would have an easier time picking him up in the afternoon. In between free breakfast and lunch, we attended fo...

Last summer Meg stopped at a garage sale in the neighborhood, found a trombone, and decided that Aaron was going to join the band. And join the band he did. It's been about nine months since Aaron began that relationship, so I wanted to check in on his progress and share this exclusive interview with him.

Ian has survived four years being the baby in the family. He has progressed much this year, from learning to talk to completing his toilet training, although he doesn't quite get how to manage going number two--boy-oh-boy what a pill he can be about that. Ian eagerly expresses his love for his friends and family, and little can compare when he spontaneously wraps his arms around you, gives you a peck on the cheek, and tells you how awesome you are and that he loves you. Ian sat down for a few minutes to answer some mostly meaningless questions that showcase his personality and demeanor.

Flagpole sitta I missed this SNL short because I was in Japan, of all places. What amazes me the most is that all of the Japanese characters speak Japanese (although their accent is so think it is very difficult for me to catch what they are trying to say sometimes).

Edward has now experienced eight years on planet Earth, and he continues to grow and develop. He remains a boy full of mystery and intrigue. His sense of humor continues to delight and entertain us with his fresh and deep insights of the world. Thinking of Edward's potential for greatness excites and motivates me to treat him with love and to show forth a little more patience than perhaps a person deserves. Edward agreed to answer a few questions on camera, but only if we ventured into the attic--a place of extremes and mysteries and a reprieve from little rascals and opportunistic photo-bombers. I failed to set up the scene properly, so you can't quite experience the full glory that is Edward. May your glimpse reward you handsomely.