Crayons and Keyboards

Texas Christmas Story

If you have ever driven down I-30 in Fort Worth, just east of downtown, you'll know exactly which tree this book is about...

Gingerbread Construction Managers

They're Back...

Elvis has returned for yet another year, and brought his sister Apple-Joy...

To me, nothing is better than local business. They are always cooler, more personal, and just all around better than chains of any sort.

I go out of my way to try and use local shops as much as possible. My barber is just that.

Citizen Frederick Barber Shop may be the greatest barber shop ever. Free beer and coffee; and, some cool chill music playing. All set up in an old dance studio overlooking downtown Frederick. The tables and chairs are older than old - but that's what makes them cooler than cool.

Took the boy there for the first time today with me; he approved.

Digital Full Circle

Almost ten years, and 1,900 blog post later, the digital world has come almost full circle - I saw almost because it hasn't closed.

Through the wonders of pod-casting, social media, and good ol' fashion books, I ran into the Good Dad Project. It's a community of fathers that share their experiences (good and bad) and have conversations about fatherhood and the life that comes with it.

Larry, the founder of The Good Dad Project, reached out to his followers on Facebook asking for submissions for a guest blogger - so naturally I jumped on that. After a edits and revisions, the blog post went live and I have become a guest blogger for The Good Dad Project.

Who knows where the lead will go from here, but I do know that it has relit the fire inside me to write and expand my personal brand and Crayons & Keyboards...let's see where we can go with this.

Halloween 2015

Not one of our better costumes...the wife and I will need to step it up next year.

Serious Carvers Only

Shit is real when you have multiple knives, spoons, and...a power drill.

No messing around in this house.

Fall In The Air

Marine Corps Marathon

The "Wall" is not a fun experience to go through. It's the point in a race/run where you are drained. Energy gone; both physically and mentally. Every runner has hit; it's no if, but when.

That moment in a run can break you; but, when you remember why you are running, the second wind comes in with force.

This race was for the Marines; active, retired, fallen - it was for all Marines. This race was also for my kids. Part of why I run marathons, is to show my kids that anything is possible. Not just by me, but all the people out pounding the pavement and pushing themselves.

I want them to look back one day and remember these days and to feel as though they can take on any challenge and climb over that wall.

Character Counts

Hey kids, if you want to make your parents REALLY proud, be a leader and show good character.

Jaxson did just that today. He was selected by his teacher and classmates to receive the "Student of the Month" award for his "excellent character.

He was honored in front of the the entire third grade. Part of his reward was sitting at the "special" table with Robyn and I...along with a Happy Meal - that will make any kid happy.

Sticky Art

This girl and her "decorating" and organizing...

A little gift from Boo (appropriate enough since it was Halloween goodies), and she is off and decorating...

Family Farm Fun

The kids are out of school...for who knows what this time.

A little family fun at Summer's farm. Corn maze (made national news due to it being cut in Taylor Swift form), apple shooting guns, and just a day to enjoy some sunshine.

Apple Shooters

Give a kid an apple-shooting air cannon, and they smile. Imagine that.

The Wheels Have Come Off...

She hasn't mastered the bike without the training wheels off yet; however, there is progress.

Craziest part about it all, she randomly came up to me and asked to take them off and that she "wanted" a few bumps and bruises.

We will keep practicing, hopefully we can knock this out in a few days...updated to follow.

Tickle the Ivories

A few weeks in, and we can play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star...

Change of Command

A visit to Patuxent River Naval Air Base for the Change of Command ceremony for Robyn's uncle as he retires from the navy and his relieved of his duties.

Cool toys all around that place...

Heritage Celebration

Our new town is an incredible community and all the residents are close knit and involved.

Watching our first Middletown Heritage Festival as Middletown residents was a good feeling.

Monster Mini-Golf.

I whooped his ass in golf; however, he dominated me in the arcades.

Tickle The Ivories

The one thing I never learned was the piano and it's the one thing I wish I learned as a kid. With that being said, we're going to try and get the kids interested and see where it goes.

Mimi & Papi surprised Jax (and AB) with a keyboard to make ~~horrible noises~~ music with.

This should be fun.