Just back from a week in Chicago where I spent most of my time in meetings, driving, and eating.  The food was great, but I love to at least visit something new whenever I am there.  This time I could not. 

But I did get a  break from all the salmon we have been eating here lately.  Last month we took the girls out on a big fishing trip.  I got to be the captain this trip.  But I had a very good first mate.  We had a great time all day out on Lake Michigan, and Lo enjoyed it as much as I did.  Lo did not want to get off the boat she was so good with keeping the poles and riggers from getting tangled up.

Here is Keeks with one of the fish she caught when we went fishing.  Dinner.

Most of you have seen my families costume history on facebook.  But for those not on facebook I have to share my costume this year.  Do not want you to miss this treat!  :) I saw this guy last year who had Will Farrell's race uniform on from the movie Talledega Nights, and thought that maybe I would do something like that instead of the authentic Roman Gladiator costume of two years ago.  I know - I have posted this one before.

And last years fat Elvis was a hit.  Although just as strange.

So having been a part of the 70's basketball thing I thought I might fit comfortably in this little number.

Well it is not complete with knee pads, orange shoelaces on pony basketball shoes, and the wig is not quite right yet.  But basically you get the idea - I am about to embarrass my children again this year.  The outfit is from the movie "Semi-Pro," which I actually have not seen.  I am certain knowing Will Farrell it is interesting.  A team named the "Tropics" from Flint Michigan gives away that it is a comedy.  Since it most likely will be cold when I go trick-or-treating with Red (the only child who still has to go with me because of her age - the others stay far away from their Dad on this night,) the outfit is complete with matching warm up suit. 

This is most likely the last day I will be able to use my children as a excuse to go trick-or-treating.  After this they will most likely request medical help for my Halloween antics. 

Lo started a new fulltime job for a local family practice doctor.  She had worked for another occupational health care facility, but they were trying to move her shift.  This works out better, it is closer, and she was offered much more in salary and benefits.  She was happy until the person training her came down with Mono, and she is left to learn their procedures on her own.  She will still work parttime for the company she worked with before when they need her to.

Asha played her second basketball game today and is doing well for a fifth grader.  Her greatest struggle is having a Dad who thinks he knows basketball.  A little bit challenging.  She played defense well today, and has a better understanding of the game.  I hope she does not loose her desire to learn it.  She also is in Tennis, and does not have her Dad bugging her to "hustle," in that sport. 

Did you guess who that is?  Well while I was looking at awards given to Penn Tech graduates I found this.  I tell my daughters stories of Mel.  And they always ask me where he is.

Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented a Distinguished Alumnus Award to Mel Tra and Alumnus/Alumna Achievement Awards The awards were presented during commencement ceremonies May 16-17 at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport.

The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award is given annually in recognition of personal and professional accomplishments, contributions toward furthering the efforts of the college and the high regard in which the recipient is held in the community.

Alumnus/Alumna Achievement Awards are presented annually to Penn College graduates from the past 10 years. The award recognizes noteworthy career accomplishments that demonstrate the importance of a Penn College education and honors graduates who continue to support the mission of the college.

Tra, of Williamsport, is the owner of Tra Electric Inc. Mel Tra
Born in Saigon, South Vietnam, Tra graduated from high school third in his class and then joined the army at the age of 17. In 1975, at the age of 20, he came to the United States. He had no family here, spoke no English and had no money. Sponsored by a local church group, he lived with a local family and got his first job within a week − mixing mud and carrying block.

Tra learned to speak English primarily from watching TV and using a translation dictionary. His first formal training in English came when he joined a local GED class in order to become eligible to enroll in college classes.

In 1982, he became a U.S. citizen; five years later, he enrolled in the electrical construction technology program at Williamsport Area Community College, a forerunner of Penn College.

While he was a student, Tra received an assignment that involved designing the lighting for a new building on campus: the Thompson Professional Development Center. Designed and built by students, faculty and staff, the facility serves as a conference center for the college and community guests.

Tra graduated in 1987 and went to work for a local contractor. He returned to campus in 1994 to take AutoCAD classes. Tra Electric was established in 1998. The business − which includes electrical design and construction for residential, commercial and industrial projects, as well as PennDOT traffic-signal and highway-lighting projects − has grown to more than 20 employees.

Through his company, Tra supports Habitat for Humanity, providing free labor and materials for the charitable organization’s projects. He has remained a strong supporter of Penn College, employing students and graduates and providing electrical work on campus, including the renovation of Le Jeune Chef Restaurant and construction of the Center for Business & Workforce Development.

Tra resides in Loyalsock Township with his wife, Diane, and daughter Meghan.

Lo is training in Detroit this week.  So I set out to be certain that things here kept running smoothly.  I was successful in many ways.  Failed in a few.  I spent too much in groceries, left Ashton at the bounce party fifteem minutes after I should have picked her up, and did not get much laundry done. 

But I did do 12 loads of dishes, cooked ten meals, kept the house clean, and entertained the mother-in-law for three days while Lo was away.  The girls say I am a better cook them Mom (but remember the grocery overexpenditure.)  Any one can be a rock star with the kids if they spend 700 dollar in groceries to support it.

My shining moment of this experiment was being room Dad for Asha's trip to the Zoo.  I spent my day with a bunch of elementary kids in the zoo filling out the scavenger hunt information.  I had fun, did not loose any children, and got the paperwork right.  I had visions all day of the teacher picking up the paper and annoucing to the class that all the Room Mom's get 100%, but Asha's Dad has failed!  But we passed with flying colors.  And Asha was proud.  She was a little worried as she gave me proper instruction, had a brown bag waiting for me in the morning with my name on it for my lunch, and made certain that I understood  the teachers instruction.  She will make a good mom.

Here is Bubba with the girls and one of Keek's friends.  The stuffed animals are the prize for about $30 dollars of dart thowing.  What a victory!

Tonight Keeks wanted to go to the carnival.  So I figured that we all better go just to keep a eye on things.  Lo claims that I was a bigger kid then any of the girls.  I guess I was a little too quick to get in the line for rides.  Little Red was too afraid to tell me that she did not want to go on this fairly frightening ride.  She was a trooper.  Got on the ride, realized what it did.  And paniced.  She was more upset that I might be disapointed then she was of the ride.  She is very sweet. 

Here is Keeks with her best friends.  I joined them on the "Tilt-a-Whirl," along with a curly haired blond boy who walked up to Asha and Red and asked if he could join us on the ride.  They were very happy.  Yikes!

Today Keeks has her big track meet where she will be on the A team for the first time in the event.  I cannot wait and even gave up a Marathon run myself so I would not miss this big event.  I cannot wait.  We take Bubba to the Tulip Festival in Holland.