The Mustard House

One Jazzed Dad

// August 19th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Ryan

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On Monday I took Mia down to Energy Solutions Arena for Jazz Fan Fest and it turned out to be one of my best nights as a dad.  I’m convinced we’re heading into a special new era of Jazz basketball with the additions of Al Jefferson, Gordon Hayward and the return of Raja Bell.  Always one to make a deposit into the Karma Bank, I decided it was my civic duty to grab Mia and head down to the ESA for support.  The event was Jefferson’s coming out party and Mia was right in the mix.  After a fashion show unveiling of the new jerseys, Big Al stopped everything he was doing and took a picture with Mia in her new #25.  Hello floor, meet jaw!  I’m seriously considering getting my car wrapped with this photo (come to think of it, do they do house wraps?).  A few minutes later, we literally found ourselves at the feet of Jerry Sloan for another photo opp.  Note the classic Mia pose – she’s either in total awe or total fear of him…I’m going with awe.

Earlier in the day, Ella had her 4 month checkup (crazy how fast that came up!).  12 lbs, 10 oz. and 25″ long!  As far as percentiles go, this puts her in the Supermodel group – tall and lean!  I couldn’t have been more proud of her – smiling away for the majority of the poking and prodding.  Not so much with the pricking…but 5 minutes later, she was back to her cute, smily, drooly self.  Big thanks to mom for having the good sense to stay behind with Ella later that evening while Mia and I secured the Jazz’s future as Champions.  Can’t wait to load the whole crew into the car this Fall and head to a game.

Mia and Ella are both in bed now, but rumor has it they’re gearing up for a blog post of their own. There’s been a lot of action to report on this summer, so stay plugged in!

Good night -

R

A quick update from dad…

// June 24th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Ryan

Last night I took Mia to Mulligans to hit a bucket of golf balls. The range was full so we played “putt-putt” instead. TWO holes in, Mia was attracted to the moat around the castle and threw her ball smack into the middle of the water. Pretty sweet watching dad wade thru a man-made mini golf lake for the sake of a purple golf ball.

I heart you, Mia!

(Ella and mommy, you can come next time! We need a foursome!)

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And Now Back to Our Story…

// July 25th, 2009 // No Comments » // Ryan

Is July really over? This has been one crazy summer what with the yard issues, the traveling, work, Mia Patrol and my being kidnapped by gypsies in the night. OK – so one of those isn’t really true, but blogs don’t write themselves and everyone can use a good excuse from time to time. Stupid gypsies.

I’ll take this post as an opportunity to gag you all with the overdue play-by-play and after you get thru this one, I’ll provide the Bonus Features. Once up to speed, you’ll want to vomit from the force-feeding. Off we go…

So the last real update was at the first of June. The house was floating on a mud pit and our yard was consumed by life-size Tonka toys. It took until July, but we’re happy to report the flooding problems appear to be solved, we’re re-landscaped and for the most part, back in business. The yard’s not quite as exciting as it used to be, but it’s much more practical and gives Mia a place to play. We’re still going to spice it up a bit, but for now, we’re just happy to have it back in one piece. Check out the after-shots:

About halfway thru the project in June, we abandoned for greener pastures and headed east to Virgina.  The three of us, along with Grandma &  Grandpa B, Jeff and Max ventured out to celebrate Taylour’s high school graduation and to wish her the best as she heads off to the University of Alabama in the Fall (yes…the same school that was humiliated by the Utes last season in the Sugar Bowl.  31-17, I believe?  Undefeated season, I believe?  Anything else I’m leaving out, Tay? ).  We had a great time.  Mia finally got to meet Tay and had a ton of fun playing with Isabella and Sebastian:

They meet at last! No offense, Tay. She reacts this way to everyone.

Sebastian just bent it like Beckham.

I don't care how old you are. Getting medals rules!!!

Bella! What a cutie!

Mia's first time swimming!

Mia at Tay's graduation party.

Max & Tay at the party.

The biggest partiers of them all - Grandma & Grandpa!!!

I call this one, "The Constant Question". Mia to Daddy: "What is it !?!?"

A party isn't a party without a frog hunt.

After a few days in Virginia, we took off to Orlando (dad had a work conference).  BUT of course, you can’t go to Orlando and not do Disneyworld.  We know, we know…Mia’s only one, but when in Rome, you do as Mickey does.

M-I-A-C-K-E-Y...M-O-U-S-E !!!!

All in all, we were gone for  a week.  It was a long to way travel with the Little One, but she did quite well considering all the flying, airports, time changes and activity.  Between this trip and San Diego earlier in the year, it’s pretty much a lock we’ll be staying put for a while.

That brings you all up to speed.  About to close the door on July, but I’m sure more summer adventures await.  Between the weekly trips to the pool, riding our new bikes and the daily hilarity that spews from Mia, I’m sure there will be more to report on soon.  Next time, don’t take so long to deliver the news.  Wait…that one’s on me, isn’t it?

…and don’t go away just yet, the DVD Bonus Features are on the way!!!