Click here for a very important message from Mia!
// 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!)
// 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!!!
// June 10th, 2009 // No Comments » // Ryan
I know these are usually reserved for updates on our little monkey, but figured, why does she have to get ALL the publicity? Am I right?
Today a co-worker of mine showed me a site that I loved and thought you all might find useful. It’s called JustAnswer.com.
You can go on there and ask a question in a given category, simple or difficult, where certified experts are online (doctors, accountants, mechanics, lawyers, computer techs, etc) and name a price you’re willing to pay for their professional answer. You don’t pay unless you’re satisfied. It’s an awesome idea and a good way to get expert advice at a low price. I have a guy answering my question about NY/UT income tax right now and he’s great (asked my question and he had an answer to me in less than 10 minutes – plus they sent a text to my phone letting me know he had answered). You can see the feedback profiles of all the experts so you know they’re quality, plus they have to go thru a fairly rigorous acceptance process to be considered an “expert”.
On the flip side, it’s a good way to make some dough if you’re an expert in anything (Jeff – legal?). You get a cut of the agreed-to price for the answer.
I don’t think any of our Mustard House subscribers are in school, but it’s an awesome way to get help with your homework if you have a few extra bucks - yes, there REALLY are Homework experts out there. Where was this when I was in college? Keep an eye on Max and Taylour. If they start asking for money and claim it’s for school, this could be why ;)
Anyway, hopefully you all find this useful. I wouldn’t have posted it if I didnt’ think it was was worthwhile. I see a lot of useless garbage on the Web all day long and this is a definite exception.
-Ryan
