Father and Son

Like any healthy relationship, Jack and I had a spirited argument this afternoon. We were bachelors all day since Amy was working in Oakland, and without Mom as a referee, things got out of hand. At one point, Jack told me I was abnormally skinny and that my head was too large for my body. I retaliated and told him that his diaper made his butt look big. We started to get mad, but then realized we were both being ridiculous and erupted in laughter. It went on and on, and finally I picked up the camera to capture the end of it.

One Man Band

Jack loves making music on the washer and dryer. I think we've got a future drummer here!

Pulling himself up on the coffee table.

Figuring out the hood of his new car.

To The Zoo!

We were supposed to be going to go to a Sunday brunch to celebrate my mom's birthday, but unfortunately she didn't feel too well and had to cancel last minute. With nothing to do we made a spontaneous decision: "Let's go to the zoo and watch the monkeys throw poop at each other!" So we called the Phillips, who couldn't possibly refuse an offer like that, and off we went! The weather got worse the longer we were there, but we still got to see everything, including some truly unique things (keep reading!).

Jack was truly fascinated by the elephant. "Look at that dog with the long nose!"

The whole gang at the monkey exhibit. (Un)fortunately, it was a poop-free show.

Ann caught on video demonstrating her monkey abilities. Who knew?

When it really started pouring we went into the reptile house for some shelter. Jack could have cared less about most of them unless they were stuck to the front glass like this frog and he could smack it.

"Why does that weird dog have feathers?"

Susie was making some awesome bird sounds in an attempt to communicate with the condor, but once the camera was rolling she refused to cooperate. Bummer.

At the sting ray petting pool. They were slimy!

Susie and Ann intimidating a lounging tiger.

The giraffes were pretty awesome, but then something happened back at the tiger cage...

This was cool! We were next door at the giraffe habitat when we heard some roaring. We ran back over and found two tigers seriously fighting- they were NOT playing around. I couldn't get my camera out quick enough and this is toward the end of the scuffle, but you can still get the idea. We found out later that the male had recently been introduced and that the female did not like sharing her space (typical).

After the main event, but they were still going at it!

Possibly the biggest missed opportunity of my life! After the fight, the male tiger was pacing back and forth in front of us and then started scratching at the ground. We all thought he was going to "use the facilities" and being the sophisticated and tasteful man I am, I turned off the video. BIG MISTAKE! It turns out he was just feeling territorial. He turned around, lifted his tail straight into the air and sprayed through the cage, absolutely HOSING DOWN a couple standing next to us! For how bad cat spray smells, I can't even imagine their drive home being drenched in tiger spray! We all almost peed our pants laughing and, believe it or not, the couple actually tried to play it off like nothing had happened! I could have made millions from the YouTube video!

And that was our day at the zoo.

THE END

Phillips Christmas

Doug and Ann hosted a 25th anniversary party for Doug's parents, but we hadn't seen them since before Christmas so we came over a little early and exchanged gifts before the party. Congratulations Big Doug and Caralee!

What good is a Mexican wrestling mask without someone to wrestle? I got Doug one, too! I can't remember his new wrestling name, but it's the Spanish translation of "The Wild Weasel".

Doug (Ann claims no responsibility) got Amy and I Ranger Boats t-shirts and I also got a Ranger Boats trucker's hat complete with a mesh back. I think the gear will look great the next time "The Chicken of the Sea" gets back out on the water!

Big Doug in the new mask. Everyone was too afraid to give him a wrestling name.

The Carlsons Visit

Elisa, Aaron and Ellen Carlson were able to stop by our place on their drive home to San Diego from their Christmas in Idaho. We had a great time catching up!

Here is Ellie showing off a princess gown and some hard-core accessories!

I even let her drive the Mustang (even though normally girls aren't allowed!).

Here she is "driving to Nana's house to get a cookie."

The Journey of the Mask

Amy got me, quite possibly, the most awesome present ever: A Mexican Wrestling Mask! My new wrestling name is El Toronado Terrible. Here are some of the highlights as the mask travelled with me to Washington and back.

Very Nacho-Libre-esque, don't you think?

Amy's cousin, Sara, looking intimidating. I don't think we ever came up with a name for her that she liked.



Yep, that's Granny Franny- sorry: "El Francisca Madre"- sporting the mask. The two bottles of wine were never consumed, just props for added effect!


Reindeer antlers? We're not sure.



My Auntie Jan even got caught in the mask!

It was a little big for Jack, but maybe next year! "The rise of El Poopy Grande!"

Lawler Christmas

On the drive back home, we were able to spend Christmas with my family on the Lawler side.

Jack loves this monkey that his Great-Grammy made for him!

It is not only fun to play with, but quite tasty as well!




My dad trying to hold onto Jack the wiggle-worm.

My cousin, Jeff, just moved to Nebraska. What's the perfect gift for Ryan and Amy? CORN HEADS!


2009 Corn Princess of the Omaha Corn Festival.

Going for a box ride with Cousin Molly!

Auntie Elaine showing Jack the proper use of his new xylophone.

Auntie Jan barely rescued him from a dinosaur that happened to be passing-by!

Chewing on one of the dinosaur's bones with Molly!



Passed out on the floor: "Christmas is really hard work!"

Here Comes Santa Claus!

On Christmas morning Jack had fallen asleep on his Auntie TC. Suddenly, the front door came crashing in and a loud man dressed all in red and smelling of eggnog and reindeer came bounding in! He was exceptionally merry and his "Ho-ho-ho-ing" and jingle bells could be heard throughout the house (and three city blocks). Jack awoke with a start, and once he figured out what planet he was on, was super excited to hang out with Santa Claus! (Thanks for the photo-op, Bill!)

"Who IS this guy?!"

"This better not be phony Santa like at the mall, Dad."

"It IS Santa! Look at his bells!"

Video: "OK, Jack, give Santa his magical bells back. Really, Santa needs to go now. Jack, those are not for you to keep. Seriously, Jack!"

Christmas at the Carlsons!

We spent Christmas day with the Carlson-side in Gig Harbor. Jack got to see his first horse, which he thought was pretty cool!

"Look at the huge dog!!!"

"It's sniffing me!"

(Note Uncle Larry in the background wearing Jack's Sponge Bob winter hat... crazy Uncle Larry!)

By this point, Jack was starting to figure out that pretty much every present was for him. As a result, he began to get a little touchy about other people messing with his stuff!

At the end of this story, the frog eats Jack! He looks a little worried.