Americana - I Saw It!

Although it was already fading when I was growing up, I still remember riding with my grandfather (in the front seat with no seat belt) in his Chevy and seeing traces of Americana along the highway.  It could take many different forms; a sign for a filling station shaped like a giant plaster horse, the abandoned remains of a motor inn designed as an Indian village or even the rat rod that passed us that had once been a Ford Model T. They were symbols of the freedom inspired by the open road and a generation that, weary from a world at war, was ready to savor that freedom to the hilt.   

These roadside curiosities are all but gone now.  You can still catch a fleeting glimpse of them along historic Route 66, the occasionally sleepy, small town or a custom car show but, for the most part, they have faded into history.  They've been replaced by cold, politically correct, cookie-cutter, digitally designed symbols of our current time.  A time were it is in vogue to shun individuality, American Exceptionalism and the Capitalism that has made all the above possible.

Anytime an opportunity presents itself to share just a tiny piece of Americana with River, I will not pass it up because these colorful relics are quickly going the way of the incandescent light bulb.

Will she understand why these things are important?  Will she ever marvel at giant dinosaurs that aren't the product of CGI?  Will she ever spend the night in a metal wigwam while on her way to see the world's largest ball of twine?   Will she appreciate the history of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.. or will it just be a giant hot dog on wheels?

Dance as though no one is watching you..

After five lessons, River had her first performance with her dance class at the local mall.  Whether or not dance is something that River holds an interest in is not important.  For her it's all about fun. It's also a way of maintaining River's comfort level in public situations.  She rarely shows any sign of shyness now and we hope to keep it that way. 

Sadly, she has already eclipsed her father's dancing skills.

True story.

All wired up and ready to go!

Miss Katrina - River's Dance Instructor




Pre-Dance Pep Talk





Adventures with Momma

Crossing an un-natural bridge at Natural Bridge State Park.

Breakfast Magic Show

"I wanna show you again.  It's really awesome."

Tempus Fugit

On the same path at Natural Bridge State Park; two years, seven months and twenty-five days apart..

April 1, 2009

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November 26, 2011



ThANNksgiving

More than anything, people like to be remembered by those they love.  When you are only four years old, it's easy to be overlooked during the madness of Thanksgiving preparations.  "Go watch your cartoons" or "Play with your toys until time to eat" are common things that little ones may hear during these times. 

But not here.

At the busiest time of Thanksgiving Day, that final hour in the kitchen when everything is timed just right to finish cooking, roasting, baking, simmering, etc, River's Great Grandmother Ann called River into the kitchen to help her with a most important addition to the meal; Pigs in a Blanket.

Never mind that the dish was unconventional and has never been prepared for Thanksgiving here (or perhaps anywhere), it is perfect for the moment.  Yes, more than anything, people like to be remembered by those they love. This is a memory that River will hold on to forever.

Thank you, Ann.

This is how Taylor Swift started out.

And now a musical interlude..

River's version of If I Die Young by The Band Perry. 

4th Birthday Celebration Part 1

"River, would you like to have lunch at Chuck E. Cheese's for your birthday?"

No, Daddy.  I want crab leg!"

"Umm, O-kay."

At four years old, I think I would have been afraid of this thing.

A little help from Momma is much appreciated.

After lunch, time for a movie; Puss In Boots..

in 3D!!

Afterward, a quick trip to Toys R' Us.. and then pass out on the way home.  Life is good.

To Be Continued..

FOUR!!

I expect a call from Dancing With The Stars at any time.

Where does the time go?  In the blink of an eye, 1,461 days have passed and my little wiggly baby burrito that was handed to me by a nurse on November 2, 2007 has turned four years old!  Everyday seems to go faster than the one before it.  Each with the blessings of a wonderful daughter. 

Thank you, River and happy birthday.

Getting big but still, for now, not much bigger than a smurf.  A little more than three apples high.

2010

2009