New Microwave

I considered titling this post, "Sign of being lame." But, when your microwave has been broken, you're excited for the new one. Got this one today and installed it. I thought it would be a simple: pull out old, install new bracket, place in new. Not that easy. Brackets change significantly enough that I had to do things the previous microwave did not require. I even had to cut and drill a couple blocks since I have a recessed cabinet. Surprisingly, I had to remove the exhaust system and modify that for rear exiting too. The work was easy enough, just time consuming.

Most impressive part to this microwave is 5 speeds for venting. Level 5 is a super suck. I can't wait to burn something. Oddest feature us it asks me if it is currently am or pm. There may be a programable feature, but haven't looked for that yet.

iOS 4.3 - My Soap Box

iOS 4.3...but you probably figured that out.

Let me start this post by first stating that I understand I am a nerd by even feeling any inkling to write this.  With that being said, the recent update of iOS 4.3 is understated.  Many bloggers have written that the new operating system for iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch), added some features and a few tweaks, but essentially provides an update for a new generation of iPad and iPhone devices.  True, it does provide an update to open the door to new devices, but from a practical aspect, it opens up a lot of options via home sharing.

The new update now offers home sharing.  If you love or even like Apple devices, you should be excited about this.  This update now allows me to access MY media over MY network on any of MY devices...get it?!  For example, I put my iPad on my treadmill's magazine rack and then watch a movie.  I no longer need to place the media on the iPad.  I can now stream it directly to the iPad...any movie on my iMac.  We listen to music non-stop in my house.  Upstairs we keep an iPod touch in a dock station.  When Emma wants to listen to Lady Gaga, I can now stream it and not need to load it onto the device.

My media is MY media.  In my opinion, I should be able to access it whenever and where ever I want to.  Although I cannot access it off of my network (until iTunes goes to the cloud), to be able to access it through any of our devices is great.

Even Kelley is happy about this.  Typically she could care less, but when she found out that she can now watch any movie on our compute via home share without having me upload it, she thought it was great.

Ok, I'm done.  Girls are good and family is happy.  Take care everyone.  Spring is around the corner.  For spring break, Kelley is looking for a good reason to visit Peoria with the girls since I told her of two incredible sushi restaurants.

Papa's Gifts

Emma is giving Papa his birthday gifts...including crown.

A pace, party, and passport

Since last spring, I have tried to do a long run each weekend.  Unless training for the marathon, I typically kept this run at 10 miles.  I just completed my first 10 mile run of 2011.  It was very windy and cold, but manageable.  The wind really kicked down some of my pace, but I can't complain.



Tonight we are going out to celebrate my dad's birthday.  Emma has made various crafts for the event and spent most of the morning asking, "When are we going to see Papa?'

In other news, we applied for passport cards for our girls today.  This summer we want to make it out to Toronto.

Pixar

Evelyn loves these digital shorts. I've never seen her so into a movie Emma was watching. 

C2E2

C2E2, Here we come

Emma and I are going to C2E2.  For those noobs who do not know, it is the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo.  On the Sunday of the convention, they have kids day.  This will be where Emma can come dressed in her favorite super hero outfit and meet Word Girl, screen the latest Super Hero Squad show, and hunt for a new comic (or two).  My sister had emailed me about this event.  Once Kelley said she thought Emma should go, it took no time for Emma's jaw to drop when I asked her if she would like to attend.

Once Emma got into reading, I started taking her to a comic store to pick a comic out about once a week.  Emma loves books and reading and I wanted to keep that enjoyment going.  She liked the comics in the Sunday paper, so I thought the comic store would blow her mind.  There is a box at our comic store filled with comics appropriate for her age.  She started picking out Archie, Betty and Veronica, and Barbi.  She has now graduated to young kid versions of Spider Man, Avengers, Batman, etc.  This tradition started as a fun little thing to do to keep her interested and having fun reading, and now has turned into our own little "thing" we look forward to doing together.

I'll post pictures when we go.  I'm sure it will be filled with adults dressed as Storm Troopers, hobbits, super heroes, etc.  Finally, I'll feel like the coolest person in a group of thousands.

Future Dancer

Looks like Evy is ready to take dance.

Ready for Kindergarten

Emma had her parent/teacher conference today.  Last night we asked Emma what we were going to hear from her teacher.  Emma said, "Your daughter is ready for kindergarten."

She was right.  That is exactly what we heard.  Emma got a good review and excited about starting kindergarten.  At dinner tonight, she said that homework sounded fun.  She'll learn.

Emma's Fancy Nancy Parade

This Fancy Nancy parade came after Emma's Fancy Nancy tea party at a Davenport library.

Evelyn's Bold Look

Millstream

We are now in the Amana colonies for a fun over night stay. Emma and I are at the Millstream Brewery. Emma loves the cream soda.

Fancy Nancy Tea Party

The girls are at a Fancy Nancy tea party at a Davenport library. Evy just woke up to find herself at the tea party.