Penchuk.com

The legions of Penchuk.com fanatics (you know who you are) were asking for more posts.  Others asked for more pictures.  Here’s something for both of you.  Below are Halloween pictures of the boys from earlier this year.  Click for more.

Halloween 2008

In other news, last week we had visitors. Grandma Sara came in from Teaneck and shared an early Thanksgiving with us. Deep-fried turkey (and chicken, but I’ll save that story for another post)!! Then Alan and Vickie came to visit. It was great to see them. Both Laura and I love living in NC but when we get to spend time with family like them, we wish we were geographically closer. This past weekend we went down to South Carolina to visit with Baba and Epa. We had a typical Thanksgiving and also went on a Hooter Hunt an Owl Prowl. We actually saw one Eastern Screech Owl. Pretty cool.

Ben and I play a lot of hockey in the street in front of our house.  He loves it.  It keeps us outside and running around.  We play this modified game that basically is me shooting on him while he sits in the goal and he shoots on my goal while I feign to play defense.  You might not believe this but in the past two years or thereabouts, I’ve never won.  Not once.  Somehow, the games are always close.  Typically, we play to 10.  Most games end 10-9 or 10-8.  It’s not odd that when he’s winning 8-4 that Daddy makes an incredible comeback to tie the game.  A crying meltdown used to be commonplace, but we’ve seemed to outgrown that, thankfully.

Well, today we played.  Ben won 10-9.  He then told me that he was going to stay in the goal and let me shoot on him because, and I quote, “you need the practice so you can beat me next time.”  I doubled over laughing.

Recent events have reminded my to my best to enjoy every moment I get with this kid.  Even if I’m losing.

This past week hasn’t been a good one.  Very early Wednesday morning, my maternal grandmother, Raye, passed away.  She was 88.  She suffered from dementia for many years and thankfully, is now at peace.  Her obituary is here.

Earlier this evening, my second cousin, Katie, passed away at the age of 5 months.  Her struggle was valiant and tougher than most.  No child should have to go through what Katie did.  No parents should have to go through what Vickie and Alan have and will in the years to come.  We are thankful that Katie, too, is now at peace.  I hope that her parents can find some peace, as well.  More information is available here.

UPDATE:  Katie’s obituary.

It’s so clear that they really value me as a customer.  They miss me and want to spend some time with me, Mr. Soandso.  Click to see this full size.