Simon's Blog

Penelope Rose

2009-08-06T10:28:00.001-07:00

Please welcome Penny to the blogosphere (and to the rest of the world).

Star City Mom

2009-07-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

That's right, my mom is a Star City Mom! I don't know what that is or how she made the cut, but I think it is pretty darn special.

This is a bright spot for the Journal Star--a solid rebound after James Taranto dubbed one of its features the Silliest Newspaper Article Ever (fourth item). It also highlights the first rule in the Journal Star style book: All Articles Must Be Written in the First Person. But I digress...

Zoo

2009-06-15T19:27:00.001-07:00

I know the Lincoln Zoo well, but I need a map to navigate the Omaha Zoo.

Mostly I know just to stick with my cousins and I'll be fine.

Lucy Goodall makes a new friend

(thanks Aunt Katie for sending us all the pictures!)

On Last Night's News

2009-04-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

Watch closely for a few familiar faces.

Untitled

2009-04-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

With a sister this cute, I don't even need to think of anything cute to write for this post

Cousins

2009-04-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Playing with cousins - it is even more fun than Guitar Hero

Guitar Hero

2009-04-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Dad - I know you have real guitars, drums, and a microphone in the basement, but how do we hook them up to the TV like Uncle Ty's instruments so they will be more fun to play?

Happy Easter

2009-04-14T09:52:00.001-07:00

a long time ago in a galaxy far far away . . .

2009-04-06T17:31:00.001-07:00

First dad tells me that Stormtroopers are part of Darth Vader's army, then he tells me to go take my picture with one of them. I think the dark side has got to him.

Don't worry, I will record a little S.O.S. with this R2 Unit before the situation gets too dire: "Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope!"

(please excuse the picture quality, our camera was damaged in the jump to lightspeed)

something strange is afoot

2009-03-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

I thought Mom was just putting on her winter weight, but then she showed me this:

I was still a little confused, so Dad showed me this:

Curiouser and curiouser. . .

Bringing a little more cuteness to 2009

2009-01-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas Fun

2009-01-04T12:19:00.001-08:00

Time with the Grandparents

Movie Time

(Fosty must have been melting in the second one)

Great Pretend Ears

Unlimited snacks and juice

Christmas Presents

2009-01-04T12:16:00.001-08:00

Pop-guns!

Christmas Presents

2009-01-04T12:11:00.000-08:00

Lucy's new table works great for tea parties. Her tea - a little too tart.

Luckily, she perfected her recipe before hosting the cousins

A Very Hippie Christmas

2009-01-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the t-shirts, Lisa!

Rejects for the Christmas Cards

2008-10-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

If these are the rejects, just imagine how cute the keepers are!

Picture Potpourri

2008-10-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I posted anything. Thanks to a little prodding from the comments section of the blog, I will try to get back into blogging. The main problem is that ever since we get our new computer dad does not know how to upload pictures (he says compatability issues, I say laziness) so we rely on pictures from friends. Unfortunately, dad does not have any friends (again, he says compatability issues) so we don't get many photos. But I'll try to fix that. For now, here are some oldies but goodies of my little sister:

And a couple photos at the zoo (cameo by my godbrother Jared in the last photo):

Hopefully, more pictures to come!

GREATEST DAY EVER!

2008-07-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

I can now die a happy boy.

Mom liked it too.

Weekend in Hays

2008-07-20T06:43:00.001-07:00

King of the playground

Lucy was happy to see Grandma Tray and Pop

She did get mad for a while, but only because she didn't get to go to the tailgating party with her cousins.

Carnival

2008-06-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of the day I realized I have boring parents. Here we are at a birthday party for our friend Henry. HIS FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY! I've already had three birthdays but not one carnival.

The ball pit was a blast.

As always, Lucy was the belle of the ball.

I also met my new friend Bozo. He was a formidable ulitmate fighting opponent -- not as strong as dad, but he didn't tap out as fast either.

a final few random ones from Easter

2008-04-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

And more to come next time we are around someone who owns a digital camera!

It never freaking ends! (Easter continued)

2008-04-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

still more Easter

2008-04-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

more easter

2008-04-21T21:17:00.001-07:00

She was in a very pretty Easter dress after this, I don't know why we didn't take any pictures then.

EASTER

2008-04-21T21:12:00.001-07:00

Photos From Aunt Liz

2008-03-20T12:46:00.001-07:00

Hominids and Homonyms (or something like that)

2008-02-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

This is Ham the Astrochimp - first ape in space.

This is Simon the Astroboy - shuttling down to the store for some ham.

My Sister

2008-02-19T17:35:00.000-08:00

Lucy's second favorite activity - eating (actually, spitting out her food as she pretends to eat). It is fun but pretty messy.

Lucy's favorite activity - being cute (she has it perfected; dad says she learned it from mom).

On the Farm

2008-02-19T17:29:00.000-08:00

All the News That's Fit to Print

2008-01-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

Finally, the newspaper starts reporting on the issues that matter to me. Pay particularly close attention to the photo that accompanies this story.

Alter Egos

2007-12-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

I tried to disguise myself as a reindeer to get closer to Santa Claus and his operation, but the antlers didn't fool the elves (I still couldn't fly)

I tried to save the world, but regardless of how many bad guys I put behind bars I can not defeat the fallen nature of man. Unfortunate for humanity, but great job security for my future as a super hero.

I tried to storm this ice castle and start the greatest snow ball fight ever . . .

. . . but it was just too stinking cold.

The Real Reason It was a Merry Christmas

2007-12-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

GUITAR HERO!!

Luckily I have proof that mom loves video games, too.*

Obviously, you can tell from the lack of pictures of dad that only my mom and I really enjoyed the game. Dad is apparently too mature for such fun, but at least he humored us as we rocked out all holiday long.

I don't know how to describe the greatness of this game, other than to show you.

Rock on, guitar heros.

________________________________________________________
*Hey JPII, this is what we call leverage - when mom won't let me get my own video game system, I will just get this picture out as a little reminder of how awesome they are. If you can get a photo like this of your mom, you will be in a much better position in the future.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

It was a good Christmas for Lucy and me. Here is the whole family on Christmas Eve (behind us you will see a certain stocking that was stuffed full of goodies that night night while I slept. I am really starting to like that Santa Claus chap).

Here is dad and Lucy getting ready for Mass.

Here are all of our cousins. As you can probably guess from this picture, we had a glorious time playing.

Here is Lucy hanging out with Uncle Ty

Dad and Lucy tried getting us in the spirit with some Christmas carols, but something was not right. Dad said it was because Lucy was playing "O Little Town of Bethlehem" while he was playing "Silent Night" but I think the real problem is that neither of them knows how to play the piano at all. Where is mom when we need her?

I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine. And, in the spirit of the season, I hope you bagged as much loot as I did!

Oh, yeah - that other kid in my family

2007-12-19T21:37:00.000-08:00

I have been noticing a strange phenomenon lately. People seemed to be only mildly interested in my antics and really want to know about my little sister. I try to explain that all she can do is sit around and babble while I can tell you all about various earth movers, show you the proper way to do a facemask in football, and put on a great parade. I am way more impressive than Lucy, why can't everyone else see that?

If you are still wondering about my little sister, she is good. All things considered, she is as awesome as any little sister could be.

Cooking with Mom

2007-12-19T21:34:00.000-08:00

This picture captures a few of my true loves:

Chocolate and the Jayhawks. Rock Choc...olate!

Winter in Lincoln

2007-12-19T21:23:00.000-08:00

The white fury of winter is upon us. That means my chores have increased exponentially. Early every morning I am out scooping snow.

Now, I understand that dad has to go to work and doesn't have time to help, but where is his shovel in this picture?

Of course, winter days are not all bad. I love curling up on the couch under my cozy Batman sleeping bag with the Sunday Funnies.

Curling up on the couch is nice, but it does make me long for the glory of the porch in the summer.

With my friend Benjamin

2007-12-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

Can you tell from the photo what I am about to do next?

We were having fun until Benjamin didn't want to share... and I'm the one who ended up in time-out.

Mom loves this one

2007-12-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat

2007-11-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

I choose Treat!

Me: construction worker
Lianna: pumpkin

Emelia: Kitty

Lucy: Turtle

Enough pictures, let's go get some candy already!

2007-11-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

2007-11-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

swings

2007-10-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

Marking My Territory

2007-07-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

One thing that is important when you have a little sister is dominance.

You think this is your couch, Lucy? Wrong, it is my couch.

You think this is your bouncy chair, Lucy? Wrong, it is my bouncy chair.

The Girls of the Family

2007-07-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Aren't they just the most beautiful?

freestyle riding

2007-07-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Here I am showing JPII some of my sweet moves.

Also, check out my guest appearance over at JPII's blog.

going fishing

2007-07-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

I was in Kansas last week and Grandpa took me fishing. It was my very first time and it was delightful. I have yet to play any other sport that is quite as delicious when you win.

Saltdogs and Friends

2007-06-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the annual Saltdogs baseball game for us kids and our attorney parents.

Good game, good barbeque, good friends, good times.

more pictures

2007-05-17T19:50:00.001-07:00

I know the header says that this blog is all about me, and I apologize for breaking protocol with all these pictures of my sister, but I just can't help it. I promise to resume blogging about myself or change the name to "Simon and Lucy's blog" to avoid any taint of untruthiness, but for now enjoy some more pictures.

More of my little sister

2007-05-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to Lucy's picture in St. E's "virtual nursery."

I Love Lucy

2007-05-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

My little sister is finally here!

This is Lucy. She is only a couple of days old, but I like her already.

I decided we could keep her, so here are a few pictures of the new family.

I would tell you more about her, but I am not allowed to share personal information over the blog (Dad says you always have to watch out for internet predators). If I don't listen to him on this, he will never let me get a MySpace page. So that is it for now, but more pictures to come soon.

Motherboy XXX

2007-04-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Sneak peek of the photos accompanying an upcoming article in Balboa Bay Window Magazine entitled Why I want to marry my Mother.

That Buster Bluth is not the only one with good taste!

Identity Theft

2007-04-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

You may not have known how good I am at impressions. See if you can figure out who I am impersonating here. . .

That's right, it is my Uncle Ty. If you couldn't tell from the "ty" I have around my neck, the army pants (covered in airplanes and hopplopters) are a giveaway.

Lord of yourself, I crown and mitre you

2007-04-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Only two more laps around purgatory and then it is on to heaven for me!

On the Farm

2007-04-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

Well, these are cows and I am a boy, so I guess that makes me a cowboy.

And if I know anything about cowboys, we ride around on our cows and round up horses.

And we end each day by trotting off into the sunset.

I can't believe another year is through

2007-03-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

I am a few weeks behind, but I wanted to share some footage from my birthday party.

Here are a few photos from my birthday parties as well.

Since I turned two, I got two parties.

Dad taught me how to snowboard on my birthday this year. Last year on my birthday, dad did this with my Godfather, who missed my first party (and had my entire first birthday erased from his memory) because of a snowboard-induced concussion. Luckily, I am a bit more graceful than him and I can remember the entire experience (especially my sweet jumps).

Between two birthday parties and a recent St. Patty's Day celebration, I am not sure when this one was taken, but you can be sure I only get to help put the pop away, I don't get to drink it.

The Dry Pants Club

2007-02-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not blogged in a while, I have been in training -- potty training.
It is hard work to keep your pants dry all day long, but I have a lot of support.

Aloysius and Puppy Lou are also potty training with me right now. I am doing pretty good, but they never have any accidents. Every day, I try to stay as dry as they do (mostly because we are a team and we stick together, but also because I like the rewards I get for using the potty).

Omaha, Somewhere in Middle America . . .

2007-01-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

I hung out with Uncle Matt this Friday night in Omaha. He is way more fun than my parents. We went swimming and then he took to this great amusement park called the "Qwest Center Skywalk" and he let me ride this ride over and over. It was pretty fun and the view was great.

Later Aunt Liz stopped by. It was nice to see her, too. I don't get to see her as much since she moved to Omaha.

I had lots of fun staying up late and playing with my aunt and uncle. Sure, the next day when I was hanging out with my parents again I really crabby and tired, but I won't be putting any pictures of that debacle on my blog.

Coming Soon To A Stadium Near You

2007-01-21T18:10:00.000-08:00

You probably all think of me as more of a singer/songwriter, since those are the duties that I handle in me and dad's band, but I am also working on a little side project where I will be handling the percussion.

Auditions are open right now to fill out the rest of the band. Currently, the band consists of me on drums and lead harmonica. I am looking for a singer, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar, jazz flute, turntables/synthesizers, and saxophone. Our influences will include Led Zeppelin, the Terrible Twos, Taking Back Sunday, late-era Beatles, various radio jingles circa 1984, and Andrew Lloyd Weber. Please email if you are interested.

Saturday Morning Jam

2007-01-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

Dad was a little late for band practice, so I took the first solo.

My most favorite new game

2007-01-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

Mom taught me this great new game. What you do is take all the plates and cups and dunk them in the bubbly sink water.

Mom says if you are really good at the game, you can take this magic wand and make all the dirt disappear.

Mom is so nice -- she lets me play this game several times a day. She just calls me into the kitchen when all the game pieces are in place. She must love me a lot, because she used to play it herself but now she always lets me have her turn. Thanks Mom!

More from the Holidays

2007-01-04T19:57:00.000-08:00

I know what you are thinking: how can a guy looking this good keep the ladies away?

Well . . .

(Don't worry, these girls are all just my cousins and my grandma. I am still pursuing my vocation to the priesthood with vigor. Sorry to the rest of the ladies out there.)

Christmas

2007-01-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

Here is the obligatory picture of me opening gifts.

I sure do love Christmas!

A Primer on Islamic Relations

2006-12-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

As you may know, the Pope recently visited Turkey and spent a little time at a mosque.

Well, here is another little fact you should know about Muslims in the modern world -- Did you know that the religion's most famous recording artist, Yusef Islam:

was actually born Steven Demetre Georgiou and before his conversion was best known as Cat Stevens!

In case you are unfamiliar with the music of Cat Stevens, I have prepared a little video presentation to help orient you. Enjoy.

__________
(In case there is any confusion, that top picture is from the pope's visit to Turkey but has nothing to do with the Muslims or the mosque. Once I start learning grammar I may understand how to disconnect those two thoughts for clarity; until then, you will have to just interpret what I mean)

Welcome JD

2006-12-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

Go check out the newest baby blogger, my cousin J.D.

Workers of the World, Unite!

2006-11-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

I swear this house would fall apart if it wasn't for me. I had to spend my whole Saturday working in the yard. And the worst part is that it wasn't even mowing (I have to beg dad to let me mow).

A day like this does make me glad the democrats are in power now. I am looking forward to that minimum wage increase. Dad says that I get paid in diapers and milk, but that is not going to fly anymore. I had been floating some ideas about a proletariat revolution around story hour, but it may not be necessary anymore; I think this Pelosi gal will probably tear down the bourgeoise and get me what I am entitled to.

Dad kept saying things about the 'man being the subject of work' and 'subduing the earth' and I told him if he really believed in the dignity of work, he would pick up a rake and help me out (from each according to his ability, you know). That is when he decided it was time for us to go inside and have some hot cocoa.

Taking over the internet, one blog at a time

2006-11-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

Here I am, popping up on another blog (just scroll to the last picture for me!). I like to make guest appearances occasionally, so keep your eyes open; here are a few other places you may see me in the future: here, here, or here. It is a non-exhaustive list, but those are a couple of ideas I have for the future.

At my cousins' house

2006-11-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

All Hallows Eve

2006-10-31T17:34:00.000-08:00

Have a Happy Halloween (or sad Reformation Day, your choice).

See photo here

Zoo

2006-10-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful trip to the zoo a few weeks ago. Perhaps you would like to know more about day:

I saw many monkeys. This one is a baboon; he was quite funny.

This is where I told dad all about monkeys (I mostly told him that they say "OOH OOH AHH AHH")

The zoo was wonderful, but there were some drawbacks. For example, they would not let me pet the kitty.

They did let me pet the goats though.

I loved that part.

This one got out of his pen. I'm sure glad it was the goat instead of that big kitty.

I got a little bit confused here--it seemed like I was the one in the cage (I felt a little like Billy Pilgrim on Tralfalmadore).

I also saw the camels. I did not think this part would be very exciting since I can see them from the sidewalk every time we go by, but I got much closer to those magnificent beasts inside the zoo.

Overall, the zoo was pretty wonderful. I was only disappointed that there were no puppies there for me to look at.

Ice Cream

2006-10-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you a few things about my favorite treat--ice cream!

Although it is delicious, it is very cold.

And I have learned that I get to eat much more as long as I share.

But, alas, all good things must come to an end, including boxes of ice cream.

(This is right before I screamed for ice cream.)

Big Brother is Watching You

2006-10-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

That is right, mom and dad say that I am going to be a big brother soon. I have never been a big brother before and I am not sure what it is, but I am pretty excited.

Army

2006-09-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

Dad always tells me that if I don't quit misbehaving he is going to send me to boot camp. For a while, I thought this was an idle threat, but now I am not so sure.

Here we are as the recruiter told me the finer points of being a helicopter gunner.

Right here I heard them saying something about 'sizing me up'.

And here is where I broke down and said that I would obey my parents if they took me home.

(Just for the record, I've told Mother that I'm only joining Army if I get to fight with Uncle Ty or Uncle Dan.)

Endless Summer

2006-09-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

The season of Fall is upon us, and I am not happy about it. I liked summertime very much. I liked all the fun activities I got to do all summer. And I just found out that those activities are not as much fun in the fall.

(I've posted several photos so you can see the events unfold in slow motion)

BBBBRRRRRRR!!! (that is my teeth chattering after I was covered in cold water)

The last time I listen to the older kids at day care.

2006-08-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Look I know it is a filthy habit, but I learned my lesson.

Unfortunately, my dad caught me in the act. To punish me he sat me down and made me eat the whole package of blocks. I was so sick I never want to do it again.

Back from my holiday

2006-08-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody. It is good to be home after my trip to Iceland. I thought I would share a few photos.

So begins the Saga of Simon.

It was a summer like none I had experienced before (although I've actually only experienced one other). The sun beat down upon the fields of Nebraska as proof of former vice president Gore's warnings of the greatest threat to civilization--global warming. I had to escape the heat that was keeping my trapped inside the house all day long. So I loaded up my family and we sailed to Iceland.

Iceland was a cold, windy place. I had to stay bundled up and always carry lots of supplies in order to survive the barren wilderness.

Luckily, I had a little help on the long hikes.

I met many new friends in Iceland. Here is a pure-bred Icelandic puppy. He was a wise old beast--two hundred years old and spoke a language that hasn't been uttered since the days before men walked on the land of ice. And he loved to be petted.

This is Thorgim Gundarsun. He is a magical Viking Troll who said he helped mold the island from glacier and liquid magma. Now he guards the parking lot in front of a gift shop.

Although it is cold, Iceland is a land where the rivers boil and the ground breaths fire.

The land is inhabited by dangerous animals and birds of prey, such as the puffin (if you don't eat it, it will eat you, I am told).

And if I ever got too cold, I just went back to my posh hotel (just like the Vikings always did during the cold winter nights).

I did my best to blend with the locals, and I think the Icelandic people began to see me as one of their own.

Did I mention the puffins?

I crossed the vast praries,

and scaled mountains of great height,

I reached the edge of the earth

(and I think I found where those kids from Goonies started their adventure)

All this just trying to keep up with mom

while she was busy chasing this little guy.

There is too much more to my adventure to tell you now, so let me just say I saw a lot of beautiful scenery, like the handsome devil in this shiny window.

I kept telling the cameraman where the good photos were, but he just kept the camera pointed at me (otherwise you could have seen some more beautiful photos).

And although I saw things like the largest waterfall in Europe and islands that were entirely made out of volcanos, nothing was quite as nice as this little cylinder of flowing water in the lobby of some random building in Reykjavik.

What a vacation! It was probably my favorite vacation ever (besides going to Grandma and Grandpa's house, of course).

[Now for the proper saga ending]: It was said that Simon was the greatest of all travellers to Iceland and the people will never forget him. His family flourished and grew large. All Simon's enemies were defeated at the battle ground now called Simonsfjord. The Icelanders told many tales of his bravery and honor. Snorri Thorsun erected a statue at Simonsfjord, but he plays no further part in this story.

THE END.

More great blogs (with a little more of me!)

2006-07-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

The paparazzi is hard to escape. This picture of me and three pretty ladies in a swimming pool has surfaced in the blogosphere.

The biggest kitty I have ever seen

2006-07-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

So there we were, just minding our own business, when this ferocious beast started coming towards my mom. I have read a few things about lions ("'I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms,' said the Lion. It didn't say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it."), so I jumped in front of my mom to protect her.

The lion chose to rest rather than fight (a wise choice on his part, you can be sure). And all ended happily that day.

(p.s. Grandma Henning -- if this episode had ended differently, at least it would have made a great Cautionary Tale For Children: "The story of Simon, who attempted to pat a lion on the head and ended up with nothing above the elbow.")

Jared contra mundum

2006-07-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

I made it down to KC this weekend and got to hang out with JPII.

He slept most of the time I was there, but I could still tell he is going to grow up to be a pretty cool kid because he is already sporting a frohawk/mullet that made me pretty jealous.

My Big Boy Bike

2006-06-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this fun toy I found on the porch.

I know what you are thinking: this looks like it could be dangerous. Well, it was only a few moments later that the bike toppled and scared me pretty good. I guess I better start with training wheels.

Sidewalk Chalk

2006-06-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here I am drawing a picture with my new sidewalk chalk. The whole time I kept singing a little tune:

"Well, you know my name is Simon
and I like to do drawerings.
I like to draw all day long
so come and do drawerings with me.
Come and do drawerings with me!"

(this will help you with the tune)

I really like drawing on the sidewalks. Here are a couple of chalk drawings I made this afternoon.

So come and do drawerings with me!

Raindrops on Roses

2006-06-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

I have only lived in Lincoln for a short while, but let me tell you some of my favorite things --

1. There is a playground at the Saltdogs baseball stadium. Sure mom and dad missed the whole game we went to, but I got to SLIDE!!!

2. Latin Mass.

3. We can walk by the zoo any time we want and I can see the camels from the sidewalk.

4. I am finally close enough that my family can come and visit, like they did yesterday --

This is my cousin Drew. He is pretty fun to play with.

(Sorry uncle Matt, we didn't get the camera out until after you left. You are going to have to come back again to get on the blog.)

Bend it like Simon

2006-06-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

I know you are probably all worried about me, but fear not--I am back to being normal, happy, and healthy again.

Since I was full of energy, I wanted to find a new game to play. I like sport, but I usually play football, not futball. Some of you may know that my lifelong dream is to be a punter for the Cornhuskers, but it is World Cup season (and I consider myself somewhat of a young international gentleman), so I thought I would give this game a try.

So I just kick it into the goal, or should I say "GOAAAALLL!"

I got the header part down. After all the wipeouts and times I've hit my head, this is nothing.

What? I can't use my hands! This game is stupid.

Maybe it is just the World Cup that is boring. I've watched my cousins Emily and Claire play soccer games before, and there was never any 0-0 ties in their leagues. Now where is my juice box and post-game snack?

Major Baby Milestone

2006-06-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

That is right ladies and gentleman, today was my first trip to the Emergency Room!

Nothing too exciting (no broken bones or blood or anything), just a little problem with the breathing.

Anyway, I'm home recovering and there is no need for alarm. I should be back to normal in a few days, but I'd appreciate any extra prayers to get me healthy as fast as possible. There are a lot of squirrels and bunnies in my back yard that are not getting chased while I am stuck in bed.

P.S. -- JPII, in case you have never seen these creatures I speak of,

This is a squirrel

This is a rabbit

This is a hobbit

(The hobbit is just for comparison. I have never seen one in my back yard. YET.)

Chateau d'If

2006-06-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

Here I am playing on the porch. As you can see, I really love it out here. Everything is so great and I don't have a care in the world.

It's a beautiful day out.
I have my favorite orange jumpsuit on.
I'm playing behind these bars on the porch.

Hey, wait a minute. . . Orange jumpsuit? Behind bars? Not cool, dad, not cool!

That's fine. If it is a game of cops and robbers you want, you will not be disappointed.
There's no cage that can hold me. I'll find a way a way out of this cell--

even if it means eating my way out!

I can almost taste that sweet, sweet freedom. It tastes rusty.

recruiting day for my crew

2006-06-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Dad: What's this you got on, man?

Simon: It's a jumpsuit. You like it? Ordered a dozen of them. Dad, I'd like to introduce you to Applejack.

. . .

Dad: I'm in.

Simon: I knew you'd be back

Dad: Three conditions: 1. You mastermind the plan. 2. Mom's on the team.

Simon: disgusted. Let's here the third one.

Dad: You gotta get me one of these jumpsuits!

Simon: You like these?

Dad: Yeah

Simon: Done. Deal. All right. You're doing the right thing, Dad.

Dad: Yeah, I know I am.

hello

2006-06-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long without a post. My parents have been keeping me pretty busy with chores -- I have hardly had any time for blogging.

First, I have to water the lawn.

Then I have to pull weeds in the flower bed.

At least then I get to take a little break before my inside chores.

My Godbrother

2006-05-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

I recently got to witness JPII's baptism. There is more about it on his blog, but I wanted to share the joyous occassion as well.

Here I am trying to get a good view of the action. (I was naturally curious--I barely remember my own baptism.)

They let me get a closer look after a while.

Here is the whole group after Mass.

It was a very nice ceremony. Of course, little JPII was in good hands with Fr. Orsi. --Even Deacon Joe (who taught my parents everything they needed to know about the sacrament) couldn't have found anything to complain about at this baptism.

graduation

2006-05-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind on this post, but here is the family in the law library after graduation.

As if I hadn't spent enough hours there while dad was studying and mom was working, they made me come back for a party. To make matters worse, somebody hid the library's putter and golf ball I usually play with.

A New Cousin!

2006-05-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have a new cousin. Bergen Ryan Nordness was born May 10. He was 6 lbs. 15 ounces. For some reason, I can't get the photo to post, so you will just have to take my word for it -- he is very small and cute.

A Message for Jared Phelps

2006-05-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Jared,

Since I don't know your email address yet, I will just post my letter here and assume you will see it.

First, congratulations on being born. You have a very wonderful family. Your mom is very nice and will take good care of you; your dad still thinks just like a kid, so he should be lots of fun. I am looking forward to seeing you very soon.

Second, since I am already one year old, I know you will be turning to me for lots of advice. I just have one thing to tell you today: start blogging! Its pretty fun and all the cool kids are doing it.

I'm sure you'll figure the rest out as you go, but call me if you have any questions.

Your Friend,
Simon

The Elvish Elvis

2006-05-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

Some people think Elvis is dead.

But a recent sighting might make these folks think twice.

Still rocking just as hard, though appearing in a bit smaller stature -- the King!

(Just kidding, it's me, Simon. I just found these while we were moving in and thought they were funny)

My Last Days in Ann Arbor

2006-04-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

I'm officially a Cornhusker now. We made it to Lincoln and have been cleaning and fixing up the house ever since we got here. I love it here, but I wanted to share a few last photos from Michigan.

I went on my first Easter egg hunt this year.

I found one egg, then I just decided to play with rocks instead.

Then, there was an end of the year picnic at the law school.

It was pretty fun. I enjoyed watching the volleyball game. I would've liked it better if dad would have let me try one of those hot dogs.

My New House

2006-04-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally got to play in the new house. And let me tell you, it is way better than that crummy old apartment. There is so much room to run. And the best part -- it has curtains! You may think that curtains are nothing special, but you are wrong.

I go in one side . . .

Where am I? Just wait . . .

Then I come out the other side.

And of course, I do a little dance each time.

I could do this for hours. If you think I'm kidding, ask my parents--I really could do this for hours.

Bubbles

2006-04-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

"But when dear Sebastian speaks it is like a little sphere of soapsud drifting off the end of an old clay pipe, anywhere, full of rainbow light for a second and then - phut! vanished, and nothing left at all, nothing."

I don't know much about similes and metaphors yet, but I do know that I love bubbles!

Up Close and Personal

2006-04-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

My First Haircut

2006-03-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

One look at the Executive and immediately Mom said it was time for a haircut.

A little boy's haircut, Hooray! Finally people will stop telling my parents what a pretty little girl they have!

The Executive

2006-03-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

Inspired by T.J. in Alaska, I decided to try out a new look:

The Executive.

Well, T.J., your hair may still be a little longer than mine, but I think we may be tied for facial hair!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2006-03-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

I'm so confused!

First, dad says we wear red for the Huskers. Then this week he told me it was blue for the Jayhawks. Now, today he says I am supposed to wear green. I can't keep up.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk

2006-03-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

Just in time for March Madness, I started using my new Jayhawks cup.

Thanks Uncle Aroop!

Birthday Party Number Two

2006-03-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

Here I am at my Kansas City birthday party.
One birthday, two parties -- I told you I was spoiled!

I'm glad my cousin Ava was there to help me blow out my candle.

We were there to see my newest cousing Leah, but I really liked Maggie the puppy.

But Maggie was too fast. Once she ran away I was more interested in Leah.