A hitting phase I guess?

We had about an average Sunday today. We did not go to church, but we definately want to start going more often. We do go once in a while, more than being a Chreaster, but not enough, and it is something I am not proud of. I definately want Nathan to be a church go'er and make some friends, while participating and growing his faith. I know that part is a few years away, but I still want to get him used to a church.

Today we did some of the usuals. The weather cooperated, so we let him ride his tricycle outside. He is really good at it. He goes foward and backwards. He also goes really fast at times. He is pretty strong on it. Strong enough to ride it up our inclinded driveway, steer around our car, and speed down. He is fun to watch. He is also becoming a better ball catcher. He has improved greatly on that skill over the past 4 months or so.

The only thing to really write home about, is we went to our local Carmax, and test drove new Toyotas. We tried out the RAV4, which we really like. Its hard to beat increased volume inside and out (15% outside or 14 inches longer, and 21% inside), a peppier engine (more horses) and better fuel economy (up to 30 on a highway). I was a little dissappointed in the Camry's. The look nice on the outside, but for a family with at least one kid, there is not enough headroom in the back. It is hard to get a child in and out of his or her own carseat with out bumping their heads on the ceiling. What is even more dissappointing is I was really looking foward to the Camry Hybrid debuting in May. It gets 43/37 city/hwy.

We testdrove the RAV4 and for kicks, an Avalon. The RAV4 may be what we are looking for. Very functional, yet roomy enough for a kid or two. Plenty of storage in the rear as well. It has some pep for a 4 cylinder.

The Avalon was awesome. I know we are not going to purchase one, but if it weren't for the Persona that an early 30 somethings should not be driving a larger, older person's vehicle. It is very luxurious. I defintely would consider it, but I know Amy's heart is set on a more versitile vehicle.

We had Nathan's car seat in both vehicles. The Avalon was very roomy.

Finally, getting to the title of this blog, is Nathan and his little probably harmless hitting ways. Sometimes when he doesn't get what he wants, he gives a whack. We are currently putting him in his crib and leaving him alone for 15mintues. We have been performing this type of punishement for the past week or so. Somedays it works well, and others, its useless. I hope he just grows out of it someday soon.

I bid you goodnight!

Long Time No See!

Wow, sort of lost interest in blogging. Its busy when you have a kid. Also, I talk to people throughout the day, so most of the time I have no need to write it down again on a computer for less than the average had full of people who, with nothing better to do, actually read it.

Nathan, Amy, and I went to Maryland Day along with a coworker, Murano (an alumni who graciously showed us around campus). We had a ball. For those who don't know, Maryland Day is a festival held at The University of Maryland once a year. There is basically a ton of activities all around the campus. This campus, like Penn State is huge. That is probably one of the main reasons I had a good time. It was my first time to UMD, and by going to this festival, there were tons of people.

MD besides having lots of children's activities, has many neat experiments and talks to see for prespective students and adults. There may have even been a practice football game, akin to the Blue/White game at PSU.

We first got there around 10am. There were not many people there yet. The lines were short to get UMD icecream and other things. By the time we left there were alot of people. I can't blame them, it was a beautiful day. The lot was empty at the comcast center at arrival, and packed at when we left. For those who don't know MD trivia, like me, about the only true famous person to attnend school there, besides Connie Chung, was Jim Henson. There are many signs of his presence around campus. One of the cooliest things to do, was to sit my his statue where he is playing with Kermit, and have your picture taken. A student takes your picture, and in an hour they have it developed. You pick it up for free.

In a couple of years, Nathan will be the perfect age to participate in some of the events. Regardless, he still had a bunch of things to participate in. Murano took a bunch of pictures, so maybe I will post some later.

I would have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with the campus. It is clean and appears safe, even though it is not in the most desireable area in Maryland.

I bid you good night.