Category: Family

So, I’ve got a small fry that really doesn’t like going to the doctor. I was able to keep him the dark until a few minutes before we needed to leave. I told him that he was going to the doctor and out …

So, recently we were at our Safeway grocery store getting a birthday cake for Luke. Going through the checkout lane, the cashier asked who the cake was for. Luke quickly stepped up and report that it …

Somehow, I managed to pick a Lego set for Luke for Christmas that was already part of his massive collection. He was happy enough to rip into it and build it again, but I was able to talk him out of …

My almost 6 year old son has never seen Stranger Things, but he draws a pretty mean Mind Flayer. He says it’s a “robot octopus”, but I don’t believe him. Anybody got Hopper’s number?

On Thursday, I was picking up #1 at school. A teacher from the classroom next to hers came up to me and said “are you Jilly’s Dad?” “Yep, that’s me.” Hmm, where’s this going? The teacher said Jilly is …

Another weekend, another park visit. This one was only a 15 minute drive from our place. It wasn’t obvious where to park; there’s a small lot right at the trailhead, but it filled up just as we rolled …

We’re slowly trying to get to know our new area. Our first major park like stop was Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. Its about 25 minutes away from our place. The hills, even though all burnt up …

Kids loved the pilot, hopefully more good stuff to come. (For preschool-aged children) - The adventures of best friends and unlikely heroes, Stinky the garbage truck and Dirty the backhoe loader, a …

Well, that’s pretty epic… https://twitter.com/chrishallbeck/status/612639450447900672

Using the crane from the train set at our local library as a stethoscope, he listens to my heart. He then informs me, “Dad, your heart is gonna throw up.” I should probably get a second opinion.

In depth analysis of the game that never ends quickly enough Source: Hacking “Chutes and Ladders” using R | Ethan R. Markowitz

If you don’t think about your problems for one hour, then I did my job. Source: Interview: Jimmy Fallon, Author Of ‘Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada’ : NPR

Recently, the kids burned through their TV allotment. So, I said, “Dad’s choice or nothing” and got some groans in response. So I put on the recent MythBusters where they were testing Simpsons myths. …

Prepare the nacho cheese decontamination crew.

Yes, the socks don’t match. Yes, Dad is color blind.

50% of parenting is spending quality time with your kids. The other 50% is figuring out how to get them away from you. Reasons My Son Is Crying — 50% of parenting is spending quality time with….

[gallery ids=“7075,7076,7077,7078,7079,7080”] Took the kiddos down to the Syracuse Polish Festival. I’ve always wanted to go since I’ve lived in Syracuse, but never seem to make it. It was a gambling …

A couple of quick shots walking with kids at Onondaga Park. They really love the gazebo on an island. [gallery ids=“7024,7025,7026,7027”]

I’ve been known to stage my kids in strange poses for comic effect. This time, its 100% Luke’s work. What, Dad? My butt was hot and my head was cold.

..to get one decent group shot of two kids.

17 Reasons Why Anna Should Be Your Favorite Disney Princess. Only because Frozen is on permanent perpetual repeat in our DVD player at the moment.

Yep, that’s the helmet acquired earlier. Luke likes to rock it backwards.

On our weekly grocery trip, sometimes we see a Dewitt Fire Truck in the parking lot of the grocery store. The kids love getting to check it out up close and personal. Today, as we were walking up on …

…like the bin from our toy storage unit; ‘cause, ya know, that’s way more comfortable than sitting on the couch. Luke, you so crazy.

Yep, pretty accurate. How to Put a Toddler to Bed in 100 Easy Steps | Honest Toddler.

Man, kids shoes today are just way too cool. Yes, Tonka Dump Truck sneakers. Yes, when you step the headlights flash. Luke was in love on first sight.

Yes, Jilly is a fashionista. She paired some delightful purple hospital traction socks with her leopard slippers. Nice!

ok, that’s why you shouldn’t play in the toy bins.

« random playful banter » me: (to wife) I don’t like you. wife: I never liked you. me: that’s it, I’m leaving. daughter: daddy, where are you gonna go? me: I’m gonna go live on the street. daughter: …

Here’s Luke enjoying some birthday nuggets. Happy #2, big guy! Note the death grip on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle that came with his Happy Meal.

In our family, we recycle gift bags year to year. Here’s one from 2 years ago: When the kiddos were baking, we elected not to know their sex until they popped; so we gave them code names. Jilly was …

Yep, my little girl is 4 years old today! Happy Birthday, Jilly! It was fun to watch her do a double take when she spotted the two wheeler parked in the kitchen this morning. Unfortunately, Mother …

Luke is the only guy I know that can pair a striped tie with flannel pajamas and rock it.

They only turned toward because of the range finder flash. At least they were watching Scooby Doo (classics). Dad approved.

Distracting the kiddos with a sleigh ride on the old carousel at Carousel Mall Destiny USA. Both were itching to get on some horses, but didn’t think that was a good idea with only Dad to reign them …

Ah, why was I not made aware of this? Looks awesome.

Quick selfie with my Mom from my recent Utica visit… Best Mom (and Babci) evah!

Think we’re gonna double dip on Halloween this year. Today was the indoor trick or treat at Shoppingtown Mall. Tomorrow, might get ’em up and down the street if the weather cooperates.

Quick snap of the fam on a recent warm fall day…

Hotel Transylvania Being the spooky time of the year, I thought Hotel Transylvania might be a good fit for the kiddos. It was a bit a bit of a gamble with possibility of some stuff being too scary, …

The Real Burnouts Podcast “How many cooks do you need to make hamburger helper?” Ha!

Upload a lot last night with a sick kiddo. She’s been coughing a lot lately, but that’s almost normal with her seasonal asthma. She was acting otherwise normal, so I wasn’t too worried about it. When …

I'd like to thank whoever wrote "Love You Forever" for this morning cry my wife & I are having while reading to our daughter. Holy cow.. — Rutledge Wood (@RutledgeWood) September 4, 2013

So, a while back, we bought a DVD copy of Jilly’s favorite move, the Muppets Take Manhattan (necessitated by the untimely demise of our DVR’s harddrive, where we stowed a copy for over a year.) We …

Sounds kinda strange, but way easier than traditional lasagna, and just about as tasty. Those crazy Duggars may be on to something. Of course, we quarter sized the recipe, since there’s about 18 less …

Mill Run Park in Manlius. Luke approved.

Hearing about the attack was particularly troubling for me. I’ve done lots of races over the years. Many were pretty small, but some were fairly big in terms of runners and spectators. Its terrible to …

Every time you think you have a handle on kids, they find new ways to make you nuts. Luke had a fever last evening, took a nap, and then ended up going to bed late (10:45). At 2:20, he woke up …

Yep, that’s the Crowther house lately. Both kids were (are?) veritable bombs ready to go off at any time. #2 went off a few time during the day yesterday. #1 waited until the middle of the night, …

 Behind The Awkwardness: Vacuum Boy « AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com 03/19/2013. I swear that could be a picture from the Crowther album. My brother Jim was (and is) a vacuum fanatic. Loved his ‘carpee biz’. …

The extent of my music playing ability is pushing play. My younger brother got all the music talent. Here’s a clip from one of his recent solo shows: PAUL CROWTHER AND THE SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECIES @ …

There’s a running gag in our house regarding who of us is the most OCD. Recently, for the fun of it, I swapped the tops on two sippy cups sitting out on the counter, putting a blue top on a pink …

Giggle from both of the kids.

First, you’ve got me wearing a heart shaped valentine’s themed bib. Second, the bib says first valentines. Third, I’m drinking out of a pink sippy cup. Well, never mind the last one, its way better …

Ok, now we’re done with the booster seat. No injuries yet, ascending and descending our bar height kitchen table chairs.

Luke wakes up hungry if he doesn’t have mid evening snack. Tonight its 1/2 a cup of oatmeal, a handful of cheerios, and a handful of goldfish crackers.

iPotty Aims To Entertain Toddlers During Toilet Training. As parent going through the potty training process, I can see this almost making sense. But, I’m still not gonna let my kid go solo with an …

Chocolate chip and M&M oatmeal cookies, from Auntie Em’s cookie kit. Jilly reports that, “they’re the best cookies ever!”

Revenge of the completely useless machine.

Sorry Christmas tree, its time for you to go to make remove in the living for the new kid table. Thanks Babci, Uncle Paul, and Uncle Jim!

Happy First Birthday, Mr. Luke! Geez, everybody can stop with all the singing. Don’t stop the presents though!

Christmas Tree Decorating by Child Age. We’re in the toddler phase. We skipped the ‘safe zone’ in favor of fencing off the tree and presents entirely, both for their own protection.

Yesterday was Jilly’s 3rd birthday! Man, that was a quick 3 years. Can remember taking her home from hospital like it was just yesterday. You don’t know what “they grow up so fast” means until you …

We’ve been having a nice quiet morning this Thanksgiving. A big breakfast, then some cartoons and the Macy’s Parade on TV. Also managed to work in a nice walk in the warmer than average November sun. …

Jilly approved. I was flipping channels the other night and spotted _The Muppets Take Manhatten. Watched a few minutes and thought to myself, “hmm, I knew a certain 2 year old that might like this.” …

Got the kids geared up for candy acquisition at Shoppingtown Malloween. Jilly was a butterfly (can’t wait till Babci sees the pics) and Luke was a bear. At the mall, they changed from candy dispensing …

Hmm. Pumpkin pie… Popcorn? Habanera

Me: “Jilly, please leave that pine cone alone.” Me: “Jilly, please drop that pine cone.” Me: “Jilly, please stop crunching up that pine cone in your hand.” Me: “Jilly, please stop eating that pine …

Earlier, we did a family outing to Onondaga Park (not that one, this one.) After some minor frustration with all the one way signs in the park, we figured out that things were a little more convoluted …

A little ahead of schedule, our second child arrived as an early Christmas present. Introducing Luke Leroi Crowther! Statistics: Arrived: 12/24/2011 @ 7:26pm Weight: 6lbs 10oz Length: 20" Both Mother …

For those not already in the know, the Mrs. and I are expecting again. You can follow all the action and wager when they’ll make the seen at pixel.thecrowthers.info. You can also subscribe to Pixel’s …

Just a quick note to thank everyone again for their supremely generous to donations to Komen Breast Cancer Research on behalf of my Mom. I’m very pleased to report that in total $897 was raised, far …

The Mrs and I have done the Komen Race For the Cure many times in the past in support of friends and family affected by the tragedy of breast cancer. This year the importance got kicked up another …

Had a pretty good day today. Spent a bunch of time with Jilly, freeing up the Momma to work on some schoolwork. In the morning, I took her for a stroller ride and the mostly closed mall (the only …

You know, the do do do one, right before the girl says, “they’re back…” We just put Jillian down for a nap. She was kinda sleepy after a naptime bottle, but not ready to completely drop off. So we put …

We think teething is in full effect now. Jilly not all that interested in solid food and it takes a lot of formula to get the same energy. So, she’s been a tired crank the last few days. Today, save …

Jilly growing up an almost terrifying rate. First, she no longer fits in her bouncer chair. Then the swing and the Bumbo. Then, one day she went from rocking with a purpose to full on crawling. Then a …