Rockin' with some Rockband

I wish you could have been at my house to see all of this go down live. My brother and his girlfriend, Jesi, came to visit us this past weekend and with them, they brought Rockband for the XBox 360. Never having played, I didn't know what to expect...but quickly realized the seriousness of this event as they brought in a drumset, two guitars and a microphone.

I don't sing. I'll say it again. I do not sing. I can't carry a tune. In fact, I can recall many times that Riley (in her early years) asked me specifically to stop singing. So, to save everyone the headache, I just don't do it. Sometimes, you'll hear me do the background singing for some random songs, but it's rare. Trust me, I'm saving YOU from the horror.

But, Jesi and Ryan can both sing -- so they did! Ronan hit the drums and Mike, well...he was oh-so-serious playing the guitar. Talk about being in a zone. You would have thought he was trying out for a part in a band. I don't fault him at all...in fact, I was highly entertained during the whole thing and got to bang on the drums for a few songs myself...which I am convinced, is my calling.
Ronan was all about the drums and Riley "strummed" on the guitar with Jesi most of the time...

We only played for about an hour, but it was some great entertainment...I'm thinking about starting up my own band here sometime!!! (I won't sing...I'll just fight with Ronan about whose turn it is to play the drums.)

Torturing Uncle Mike

If you have ever had experience with new toys on a birthday or holiday, you know that most toys are bolted down with screws, wrapped with plastic ties, or taped down to the box so the toy doesn't get up and out on it's own and leave the store. We have spent hours opening toys for the kids and it's a big reason why I don't like to buy them anymore. Call me Scrooge, call me whatever. I like to think of myself as being smart because I avoid the hassle of opening gifts, AFTER they have already been opened!

Uncle Mike came to visit us and one of our first trips was to Wal-Mart, where he let the kids each pick out a toy. If you know Mike, you know this is a big deal. He's normally the one that gives savings bonds you can't cash until your kids retire. I'm not complaining. I'm just saying...

So, I gave him the opportunity to spoil the kids and in return, he had to open everything. Seeing him slightly frustrated was a tad bit amusing, but then I did jump in to help him out, as the kids started to get restless!

Thanks, Uncle Mike!!!! Can't wait for you to come back and visit us again!