Another Delco Guy In South Jersey

The Kids Are Ready For Santa!!

Ponytails and Reindeer Antlers!

Emma is Six!

Today is a very special day here at Another Delco Guy because our little princess turns six today. She came into the world six weeks early, and it's been one surprise after another since then.

Emma is a super sweet little girl who loves her brother more than anyone. She is always ready with a big smile and hug to cheer you up. Emma has overcome her tendency to take it easy and has grown to love her dance class this year.

Taking care of her babies and cooking are her favorite things to do at home and she loves to snuggle up and read before bed. A trip the Chick-fil-A makes her day, but Emma also love to eat vegetables of all kinds.

Emma makes us proud every day and we are so happy when she brings us new artwork or reads to us from Olivia.

Happy Birthday to the best little girl in the world! Daddy loves you very much!!!  

Baseball Night In America

John and I just got home from his game, where the Kelly Green team came from behind to beat the Red Team 10-7.  John was 1-1 with an RBI, 2 walks and was hit by a pitch.

Just before the game got underway, I got a message from Enrico of The700Level.com offering me an extra ticket.  I had to decline.  There aren't any other places I would rather be than a Phillies potential clincher.  But I made the tough choice and stayed with my boy.

Let's go Phils!!!

Back To School Night

I have to admit I love going to Back to School Night.  There is something special about sitting in their tiny chairs with the other parents.  Hearing about your children from people who are today total strangers, but will be among the most important people in their lives for the next year is also fascinating.

Add in that this is the first year in a new school and there is so much to think about.  Emma's teacher has both a business degree as well as a master in early childhood education.  I can see her reading her Blackberry with one hand and finger painting with the other. John's teacher is energetic and engaging, and a big sports fan.  Her co-teacher clearly loves John already.  The teachers seem to be perfect matches for my children.

Fleetwood Elementary School is small and homey.  Built as the 60s came to a close, it's in remarkable shape for the 360 or so neighborhood kids who will spend much of their waking moments there until June.  

I hope you all take the time to go to your own Back to School Nights.  I always learn somehting and I always leave smiling.

John Is Famous!

There are benefits to having a significant other who is in public relations.  One is that the kids get in the paper with startling regularity.  Emma has been a front page girl three times in the last year and today it's John's turn. 

He had a great time last week as the Coco Key Honorary Bat Boy at the Camden Riversharks game.  And now he's even more excited to be the focus of media attention for even a few days.

Special thanks to Brian Burgamy (#7) for spending some one on one time in the dugout with John and also to Dom Principato, of Deptford, who helped John get comfortable in the dugout before the game.

It was a thrill to be on a beautiful field playing catch with my son as the guys got ready to play last Monday.  Thanks again to everyone who made it happen, especially Char.

Happy Father's Day!

There is no doubt that the most fulfilling part of my life is being a father.  I won't say it's always the easiest thing in the world to do, but it offers the most reward of anything I have ever done.  John and Emma do it all for me.  They wake me in the morning, they make me watch the clock at work, they thrill me with their accomplishments and they wrench my heart with their struggles.

To say that being a dad has its ups and downs understates things to a laughable point.  Everything about it is a balancing act.  Whether it's juggling the calendar around 8U games or keeping up with the ever-changing roster of best friends for a precocious little girl, putting them above me isn't that hard. 

Maybe it's odd to say, but these two kids have helped me grow.  I'm still a kid inside in a lot of ways, but they force me to make the tough choices, to teach, to correct, to develop and indeed to learn.  I assume it is this way with all dads, but who knows.  I'm too busy with my own to do much asking around!

We've had a lot of changes in the last year.  As a dad, it's been a time of growth and fun.  We've had some great times like celebrating the Phillies World Series, John's First Communion and Emma learning to read, and some tough moments as well.  Through everything, they fulfill me in a way that I never could have imagined in the days before they came into my lives.

While it's mostly my kids I am talking about today, it is being a father that I am thinking about.  I've got my new Wii Fit here and some beautiful school art projects from John and Emma.  Later today we'll head over to Delco for the Annual Father's Day Crab Fest.  We'll watch the Phillies try to break the streak against the Orioles and some of the action at Bethpage Black.

I'll be thinking about my dad and his dad as well as my mom's dad.  They were great examples to me.  I will also be thinking about all the kids who have lost dads though their service to our country, either here at home or abroad.  I can't imagine missing out on being a dad.  It's an experience I treasure.

Thanks Dad!  I appreciate all the sacrifices you have made and continue to make for me.  And I know John and Emma do as well.

Happy Father's Day!

Finally Friday

Today was one of those days that make all the hard moments of being a dad worth it.

Emma graduated from Pre-K wearing a pretty pink dress covered with a white graduation gown and mortarboard.  She enjoyed the party afterward and the fact that she drew lots of guests, but looked supremely bored during the ceremony.  Her teacher named her the hardest working student. I can't think of a better compliment!

John and his Tabernacle 8U team opened play in the Pinelands Classic Tournament with a 6-0 win over Northern Burlington.  NB won the Pinelands Classic last year, so this is a big win.  John was 1-2 with and RBI but didn't have a play in the field.

We wrapped up the evening with ice cream cake to celebrate a great day!

Now we're watching the third straight Phils extra innings game as they look to know off the Red Sox at CBP.

Have a great weekend!

Wiffle Ball Party!

John's teammates Marcus and Kevin turn 9 today, so we're at the brand-new Big League Dreams for a Wiffle Ball Birthday Party. John and his buddies are having a great time. The place has three different 'fields' of varying sizes where the kids can play. Plus there are party rooms and snack stand.

It's a converted ice rink that just opened as a 3 field facility with 1" long artificial grass and a great stereo system. If you're looking for a place for a boy's party in Burlington County, check out Big League Dreams on Fostertown Road in Medford!  The fields rent for $75 an hour, party packages start at $350 for 20 kids, they have open gym on Saturday nights for $10 per kid and they're even planning a summer camp for $200 a week.

In case you couldn't tell I think this place has a great concept.  I just hope that enough people hear about it!

Emma Has Curls!

Emma Has Curls!
Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

One of the things that Emma has been begging for while here mother has been away is to let her hair grow. She really wants Dora hair, and I am partial to Suri Cruise's look, but it's only been a month, so today we tried to create some curls. She's really excited. I think the little feathery curls are a bit reminiscent of a 70s look.

Very cute!

Emma Is Five!

Emma is Adorable as Tinkerbell
Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

It's a bit hard to believe that my princess turns five today. The day of her birth is such a vivid memory for me that It seems much more recent that five years ago that I got a call waking me out of bed telling me Emma was on her way. I dropped John off at his grandparents and drove the 29 miles to the hospital in 28 minutes.

She was 8 weeks early and not ready to wake up. She's still a bit of a terror if she's not ready to get up in the morning. I went with her to another hospital that was better able to take care of her. After the ventilator and feeding tubes were installed, Emma rallied a bit and held my hand for the first time.

She's a very tough kid who deals withe the world on her terms. Still, she is the sweetest person I know and loves her family and friends deeply. I am very happy she has not outgrown tickling or cuddling with her daddy. I know she will, but I am not ready yet.

Besides her special friend Bun, Emma really loves her brother John. When she's upset, she always says the same thing, 'I want my brother.' It's great that they are such good friends and that he is always there to comfort her.

Grandma and Pop live in Pennsylvania and Emma loves when they come to visit. It's always a special treat when she can have a sleep over! While Andrew is the cousin her own age, she is very much into her cousin Ellie, and recently confided that she wants a little sister to take care of.

Emma has always loved to cook and to draw, and it's been a wonderful year of watching her mature in both of these areas. She can pretty much make an entire cake, loving to crack eggs and mix things. She sets up elaborate tea parties and school rooms and nap times for her six babies and is capable of amusing herself for hours at a time.

Like most girls, Emma loves to shop. She's still a big fan of shoes and the color pink. Her trips out on the weekend with Char wear her out and induce two hour naps, but she loves them.

Emma is the most wonderful little girl in the world!

Happy birthday princess! Your daddy loves you very much.

John's 8th Birthday Party

CAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

We had a great day yesterday, with over 40 guests filling our house and yard to celebrate John's 8th Birthday. John had a great time seeing his family and friends, and "especially enjoyed having cake, blowing bubbles and running around like a maniac."

You're only 8 once.

Special thanks to Cathy for the macaroni salad, my mom for multitudinous appetizers, Gram for pasta salad, Arlene for baked beans that got rave reviews, Carin for the cold, sweet watermelon and Heidi for the cookies that Emma especially loved.

Thanks also Anne and Carlo for the supplement to the summer beers and Joe for the nice bottle of red.

The signature totem poles and Indy decor were also courtesy of Arlene.

In the 94 degree heat, the grill chores were handled Jim and Patti and no one is more grateful than me!

Finally all the hard work and effort was really done by Party Planner, Chef and Coordinator Extraordinaire --- CHAR!!

Thanks to everyone who made it such a great day for John.

Emma Graduates!

Kindercare Pre-School Graduation is this afternoon and Emma got the award for Most Helpful. She's the sweetest little girl in the world and I am SO proud of her!

2008 Tabernacle ES Field Day

Another Delco Guy is live at the Tabernacle ES Field Day. My job is to shepherd Ms. Lacey's class aroubd the stations for the next two hours. Wish me luck!!

My Little Reporter

We ae on the way to school and Emma has been asking me a lot of questions as we roll through the haze of Burlington County. I was wondering what way up until we stopped for a few minutes and I realized is 'writing' down everything I say in her notebook.

So much for any thought she will be wealthy.

Gracie H is 6!!!

Gracie H is 6!!!
Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

And the photos are up on my Flickr photostream.

You can't tell from the photos, but it was 98 degrees. Everyone was happy though. The kids were happy because there was a "kid wash." The adults were happy because there were mojitos!

We had a great time!!!!

TAA Rookie All-Star Game

  The Winning HIt 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

We're here live at the Tabernacle Rookie All-Star game, where left fielder John Lee-Pesotski is 2 for 3 with an RBI.  His Green Team defeated the Yellow Team in the bottom of the 4th on the strength of an RBI double by Tiger teammate Chris McCauley.

Everybody had a great time and all the folks at TAA did a great job putting the night together!

Emma is Famous!!!

Last year, Emma and John went to Chicago to visit their Aunt Jen.

While there, they toured the Wrigley Field area and John saw a Cubs game.

Apparently, Emma was also caught on camera by WGN playing catch in front of the local firehouse.  The clip made the WGN special "Celebrating 60 Years of the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV" that aired on Saturday night.

Here's the clip:

My little princess is famous!!!

Jump Rope For Heart Photos

  Look at Them!!! 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

The TES Jump Rope for Heart raised over $8400 today for the American Heart Association.  Photos of the fun are up here.  Have a great rest of your day!

Lego Census Complete!!!!

  Lego Census Complete 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

John is very proud to have completed the following census of all the Lego people here at our house!

Lego People Census

2-Mar-08

Number Description

56 Total People
5 Boys
51 Can't Tell
40 Have hats
16 Don't have hats

Saturday Morning

Little people
Who climb into bed
To tell you they've
Missed you
Are worth
The early
Wakeup call.

Another Great School Project

  This is Hard! 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

John spent a good bit of the morning finishing up his diorama project for Mrs. Lacey's class.  He came up with all the ideas himself and was able to do the whole thing with only a tiny bit of adult assistance.

He chose to read Arthur's Computer Disaster and then did his project on the book, showing a scene from the book.

He converted a Nike shoebox into Arthur's house, complete with Arthur's sister DW and his friend Buster, all made out of clay.  He added a royal blue felt carpet and some snazzy construction paper walls to make it all very homey.  Some LEGO furniture rounded out the scene.

Along the way I had to drive him to the store to get the clay, glue and construction paper.  Then I presented a lesson on the safe use of scissors.  After a few mis-steps on measuring and cutting a remedial lesson on rulers was in order.  He only needed a bit of demonstration on the clay modeling, which surprised me.  I am sure there will be a wide array of project levels presents at school tomorrow from the totally parent-created to the woefully under-supervised.  John's will be on the honest end of the scale, but fairly well-executed.

Now he just needs to get it to school in one piece!

Friday Fantastic Four

Every now and then you have a day that makes you realize how amazing the small things are in life ... In that light here is today's Fantastic Four:

What are the four most amazing things in everyday day?  They could be occurences, people, items, events ... you name it!!!!

1. Airplanes - how amazing it is to get into an aluminum tube hurtling at 600 mph and step off 3000 miles away and have it be nearly the same time?
2. The amount of noise that two kids can make at 7 am on Saturday morning.
3. German butter cake
4. Sunsets over the ocean

Have a great weekend!

Friday Fantastic Four

Today is Emma's fourth birthday.  To celebrate my little princess's special day, we have a birthday theme.

What four things do you like most about birthdays?

1. Cake - in my late 30s, I still love it
2. The smiles of children
3. Champagne - one of the great things about being in my late 30s is celebrating with bubbly
4. Looking back at old birthday photos

Have a great weekend!

A Rite of Fall

  Emma Selects 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

On Sunday, as the Eagles were downing the Jets coming off the bye week, the family and I headed over to Johnson's Farm in Medford to pick out our pumpkins.  We, of course, took some photos.

It's a virtually required rite of fall for suburban families to trek to some local pseudo-farm with rides and face painting and fresh-baked pies to find the fall decor.  We joined approximately all of South Jersey on Sunday in a giant field/parking lot and surveyed the situation with dismay. 

Two different lines of over an hour before you got to get on the hayride out to where you could actually PICK pumpkins. 

People EVERYWHERE.  Tired children.  Swirling dust.

I punted.

We decided to select from the pallets of pre-picked pumpkins available for weenies like me.  The children chose $32 worth of pumpkins to decorate the front steps and house with.  That's over 46 pounds worth.

They enjoyed it immensely.    They also loved the side trip to Maggie Moo's on the way back home, though John would have preferred Coldstone.  When we finally staggered home, we put up the Halloween lights out front and the various orange and black decorations throughout the house.  Yes.  I said Halloween lights.

It's just amazing to me that Halloween and "harvest" have become such a holiday.  I can remember a few decorations as a kid and a trip to Linvilla for a pumpkin.  But I sure don't remember 2 hour lines and swarms of people at Target fighting over who gets the last set of faux tombstones.

When did this explosion happen?  I've heard the theory that hallmark is responsible for the geometric expansion of the Valentine's Day to the juggernaut of spending it is today?  Who is behind the Halloween/Harvest?  Pumpkin farmers?  Hay bale salesmen?

I went along  and all ... but I don't get it!

2007 NL East Champs!

  2007 NL East Champs! 
  Originally uploaded by The700Level

As a father, yesterday was pretty tough for me. 

My son is a Yankees fan in a major way.  Last spring, we had decided that there was a good chance yesterday would be an important game and that we should be in Baltimore to watch the Yankees clinch the AL East.

It never entered my mind that the Phillies would be back home in Philly clinching the NL East while I watched the scoreboard at Oriole Park.

I wore full Phillies regalia including a bight red shirt and cap.  I got a good number of friendly "Go Phils!" comments and even saw 2 other guys in "P" hats.  The scoreboard operator kept us updated, and between the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings showed video highlights of the Phils scoring. 

In the 8th, they showed the video of the Phils rushing the field and put "Philadelphia Phillies 2007 NL East Champions" up on the big board. 

While I was overjoyed, the major feeling was RELIEF!  We had finally made it.  The long up and down ride of the season was over and we are ready to take care of business.

We clapped and cheered and high-fived and accepted the congratulations of the Yankee fans.  While I wasn't in South Philly, I was happy yo be in a ballpark among the baseball faithful.  I'm meeting some Hummer driving real estate sales man Yankee fan from Westchester county in the Bronx for the World Series in three weeks.  I don't know his name, but we sat in Section 27- yesterday.  I'm sure he'll remember the crazy Phillies fan.  At least I think he will.  He drank a few beers.

I'll see you in Center City at Noon for Mr. Greengenes and the Phils for a rally at City Hall!!!!

A Night In Camden

  Fireworks and the BFB 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

There aren't many times when some says that they had a great night in Camden, but we sure did last night!

John, Emma, the GF and I headed over to Camden last night to catch a Riversharks game at Campbell's Field in the shadow of the Ben Franklin Bridge on Delaware River Waterfront.  We saw a Sharks win, fireworks and John got to run the bases.

6,810 South Jerseyans turned out to see the show and I didn't see many disappointed folks.  The minor league teams sure know how to entertain fans, with contests, a merry-go-round (Emma loved it!), three different mascots and a lot of fun.

We had great seats right behind home plate, but not the greatest for photos.  Still, I got a few and they are up.

Coincidentally, we met Bob Nehring, the Sharks' Director of Group Events this morning at Wawa and he was a really nice guy and seems genuinely happy that we had a good night at the park .

Get out to a game before the season ends!

Happy Birthday Buddy!

  John the Cat 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

It's hard to believe that it's been 7 years since that stormy, muggy June night that John made me wait until 6:26 am until he was finally born.  I vividly remember that even before he was out of the womb he was screaming and crying, begging for food.

After he was fed and cleaned up, he settled down a bit and has been a great kid for the last seven years.  He loves baseball more than anything and is big fan of the Yankees and SportsCenter.  I had a great time coaching him on the Marlins this year and on the Orioles last year.  I hope he never loses his love for the game.

John is a fun kid and enjoys his classmates and especially gym class.  he is a smart guy and had a good year in first grade.  Like me, he is a bit quick to anger and more than a little rambunctious.  I am sure he will always be a bit of handful for his teachers.

I have alwyas loved that John wants to be a part of everything and is eager to help me whenever he can.  Most of the projects I have done around the house have been completed with him at my side.  It's a great thing!

John is loving and sensitive, and is especially good with his little sister Emma.  I am proud of the moments that he shows her special attention and caring.  I hope that they are always as close as they are now.

I had a great day celebrating your birthday with you today, John and I look forward to our part in Moorestown.

Happy 7th Birthday Buddy!!!!

Back In The Swing of Things!

Sorry for the long absence, but we've been on the road! 

Some photos of Emma getting us back into the normal cadence of life are up at my Flickr site.  She had a good time yesterday, hitting the ball off the tee in the back yard.  John got into the act a bit, helping her refine her swing a bit.  It was hilarious to watch it!

We are back from our trip to the center of all that is Mouse.  Disney was HOT.  I mean weather-wise.  They made lots of jokes about deodorant testing.  It wasn't funny.

We'll have a full wrap up of the Disney trip and some photos up later in the week.  Today is a rest and recover day.

We're looking forward to John's birthday tomorrow, but it will be a low-key affair with just a few of use getting together on Wednesday to celebrate.

Heading to See the Mouse!

  Fireworks over Disney World Castle 
  Originally uploaded by BScythe

The family is still slumbering, but I admit I was too keyed up to sleep.

Why?

We leave for Disney World in a few hours!!!

The kids are very excited and so am I.  We will provide regular updates and photos.  We're hoping to see some manatees and go to Sea World in addition tot he Disney parks.  John also wants to get to Universal.  We'll see what all we get in.

The Southwest fare was good, Starwood points pay for the room, but god the park tickets are expensive!!!

Photos from yesterday's Pesotski Father's Day Crab Fest are up on my Flickr site.

Have a great week!

Happy Father's Day

Just a quick post to wish a happy Father's Day to all the dads out there and to thank them for all that they do fpr their sons and daughters.  Here in Moorestown, we will be holding the Pesotski Family Annual Crab Fest.

Matt, Kevin and I will be cleaning the crabs, The girlfriend and Carin will be steaming them and we will all be eating them.  Grandma will be playing with the grandkids and "Pop" will supervise all activities.

This tradition is my father's revival of crabfests that my grandfather used to do occasionally each summer.  He loved his crabs and beer, and I can remember several nice afternoons that we all spent in his backyard enjoying the still-hot crabs.  Back in the day I drank orange soda, but today we'll hoist a few Genny Cream Ales as tradition holds.

My dad deserves the credit fo keeping this going.  No matter what we are all doing, he makes sure to let us know how important it is to him.  It's our Father's Day gift to him and I know he appreciates it.

It will be hot, but the AC is already cranking and the beer will be cold.  I'll try to get some phots of the festivities up later tonight.

Happy Father's Day!

***UPDATE***

For various reasons, this thing was written on dialup.  Do you have ANY idea how friggin' slow dialup is?????  Jeez!

Another School Year Ends

  Dress-Up Relay Race 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

It's hard to believe that John's last full day of first grade is today and that Emma finishes up her school year today as well.

John's had his ups and downs this year, but it's mostly been a very good first grade experience for him.  He is in reading enrichment and doing very well in math, but struggles with 'chattiness' and his 'social nature,' especially with the ladies.

Hmmm.  Where's the problem?

Emma learned all of her letters and numbers this year and absolutely ADORES her teacher Miss Terri.  She will be very sad going back to Kindercare next year, but not being with her 'special friend.'  Emma also managed to learn how to use the potty and has been wonderfully behaved a ll year.

We've got a busy summer planned, with trips to Disney World, Maine, Rhode Island and Boston planned, along with our regular roster of back yard parties and gatherings.

We'll keep you posted with stories and photos all summer long.  Lots of new photos of Field Day and our other adventures are up at my Flickr site.

Gift Giving Opportunity

As you may have noticed, it is currently June 5th, wich means you have only 12 shopping days left to buy my Father's Day present.  While my ex wife co-parent probably would not agree, I am nominating myself for Father of the Year and deserveto be rewarded properly.  Since my kids are too little to do much shopping on their own, I've got a few ideas for you all!

• Samsung's Deluxe Q1 Ultra - This thing is HOT!!!!  An ultra mobile 800mhz wireless computer with full keyboard and 7" screen.  A STEAL at only $1200.

• Apple iPhone - this is probably the convergence product that would break what my lil Bro calls my "PC brainwashing."  It's pricy, like everthing from Apple, but I am guessing that when Paris gets out of prison, she will be ditching the Sidekick for one of these and I want to be right there with her.

• Wireless XBox with 20 GB Harddrive - this one is more for the boy than me.  He loves his baseball on the Box, but ours is getting a bit elderly and needs to be kicked up a notch.  If ya can spare the change, spring for a pair of wireless controllers too!

• Jimmy Buffett is playing the Boardwalk in AC this summer.  And 2 tickets would be a SWEET Father's Day gift!!!  I will take care of the transportation, party supplies and grass skirts.

Just drop me a note and I will let you know where to ship these babies!  i'm really looking forward to it!

Have a good one!