The Five Picture Road Challenge

Last week started an unholy travel schedule for the self-proclaimed Mayor of Poogieville.

A two day stint in our nation's capital last week has given way to a four-city southern Ohio jaunt, soon to be followed by Philly, Baltimore, Chicago and Connecticut (yes, the whole state is up for this one) in the span of three weeks and change.  Meanwhile, back home, there are Caroline's busy soccer games (she gets a hot fudge sundae for each boy she knocks down), a blossoming social calendar for the Hankster -- soon to include the pinging of aluminum bats, the ever-amazing Joey (who celebrates #3 on April 3rd), a rapidly growing young lad named William the Well-Fed and Still Hungry and the day trips that Erica and I have planned to escape into the woods.

We haven't determined if the kids are coming with us or not.

That's life, folks.  Then, you become food for worms.

Speaking of food for worms, tonight I was confronted with an awesome array of bad food choices at my first stop of the Ohio trip -- Washington Court House, Ohio.  

I'm a sucker for crappy food.  I'm also going to die earlier than I should because of it.  That's my Ruthian shot being called.

Tonight's ode to fast food excess comes courtesy of Chipotle AND Long John Silver's.  Yes, that's no typo.  I couldn't choose between the two, so I went with both.

To my cardiologist, here's proof of a preexisting condition: 



Yeah, I know.   

If it makes you feel better, my diet starts April 1st and no, I didn't finish or come close to finishing this over-indulgence of carbs and saturated fat.  It was mostly because I told Erica I was going to do it and the corresponding reaction she gives to my "bridge-too-far" risk taking.

I did snap a self-portrait, though.



What time is the continental breakfast?

Okay, now with that long opening segue finally and breathlessly completed, I shall explain the title of this post.

Upon leaving Poogieville City Hall today, I challenged the misses to send me five (turned out to be six plus one video) pictures that typified their day while I was gone.  My challenge was then to be able to successfully road blog the pictures with witty or stupid or both captions.

Unfortunately, after arranging the pictures and giving them some thought, I concluded that the only emotion I can truly muster is a longing desire to be home with E and the kiddies.  You see, it's quite an environment to sit back and watch the interaction of 7-5-3-baby along with the greatest mother/wife anywhere.

After all, sometimes the most profound thing you say is nothing more than the silent reverence and love you have for your own. 

In other words, shut up and enjoy the moment.

Oh and by the way, no offense southern Ohio, but you suck.  You're nearly intolerable.

Now with all quarters fully spoken for, here are the pictures that have me wishing I was home.

Mommy and Will

I'm sure shortly before tackling the girls in the newly fertilized lawn.

Caroline's bear hug of little Joey.

Will and the girls.

Will is now wearing Henry's old clothes and every time we pull another Henry hand-me-down out Erica and I get misty.

Henry & Caroline.

Be home soon, gang. 

GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL! Caroline Scores First Official Holman Family Goal in Soccer

Click here to view these pictures larger

Bike to Work?

I've been thinking about biking to work at least once a week this summer.

After watching this video, I'm thinking I should stick to the Towpath.

I will hand it to the rider.  This is pretty rad!  That's a biker term of art, in case you were wondering about me.

For the Sake of Blogging Something...

The winter thaw is beginning here on the North Coast.  Yeah, I realize by saying that I probably just jinxed it. 

Toughen up, peeps.  This is Cleveland. 

We're in the midst of transitioning into the busy spring season here in Poogieville.  Baseball for Henry.  Soccer for Caroline.  Potty training for Joey.  Daily blowouts for Will. 

Seriously, the kid literally has a green stripe on his back every day.

Mom is running around keeping everything in order.  I'm working on keeping everything in disarray.  It's busy.

For those interested in Willie's latest vitals, he's growing at a rate never-before-seen in the Holman house.  At two months, he's already shredding the previous weight and length records. 

I cried a small tear at the thought of being able to pass along my gold Swenson's coins to the only boy in the house -- other than me -- who may some day enjoy the fruited nectar of the Galley Boy.

At seven years of age, Henry still has never tasted a hamburger.  He refuses to eat them.

Weirdo.

On the flip side, he'll probably live until he's 125.

Don't know why you'd want to, but what the heck?  I applaud Henry's stubborn pursuit of perfection.  I'm sure he'll be a real hit at the Shady Acres Nursing Home in one hundred years.

After all, we know he's got some awesome dance moves.

Ladies?

Anyhoo.  I put together a few pictures that made me laugh hoping we could speed up the time until spring.  Enjoy!

Apparently, Joey thinks there are basketball buzzers at the Cleveland Zoo.

Will, you are named after the vagrant pictured in the barn jacket below.  Reaction.

One of my favorite pictures of all time.  Bill at the Browns tailgate in 2005.  Social anxiety disorder in full effect.  An instant classic.

One of the few New Year's parties when Erica was not with child or nursing one.  I like the contrast between my disgusting undershirt and Erica's well-laundered white blouse.  What a slob!

The Original Strawberry Shortcake.

Hilton Head Island - 2010.  Sunglasses optional.

Tracking Will

Erica has another good idea.  She told me I needed to put some more updated pictures of Will on the blog.  As always, she's right.  Therefore, the Poogie shall abide.

Nana's new snuggle buddy.

Wide-eyed brothers.

Little Erica has been a mainstay in the nursery.

The Meatball.

A balding WC Holman.

Henry's "jam-it-in" approach leaves much to be desired.

Will scanning the horizon.