Stairway to the laundry room

A couple of nights ago, Tucker climbed up the stairs, all by himself. Until now, Carson had been playing with him on the stairs and sometimes carrying him up a few. All the practicing from the last few weeks must've finally clicked and he went up and up and up!

Carson's ABCs

While Carson has known his ABCs for quite some time, he now has some really cool posters to help him practice.

We're Mechanic Guys

As Carson says, "We're mechanic guys." We spent the day working on our vehicles.

We:

1. Changed the oil in the Cobra
2. Replaced the air filter in the Tundra
3. Replaced the rear brakes on the Avalon
4. Re-installed the splash guard on the front of the Avalon (we forgot to put it back on when we replaced the radiator).
5. Changed the oil on the Dirt Bike.

Carson is handy tools and was excited to be rewarded with some toy cars.

Our Capricious Cobra

Apparently, the Cobra has a few kinks to work out -- some of which randomly come and go.

For starters, the gas gauge doesn't work all that well. Returning from the DMV, the car stuttered, then died at one of the busiest intersections in Sparks. I got out and started to push. Not one person offered to help. As the car crawled forward, cars whirred by. I had to wait for a break in traffic to try to push the car, all by myself, to the nearest spot where it could be left.

Carson and I finally parked and began our journey, on foot, to the nearest gas station where we paid way too much for a gas can. I treated Carson to a soda and we returned to the car.

The car started right up and we went to another nearby gas station. After filling-up, the car didn't start. We were stranded -- again. The station attendant was a huge help in finding some jumper cables to help jump the car. The battery was weak, but the carburetor appears to be the problem; it will need some adjustment.

On three separate occasions, the car hasn't started now (which is nearly as many times as we have driven it).

So, Carson and I have our new project car!

Nevada DMV Policy on Cloning Cars

As I handed the lady at the DMV my application for a replica car registration, she look confused and asked: "So-ooo... You want to replicate your car?" It was tough not to laugh. No, I am not trying to clone my car; no stems cells have been harmed in the process. Apparently, brilliance isn't required to work at the DMV.

Registering and insuring our Shelby Cobra has turned out to be a little challenging.

Insurance is completely different for collector cars. After several confusing phone calls, I read up about collector car insurance on-line. Then, with a little more confidence and understanding, I was able to setup a policy.

Registration proved to be even tougher than the insurance. I found on the DMV website that a vehicle can be registered as a replica, and as such, is smog-exempt. Apparently, no one at the DMV knew about the Replica car registration. I asked the vehicle inspection station about it. They pulled out a manual and read for a while before signing the paper work. Apparently, I was number 70 out of the 100 cars in the entire state that can be registered as a replica.

The experience took about two hours, but finally was resolved successfully.

Our Newest Addition: 1967 Shelby Cobra

Ok. It's not a real '67 Shelby... But it is a really nice replica.

Cute little Tucker

Wow! Cool Prayer

After I finished saying the bedtime prayer with Carson, he said, "Wow! Cool prayer, Dad."

He can always make me laugh.

Who's Afraid of the Vacuum Cleaner?

Some kids are afraid of the vacumm's loud noise, but not Tucker. He speed crawls over to where I'm vacuuming. He seems to be intrigued by the loud noise. (I hope this post makes me out to be a diligent house cleaner, cause I totally am ;)

Splish Splash in the Ultra Shallow Water!

We have to keep the water shallow so Tucker won't swallow too much water! But Carson doesn't mind. He really likes taking baths with his brother, especially now that Tucker can sit up and crawl. He's much more fun to play with. Carson is 3.5 yrs and Tucker is 7 mos.

It's the Most Unhealthy Tiiiiiime of the Year!!

Through the months of January and February, all of us have been sick at one time or another. I was doing well until yesterday, when I started feeling a cold coming on. I cannot wait to be through with all this, especially giving Tucker all of his medicines. He is on amoxicillin for an ear infection, a nebulizer for congestion, and claritin for congestion. I'm grateful this is a temporary thing. I guess we'll be housebound for a while longer! We're looking forward to getting out and playing with friends again soon!