Quick Draw is here

On Saturday, Mar 28, 2009, Kirstin, Jeff and I, along with Chuck and Jill Johnson took a Basic Handgun Familiarization and Safety Class at Bill’s Gun Shop in Circle pines. There was three hours of lecture and one hour of shooting. Our instructor was very good and covered handling of most hand guns, from double and single action revolvers and magazine loaded guns. Then we got to practice with dummy rounds. And then finally on to the real guns at the range. While we were in class, people were using the range, which was about 35 feet in back of the classroom and through the back wall, vending machines and another thick plexi-glass wall to the range, shooting all kinds of guns. We could hear very little noise from the guns. And then all of a sudden we heard this gynormous boom. We all turned around to face the sound and several more shots went off. I kid you not, the concussion from that Barrett .50 cal sniper rifle pushed the back wall of the classroom inwards about an inch with each shot (each bullet will cost you $5). It looked like the wall had a heart beat. Eventually I think that I would like to try that one.

With a few more instructions, we all donned our hearing protection and headed to the range. The first gun I tried was the .22 cal semi automatic. I had a pretty close pattern (all within about 3 inches). The next one was a .22 cal revolver. The pattern was a bit larger. The next one was a 357 magnum Smith & Wesson long barrel. See below:

That one was a duzzy and shot better than I thought it would (I could handle it and I still had a pretty tight pattern). I just thought it was funny to go from a .22Cal all the way to a 357 magnum. The last one, before the 9mm, was a 357 Magnum 2” barrel. I didn’t like that one very much and neither did Kirstin. The instructor had that one out so that we could experience the kick back on different style guns. Then came two different 9mm and both handled well. I am interested in getting the Ruger SR9 17 + 1, as soon as I can convince Judy that we can still be safe in the house with a locked firearm while still having something to defend our home. With the successive guns, except the 9mm semi automatic, the shot pattern got progressively bigger. And with the 357 magnum 2” barrel Saturday night special, I don’t know if I even hit the target – I didn’t see any new holes being made! I may have been one of the people that put holes in the ceiling. It was hard to control. Watch out because quick draw is back in town.

Success

Well, Lorelei's tonsillectomy went smooth as butter. She is just fine and I didn't need to worry so much, but I did. The nurses said that she was the bravest one there today. She left the hospital and was home a little after 3:00PM today. She is a trooper and I think that she will recover fast. She has already had a couple bowls of Chocolate Ice Cream, Mmm good and several cherry pop cycles at the hospital. She came home with a bag of "doctor stuff" from the hospital - band aid, mask, hair bonnet, actual mask to put her to sleep, arm band, etc. Way to go, Lorelei.

A new experience for Lorelei

I have some posts to catch up on and that will come later.

Lorelei is going into the hospital in the morning for surgery to remove her tonsils, which has been the cause of her frequent high fevers for the last couple of years. This is a routine procedure and usually people do not think much of it. We adults don’t think much of illnesses and problems that we have but when it comes to our children and grand children, that is another story. As the date for the surgery comes closer, I have felt more apprehensive, concerned and at times scared. Lorelei is such a precious young girl with a sweet spirit and I wish she didn’t have to go through this experience. I remember when I had my tonsils out at age six. I went into the hospital in the morning, and the next thing I remember is laying in bed in the recovery room. The nurse told me that I could not go home until I eat my ice cream. That is about all I remember. But one thing I do remember, it hurt to swallow and that is why they wanted me to eat ice cream – to get some nourishment at he same time numbing the throat and practicing swallowing. Lorelei takes everything in stride and I hope at this time that she will be protected and watched over by guarding angels and that the doctors will use every bit of their skills and knowledge while operating on her. I will be fasting for her to come through this with flying colors and that the recovery will be short and that finally the fevers will stop. Be brave for us Lorelei and we love you.

Lorelei is 5 years old

Lorelei told me she is a big girl now. She turned five a few days ago. Her talented mom made some curtains for puppet shows and she gave us a demonstration. She got a puddle skirt for her dress ups.
Aren't I a doll?
The carousel cake with seven ponies but only five candles.
Now I need to have strategy to blow out all these candles so I need to study the situation before they light them.
There they are. Now to put my plan to work.
I'll huff and puff and blow them out.
I kept huffing and puffing but nothing happened.
One more time. There, they are almost out.
This is the rest of the story. She had help, but don't tell her that. Notice the direction of the flames in the previous picture.
Hey, look at the bottom of the ponies! Mmmm it is delicious frosting. Lets eat them.
Yum, yum.
And yum, yum again.
Better hurry up, mom is going to cut the cake.
Faster! Almost done.
Gigi was excited for her big sister and was waiting for the presents to be opened.
I'm bored. When will this be over.
Wait, I'll give the birthday girl a ride on my stick raindeer.
You are too slow. I'll help get the paper off.
Wow, a giant piggy bank with a roll of quarters to put in it.
One for you and one for me, but they share the same bank.
One of Lorelei's other gifts were some princess gloves and a giant red heart diamond ring.
Gigi modeled the dress that Grandma Barnhart gave her. "It looks just like Lalo's".

Play Date

In the middle of January, Lorelei had a play date with Grandma Larsen at the Mall of America. Well actually, they just went for the amusement park. Lorelei enjoyed the merry go round. She said, "I just love this horse." Striking a pose at the mall.
I liked it so much I went for another ride on a different horse.
And then went on a tour.
I got pretty hungry during all that activity and wanted some nuggets and fries. Mmm mmm good.

A visit to Chuck E. Cheese

On New Years Day, we received a phone call from the Dudes requesting our presence at Chuck E. Cheese for lunch. The boys were really excited to see us, as shows in the photo.
The school bus came by to take them to Chuck E Cheese Academy for a lesson on lunch gobbling.












Then it was time for rides .



























But the best part was driving with Daddy.

Leader of the Year

Since no one else has posted this or mentioned this on any blog, I am taking it upon myself to do it. Several days ago, Brett received an award at his work for the 2008 Outstanding Leader of the Year award. Yeah. Congratulations for being the best employee of the year. Keep up the good work.