Hello all. This is my first web log ever. Actually this is my first log of any type ever. So if it is not the typical blog entry, I apologize. That being said, Abby and I have had a busy few weeks. If you have been following the blog you know that I left Abby for nearly a week to go take care of children born with congenital heart defects. I know, I can't believe I left my wife, who I had been married to for nearly a month to go to camp. During camp we stayed in very nice cabins, where I had a private bath, we were fed three meals a day, and swam everyday in one of the coolest pools I have ever been in. Before I tell you anymore about Cardiac Kids Camp let me take a moment to get on my soap box and talk about what was called "meatless Monday". You see at some point in the history of Camp Lakeshore someone decided that it would be a great idea to not serve meat for an entire day of the week to kids who are climbing 3 story rock walls, having water balloon fights, playing soccer, and spending time outside in the 100 degree heat in a pool. If there was a group of people who need protein the most, it is these kids. And not only that, I did not climb up the food chain to become a vegetarian. So if you send your kids to camp or manage a camp, please do us a favor and don't have "meatless Mondays". If you exclude meatless Monday CKC was a blast and I can't wait for Abby and I to both go next year. Not only was it fun, it was very rewarding as well.

When I returned on Friday afternoon I was met by not only Abby, but her parents as well. They came to visit their new son in law and their daughter as well. We had a lot of fun going shopping in Southaven, MS and got to eat at Memphis Pizza cafe. I do enjoy MPC a good bit, but I truly love Wiseguy's Chicago Pizza. If you have never had it, you really should. It is mind-blowing good. On Saturday we went to a couple antique stores in downtown and midtown Memphis to look for some sweet buys. But when we got to the stores everything was really old and really overpriced. But I guess that is what antique means in Latin.

After being pretty disappointed in the antique shops we tried the Flying Fish restaurant located on 2nd street, next to Kooky Canuck. And it was by far some of the best fried catfish I have ever had. The batter was not too heavy and there was very little greasy taste. It was a solid choice. And besides the great taste, their walls are covered with Billy Basses that people have given them. If you like fried catfish, I highly recommend this place to you. Heck, I even recommend this place to you even if you don't like catfish. It is just that good.

This next part just might knock you off your feet so I will give you a minute to sit down before we get started. Are you all situated yet? OK good, because here it comes. When we returned from the Flying Fish Abby, with assistance from Mrs. Susan, performed a pretty amazing feat: they made a pound cake, from scratch. And when I say from scratch I mean from scratch. There was no assistance from Betty Crocker this time. And it was delicious too. I was very proud of my wife for taking on the challenge and crushing it. Sharp work, honey. Sharp work indeed. Next on her list is creating the world best peanut butter-chocolate chip cake or pie, whichever is the best. Here is a photo of Abby's actual cake. She is taking orders if you would like one.

Abby’s parents left us on Sunday to return to Meridian, MS. On Tuesday Abby and I got a rare treat: we got to take care of Tobey’s 8 m/o son, Malachi. We watched him for almost 24 hours. And all in all, he is a pretty cool kid. We took him to Amy’s pool for him to swim for a little while, which he really liked. I think we have a future Michael Phelps on our hands. In my opinion Malachi and Daphne have a lot in common. They are both on the play, eat, sleep, repeat schedule. Except that we can not leave Malachi while we go to the movies or to dinner. That and Malachi will one day learn English and finally be able to tell us what he really wants, which was probably the most frustrating part of child care. It is like a never ending game of charades. If Malachi taught us anything it was that Abby and I are not ready for kids yet. And he is one pretty awesome nugget. We do a pretty good job of taking care of Daphne, but we still have a way to go before we should create a little human of our own. Well I guess that is all I have to say right now. Abby and I are going to two weddings this month, so I am sure that we will keep you in the know about them at a later time. Until then, stay classy and thanks for stopping by.