Pelt Family Blog

Team Hoyas

2012-01-28T18:29:00.001-05:00

Jackson is loving Upwards Basketball - and so am I. The Hoyas - coached by Jason Pelt - are a great team made up of 8 1st and 2nd graders. Jackson is a good player and normally scores about 3-4 baskets each game. His favorite thing to do is run up and down the court - that is good for the game of basketball.

Insulator 995

2012-01-28T17:52:00.003-05:00

Jackson was tasked to create a box to keep an ice cube from melting for as long as possible. He made the Insulator 995 (He named it and I have no idea what 995 means) which was filled with cut up pieces of Styrofoam egg cartoons. He told us that his box came in second place for efficiency. It was a pretty cool project.

Marathon Club Week 4

2012-01-28T17:46:00.001-05:00

Another Week - Another Marathon. So far I have run over 110 miles in the month of January. It feels so good to hit the goal each week. I continue to feel stronger in my running and I'm cutting weight slowly by all of the miles of running. The last run of the week was an 8.4 mile run on Marine Corps Base Quantico with my favorite running partner - Tracee. I'm going to continue with the club until we head off to Disney. That would be seven weeks of a Marathon a Week.

Iron Mike Company

2012-01-25T20:53:00.001-05:00

For the last four years I have run the Historic Half Marathon sponsored by the Marine Corps Marathon. That means that I'm a member of a pretty cool club. The Iron Mike Company is made up of all those runners that have run all the Historic Half every year since it was started in 2008. Tonight the Iron Mike Company was invited to a special reception at the Fredericksburg Expo Center. In the room there was a character artist - well we had to sit down for a portrait. Are my eyes really that small and do I really not have a neck? Oh yea - while at the reception I signed up for the 1/2 Marathon in May.

Guilty - Rocky Raccoon on Trial

2012-01-25T20:44:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend we lost 6 ladies to a rogue gang of masked marauders known as the Rocky Raccoon Gang. This week I have been on a mission to break up the gang and this morning I captured one of the smaller members of the unit. The leader is still at large. He tried to play innocent but in the end he was found guilty. This is how I "Keep Stafford Safe."

Bethanee's Wants vs. Needs

2012-01-23T20:38:00.002-05:00

Bethanee was published again in the Free-Lance Star. Wants and Needs, a very good writing topic.

More Corporate Sell Out

2012-01-22T14:34:00.001-05:00

This is the worst idea I have ever heard. Can you say ultimate corporate sell out. Why stop at roads and bridges? Why not sell the names of towns (Fredericksburg could change its name to Lowes or Home Depot - which ever corporation bidded higher) and if the price is right we can just rename Virginia to Philip Morris. But why stop there - if Wal-Mart has enough money we can just sell the State Senate or even the governorship to the corporation (oh - we've already done that). When will governments realize that the answer to budget shortfalls is reduce the size of government not raise taxes or come up with gimmick fund raisers.

Our New Paper Company

2012-01-21T21:02:00.002-05:00

At the law office we goo through a lot of paper - so when I was approached by Dunder Mifflin, Inc to switch our paper supplier I was immediately impress by their customer service. I decided to try a few boxes and I'm very glad we did - I am extremely pleased with our new paper company. This is not a joke - there realy is a paper company named Dunder Mifflin and we are now buying all of our paper from Jim in customer service.

Bethanee's Art

2012-01-21T20:35:00.000-05:00

Bethanee's Christmas present from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Paola is now hanging on the way in the basement stairway. The art set include six pictures (three sets) and they are all hanging on the wall. Tracee said that she would much rather hang a Pelt Original than some cheap store bought knock off.

Box Boy

2012-01-21T20:27:00.004-05:00

After I finished with Ellee's new Inchworm Toy - Jackson claimed the box for his new superhero - Box Boy. We are saving it for next Holloween.

Ellee's Inchworm

2012-01-21T20:25:00.001-05:00

Ellee has a new transportation method as of today - a Radio Flyer Inchworm from Nanee. I told her that the box was for her and she sat down in the living room and helped me put it together. She spent most of the morning bouncing around the house on her new Inchworm. How old is this toy design? Any guesses? First introduced by the Hasbro Toy Company in 1972. I wonder if I had one of these as a child?

Another Week - Another Marathon

2012-01-21T20:17:00.000-05:00

So the Pelt Marathon Club is still going strong. I completed my third week of running at least 26.2 miles for the week. This week I did not leave myself a giant Saturday run, but rather kept it kind of even all week. I started running with my iPhone and the RunKeeper app. I can say for sure that I have never ran this much during a three week period in my life. It feels really good. I can say for sure that I will be ready for the Princess Half Marathon.

Telephoto Lens for the iPhone

2012-01-16T12:06:00.000-05:00

A big thanks to my brother for an excellent Christmas present - a telephone lens for my iPhone. slowly the iPhone is becoming the camera of choice - mostly giving up quality for convenience. With this small accessory the iPhone can capture pictures that look like a 50mm SLR lens. I can't wait to start taking some pictures with my new lens.

Another Ellee First

2012-01-16T11:35:00.001-05:00

When we designed the new house and decorated Jillee's room we knew that some day Ellee would be moving in. Last night was the first night of Ellee's and Jillian's room. It worked with no problems and as far as naps we are still going to keep the nursey put together. But as of today Ellee is a big girl in her big girl bed.

Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle

2012-01-14T21:37:00.001-05:00

You may think this next blog to be a bit out of character - and I might agree with you. But I have been thinking more about environmental impact and more specifically my personal impact. So I have decided to become more aware of how I consume natural resources. They say that is the first step. So in the future I will consider Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle in my future purchases. If I can purchase an item used that keeps another item from being manufactured and keeps that item out of a landfill. If I just don't purchase the item at all then I get the same result. But if I have to purchase an item new then I will consider how it can be recycled once I'm finished with the item. Now I'm not going eco-terrorist or anything but consider this. When I purchased sub-sandwiches today from WaWa I brought my own bag to put them in. That is one less plastic bag in the Stafford County Landfill. Hey - it just felt good.

Ellee is Two

2012-01-14T21:23:00.000-05:00

I've planned exactly three other two year old birthday parties. Today's two year birthday party with Ellee was my last one. It was just the family and Ellee got to pick the dinner - Fish Sticks, Carrots, and Mac and Cheese. And for dessert - one giant cookie. It is hard knowing that we are experiencing the "lasts" with Ellee. But with every last comes a first. Soon she will move out of the nursery and into Jillian's room and her new big girl bed. Happy Birthday Ellee.

Cam Wow

2012-01-14T21:14:00.000-05:00

Now that Bethanee knows how to use her iPhone, mine is no longer safe. If I leave it laying around unlocked I can be sure to find pictures like this one as my new screensaver. Hey - it is pretty funny.

Grace Prep Lego Club

2012-01-14T21:12:00.000-05:00

I'm the parent sponser of the Grace Prep Lego Club. It is Jackson's favorite Thurday of the month. I come to school with a small Lego build and the kids have about an hour to create with the elements. And I must say - it is my favorite Thursday of the month too.

Marathon Club Week Two

2012-01-14T21:10:00.000-05:00

It is week two of the Marathon Club and once again I hit my goal of 26.2 miles per week of running. This week had less running days but greater distances per day. I started with a nice 6.0 mile run on Monday then followed it on Wednesday with a 10k run at Prince William Forest Park with Colby. Friday was a short run and then on Saturday it was nearly 10 miles with Tracee running on Raven Road. It is awesome to run with your wife. If you get the chance I highly recommend it. So next week is week three of the Marathon Club. I should be able to once agian hit the mark.

My GOP Choice

2012-01-09T20:25:00.001-05:00

I have been following the GOP primaries and I have to say that no one really excites me in the field. I see only four candidates that could make a run. Romney, Santorum, Paul, and Gingrich. I'll take on each and give you my thoughts. Ron Paul - really Ron Paul? I shouldn't have to say anymore but I like the fact that he is out there pulling the party away from the center and back to the right. Newt Gingrich - I was not a fan back in the late 90's and I'm still not. I love the man's conservative views and he is a gifted writer. But I have trouble supporting a conservative that seems to conduct his personally life like he is living at the Kennedy Compound. He doesn't represent what I think of as a conservative. Mitt Romney - the front runner. He is just barely a conservative so that he can claim the name but nothing else. He is a centrist and therefore extremely electable. If he gets the nomination then he would get my vote because he is not Obama but he does not represent what I believe is a Republican. So we are left with Rick Santorum - he is the only true conservative on the GOP primary ticket. But notice that I eliminated the field and then was stuck with the last one standing. So there you have it - I support Rick Santorum.

Cinemagogue - The Debt

2012-01-09T20:05:00.001-05:00

We are going to start Cinemagogue 2012. We are going to have it on the third or fourth Thursday of the month. Some are asking - Cinema-What? Well it is Cinemagogue where we first gather for a themed meal that relates to the movie and then we watch a film. Afterward we have a short discussion about the movie and how the film is reflective of Biblical Truth. Our first film is The Debt. Mossad secret agents are sent into West Berlin to capture a former Nazi war criminal. 40 years later the same now retired agents are having to deal with their decision. It is very powerful film that deals with justice and the effects of deceit. If you like to join us please call me to reserve your seat.

First Snow

2012-01-09T19:47:00.000-05:00

Finally we are getting some winter weather - first snow today. And it was kind of a freak snow. None of the weather stations predicted the snow and around 1 PM it started to fall. And then it just didn't stop falling - we had about 1/2 inch of accumulation. It was enough for the kids to get out the sleds and attack the hills. Ellee even got out in the snow for some fun.

Week One Marathon Club

2012-01-09T19:43:00.000-05:00

First week of the Marathon Club was successfully completed. I logged in 27.7 miles in one week. Running 26.2 miles a week doesn't sound like much but it really takes a committment. Without the clubI would very easily say "not today!" I'm going to run the Marathon Club for four weeks and then decide if I'm going to stay inthe cluball year.

Upwards Basketball - Get Ready to Bounce

2012-01-09T19:32:00.001-05:00

Here we go with another Upwards Basketball season. I'm the assistant coach for the Lady Irish (Bethanee) and the coach of the Hoyas (Jackson). The games are on Friday night and Saturday mornings. Bethanee is playing in a 4th though 6th grade league and Jackson is playing in the 1st and 2nd grade league. They are both highly skilled players on the team. I love Upwards Basketball.

Pelt Marathon Club

2011-12-31T11:17:00.001-05:00

To start 2012 the Pelts have started their own Marathon Club. We are going to see how long it takes the Pelt Kids to run a Marathon. I am trying to run a marathon a week for four weeks. Basically running 26.2 miles every week for four weeks. Tracee's goal is a Marathon in four weeks and looking forward to logging in her mile to see just how much she is actually running. Here we go.

Family 5k

2011-12-31T10:54:00.001-05:00

Since it is a balmy 60 degrees on the last day of December 2011 we decided to go on a Family 5k run at Aquia Landing. Tracee, Jason, Bethanee, Jackson, Jillian, and Belle run a 5k in 39 minutes (Ellee rode in the jogger stroller) This was Jillian's and Belle's first 5k distance. Eveyone did a great job.

Bake until Bubbly

2011-12-31T10:48:00.002-05:00

If you like casseroles (and really who doesn't) then I have to recommend Bake until Bubbly by Clifford A. Wright. I started preparing a casserole dish for our Wednesday night dinner because we were pressed for time becuase of Wednesday night church. I've tried about a dozen of his receipts so far and every one is a big hit. Who would like to sample a Bake until Bubbly creation.

iPhoning

2011-12-30T16:44:00.002-05:00

So this is a common sight in our house lately - all of the kids on the iPhone playing games (mostly Angry Birds). It is the holiday so I will allow it - but come next week we are back in business with school - no more iPhoning.

Is that who I think it is?

2011-12-29T07:23:00.002-05:00

Kids can say the atrangest things - it is every parents hope that they don't say them at the wrong time. Yesterday we were having lunch at Moe's on Garrisonville Road when in walks Eric Olsen. I spot him first and then I can ee that he sees me. Then Jackson leans over and says yo me, "Is that who I think it is?" I answer yes and then add Jackson, "Be Cool!". I thought the next thing out of his mouth would be some type of Eric Olsen chant that the kids used to sing whenever they saw an Eric Olsen sign. Now I didn't encourage this behavior but I also did discourage it. Now it was just a harmless chant but it would have been super embarrassing in Moe's in front of the next Commonwealth Attorney of Stafford County. I'm pleaded to report that Jackson did play it cool and we got out of Moe's without any issues. But it was a close one for sure.

Hillside House

2011-12-29T07:12:00.000-05:00

This is how you Build the Lego Hillside House in Seven Minutes

Dress Up Box for Jillee

2011-12-28T15:24:00.002-05:00

Uncle Chris and Aunt Liz sent Jillee the perfect Christmas gift - a box of dress up clothes and accessories. In big box were butterfly wings and a fairyu wand - Jillee danced around the house as light a feather. Thank you for the great gift for Jillee.

Jillian's Tea Party

2011-12-28T07:23:00.001-05:00

Jillian is proud to serve her family afternoon tea with her new tea set. She prepared the entire event and set out her tiny cups and plates for Jackson and Bethanee. She was a very good hostess.

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

2011-12-28T07:08:00.000-05:00

Every year we have give one Christmas gift that you have to work for. The clues get harder as the kids get older.

Bethanee's Chrsitmas

2011-12-27T20:25:00.001-05:00

Bethanee's big Christmas gift was Paulina's old iPhone - okay before I everyone goes crazy it is really not an iPhone. It is an iPod Touch. Tracee's mother's iPhone stopped working for cellular service only. This made it useless as a phone but it still can pick up a wifi signal. It basically is an iPod Touch. She can download apps and even receive text messages. So far she has not put it down for the last three days. If you want to text message Bethanee - just ask her for her phone number.

RC Car + Video Cam

2011-12-26T20:41:00.000-05:00

One RC car, One video camera, One terrorized Dog, and an out of control driver

Jillian's Dream House

2011-12-26T19:31:00.001-05:00

All Jillian wanted for Christmas was a house for her Barbie Dolls. Tracee found this house online from KidsKraft. The directions suggested 2 hours for assembly - I knocked it out in 1.5 (I guess all that Lego building when I was a kid paid off). So far it has been a big hit - she has moved all of her dolls in the house with no problems. Her first question was, "Why doesn't our house have an elevator?"

The Black Pearl Lego Build

2011-12-26T19:08:00.000-05:00

Jackson's big Christmas present was the Black Pearl Lego Build - thats right recommeded for ages 9-16. He knocked it out all by himself in about 6 hours. He is a wiz when it comes to building Legos. He also got a 3 in 1 house that he is working on right now, a Lego Bank, a Lego Game, and the Lego Space Shuttle. I wonder how long he will be into Legos - I hope for a long time to come.

Kids out of the House

2011-12-26T16:12:00.001-05:00

Today Tracee requested that the kids leave the house so she could do some painting in the upstairs hallway. Jennifer Stratton agreed to take Bethanee and Jillian and I took Jake and A.J. (along with Jackson and Ellee) to the National Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport. I have not visited this site for several years and was looking forward to another visit. The boys (plus Ellee on my back) had a great time. Here they are posing in front of the SR-71 also known as Jetfire to all of your Transformer Fans. Don't know what I'm talking about? You need to see Transformers II or watch this video clip from YouTube.

Santa Needs his Sleep

2011-12-25T14:19:00.002-05:00

We finally made it to bed around midnight after building Barbie's DreamHouse and Tracee building a scooter and a Little People Racecar Track. I also had to plan my entire scavenger hunt for the older three. I decided to head the kiddios off at the pass by putting a sign and a clock on the stairway down to the Christmas Room. For the most part this worked pretty well. I did catch Jackson and Bethanee attempting to sneak down around 12:30. Of course, I couldn't get too upset - I remember sneaking downstairs to discover that Santa left the Star Wars Millenium Falcon - that must have been Christmas 1982. One of my most memorialbe Christmas Gifts.

What to do about St. Nick

2011-12-24T09:28:00.001-05:00

An interesting article by Connie Cass was published by the Associate Press and printed in today's Freelance Star. You can read it here or here. According to Ms. Cass 84% of grown ups were once children that believed in Santa Claus and now encourage the fantasy in there children. And Tracee and I are solidly in that 84%. But sometimes I just don't know about the whole Santa thing. It seems harmless but what I'm really saying to myself is that lying to my children is harmless - and that just can't be right. (As I'm writing this I'm hoping that Bethanee doesn't read this blog to the others). So for now Santa is still alive and well in the house. But I must say I will be glad when Santa is a fictional character that wears a big red suit and I don't have to lie for him anymore.

Pre-teen Bethanee

2011-12-24T08:58:00.001-05:00

I was playing with my new camera lens and captured this interesting shot of my big girl Bethanee Gracee. It is hard to believe that I have a daughter as big as Bethanee. I don't feel any older than I did ten years ago when Bethanee was even born yet. Now she is a star at Upwards basketball and this summer will be driving her soapbox derby car down Williams Street in Fredericksburg. She is just growing up so very fast. Tracee and I were thinking just last night - we only have another nine years with her before she heads off to college.

End of the Year Blog Realization

2011-12-23T21:11:00.000-05:00

Coming down to another year of blogging. Yes, I closing my fifth year of blogging. I actually started in 2006 but I started in November so I only have 34 blogs that year. I actually started blogging in earnest because of our Iceland Trip in November 2006. After that, I just kept it going. The high water mark was 2008 where I logged in 280 blog entries. Every year after that I have been falling off the wagon. (2009 - 257 and 2010 - 230). This year I not going to break 200. I'm really a horrible blogger. But for the year 2012 I'm making a New Years Blog Resolution. My Goal is to log in ......wait for it .....300 blog entries. That is just under six blogs a week. Wow - that is a lot. I didn't realize the how difficult this is going to be until I just now did the math. Well I know that The grandparents are going to love it. So here I go hoping to get to 300 blog entries in the year 2012. I'm not saying that the blogs are going to be good - but there will be 300 of them.

Christmas Pajamas - Cute

2011-12-23T20:57:00.000-05:00

There really is nothing cuter than Christmas Pajamas underneath the Christmas Tree. This year Ellee was able to have Christmas Pajamas early due to a generous hand-me-down box of clothes. Jillian was very upset that she didn't have any jammies. Ellee is getting so big - she is totally going to understand how to open presents on Christmas morning. OPEN 2 DAYS AWAY.

Pelt Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-23T08:05:00.000-05:00

This year the Pelt Christmas Party picked a new venue - our house. Yes we took all of the furiture out of the living room and turn it into a large dinning room. We hired a highschooler to be our butler and we were served dinner in our house like royality. After dinner we transformed the dinning room into a gathering room and had a fireside chat with friends. Such a great event. Plans for next year are already in the works.

Gingerbread Completion

2011-12-23T07:52:00.002-05:00

The kids had a great time decorating their gingerbread house for Christmas. The houses turned out great and our individual design teams did a great job making the house a home. We then spent the next week eating them all up. This was the first year we made the houses from scratch. It was really easy and allowed us to make the house as big or as small as we wanted.

Stocking Hung By the.......

2011-12-23T07:33:00.000-05:00

Just before the house fire several years ago, Tracee had finished her cross stitch stockings. After the fire she had to start all over and add another stocking (Ellee). This year she was determined to finish the project (again). Now Santa will have plenty of stocking space for his goodies this year.

The Family Dog

2011-12-23T06:56:00.001-05:00

Belle is now completely part of the family. She has a special relationship with each kid. If Bethanee walks out of the door, Belle is sit there and cry because she wants to go with her. Jackson and Belle run around the backyard together. Jillian reads to Belle. And with Ellee - it is the most surprising. Ellee used to scream in terror whenever Belle even looked at her. But now Belle and Ellee are best friends - mostly because Belle figured out that Ellee drops the most food around the dinner table. She is a good dog and we are very blessed to have her in our lives.

Tracee's Birthday

2011-12-12T14:22:00.001-05:00

What a special night - Tracee's mother and brother were in town to celebrate Tracee's birthday at Kobe Japanese Steak House.

Ginger Bread Construction Zone

2011-12-10T15:15:00.001-05:00

We are in a major ginger bread construction zone around here. Tonight there should be candy and frosting flying everywhere.

Brooke Fire Station Santa

2011-12-10T10:43:00.001-05:00

Another year at the Brooke Point Fire Station and a meeting with Santa. This year Jillian would wave at Santa and even took a bag of candy from him. Next year I'm sure she will sit in his lap. Bethanee and Jackson are about to crush Santa - they are getting so big. Jillian was the perfect age and size. Tracee and I love the Brooke Point Fire Station and their Christmas Party.

Silent Knight

2011-12-10T10:38:00.001-05:00

Bethanee and Jackson had staring roles in the Grace Prep production of Silent Knight. Bethanee had speaking parts in several scenes - she did an excellent job. After the play Jackson said that he is ready for a speaking part as well. Right now Jackson is one the of the best dancers I have ever seen. And yes I taught him all of his moves.

Hot Chocolate 15k Race Review

2011-12-03T21:50:00.001-05:00

It was bound to happen - I finally saw what a poorly planned race could become - Epic Fail. It all started with the choice of venue - the National Harbor. The Harbor is a planned little city that has one way in and one way out with no public transportation. The only way in is by car from one exit off of I-495. The race brought 20,000 runners with one only one way into the race. Tracee and I were stuck on the Wilson Bridge waiting to get into the Harbor along with over half of the field. The race director delayed the start of the race over an hour to wait for the runners. We finally got to the start line about 10 minutes before the delayed start. Once the race started it didn't get any better. The race course could not handle the crowd and the paced slowed. It was also a dangerous course - running next to traffic and the with the large field runners were being pushed into the road. All of the water points along the course were under staffed and at some no one was there at all. It really was the worst race I have ever run. However, the post race party featured chocolate - lots and lots of chocolate. Will not run this race again and I would have to think twice before running another RAM event in the future. The best part of the race was running with Tracee. Running side by side with Tracee for 9.3 miles was an excellent start to the weekend. She is ready for the Princess Half in Florida.

Gaylord ICE 2011

2011-12-02T05:47:00.001-05:00

After a year break we are back at ICE at the Gaylord Hotel. This year the exhibit featured the Madagascar Christmas characters. ICE is just that - a bunch of ice carved into all kinds of shapes. The pieces are displayed in a super cooled tent at National Harbor. They provide thick parkas to wear for the sub freezing temperatures and then you can walk around and look at the ice and even ride an ice slide. It is a pretty cool event and the kids love it. Beware - you can only stay in the tent for about 20 minutes before your face starts to get numb.

Advent Calendar

2011-12-02T05:42:00.001-05:00

Our Advent Calendar is up and running. This year am going to read a children's book that has soming to do with the item being placed in the nativity scene. Our first story was about Humphrey the Camel

Sybil Ludington

2011-12-02T05:31:00.001-05:00

Bethanee had to do a research project on a little known person in the Revolutionary War that made a difference. She picked Sybil Ludington - Sybil Who? I have to admit I had never heard of her before this project. Basically she was the female Paul Revere. When word came to her father (a General) that the British were coming, Sybil rode a 50 mile circuit around the county to alert the militia to get ready for a fight. Bethanee went to the library to do all of her research and made a model of Sybil from a 2 liter bottle and some American Girl clothes.

Belle - one of the Family

2011-11-27T13:54:00.001-05:00

After a week Belle is completely part of the family. She is doing a wonderful job on house training. Jackson and Bethanee are working on with her on fetch. Tracee and I just love her - she has has the best temperament.

I love Tracee's Kindle

2011-11-26T18:02:00.001-05:00

My new love is Tracee's Kindle and my Kindle App on my iPhone. It is a great way to pass the time as I am waiting for my case to be called in court. Plus I haven't done any pleasure reading for a long time. Right now I'm into Clive Cussler novels - nothing like a good "hero saves world" book. I also I'm getting more into Kindle Books. I can lend out my kindle books to other registered Amazon users.

National Harbor Christmas

2011-11-26T17:55:00.001-05:00

The National Harbor Christmas Tree lighing and fireworks was a great way to spend the day after Thanksgiving - add the Garman family in VanPelt and a crazy dinner at Elevation Burger (like Five Guys but not as good). The weather was perfect to enjoy a nice evening at the Gaylord Hotel. Next weekend we will be there for the Hot Chocolate 15k.

Jackson and Belle

2011-11-26T16:57:00.001-05:00

To to be left out her is Jackson and Belle on a hike at Government Island the day after Thanksgiving. On the day after Thanksgiving we did a bit of Black Friday shopping we headed over to the Island for a great afternoon hike. As always Belle was the star of the show - everywhere we go she attracts attention. She s such a well mannered puppy that I think she would be an excellent therapy dog. I looked into getting her certified today and she is officially a therapy dog in training. Her vest is ordered and Bethanee and I are taking a class in the Spring.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T16:50:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving was at the Long's house this year. At first we wanted to have the event at our house but an invitation from the Tim and Amanda made the choice very easy. Amanda's dad was visiting and volunteered to do all of the cooking - and wow what a cook. He served the best turkey that I have ever eaten. The Garman family was also in attendance. It was very nice to catch up with Colby and Annie - We haven't seen much of them since they joined the Pillar Church team. After the great meal it was time for a game of Catan - I didn't have my best game - but we sure did have a great time during Thanksgiving at the Long House. Next year I will be having Thanksgiving Dinner with Amanda's dad - no matter where he is.

Bethanee and Belle

2011-11-22T21:00:00.001-05:00

Belle loves Bethanee & Bethanee loves Belle. Bethanee is enjoying the responsiblity of having a puppy. She is taking the lead is walking, feeding, and training Belle.

Jillian and her Puppy

2011-11-21T18:11:00.001-05:00

Belle is so gentle and kind that even Jillian can get a big puppy hug. Day one with our new family member was easy. She is very gentle with the kids and even went potty outside today. So far so good with puppy training at the house.

The new Pelt Puppy has Arrived

2011-11-20T23:21:00.001-05:00

After Dixee died Tracee said lets not get a puppy until Spring. Seven days later we have a new puppy. It started on Wednesday with Tracee looking for a Golden Retriever puppy in the Northern VA area. She was having some luck in the 1500 - 2000 dollar range but that was just way to much money to spend on a family dog. I expanded the search to parts South and West. A random Craigslist ad said Golden Retriever Puppies - call (Phone Number) - no picture no description. I made the call and talked to Tim and then Facebooked Rita to learn that their 2 year old Golden Retriever had a liter of puppies about 13 weeks ago. Three were left - two males and one female. We really wanted another female. At first Rita was going to keep the last female. But after the she heard about us just losing Dixee she decided that it was the right fit. After church today we headed down to Danville, Virginia to pick up our new puppy. It was a very long trip but worth every mile. Welcome home Daisy Belle (Belle for short).

New Blogger App

2011-11-20T17:10:00.001-05:00

The newly released Blogger App is an excellent addition to my iPhone. The new app allows for pictures and editing old post. Right now we are traveling down to Danville, VA to pick up our new puppy. We have been in the car all day and we are not even there yet - plus we have to drive back tonight. If you like mobile blogging the Blogger App is worth the download.

New Puppy

2011-11-19T20:57:00.001-05:00

We go pick up this little girl tomorrow after church. More information to follow.

Army Ten Miler Postcard

2011-11-19T20:38:00.001-05:00

Tracee recieved this very nice postcard in the mail today. That is my runner.

Morefield Gem Mine

2011-11-19T16:44:00.001-05:00

Grace Prep School headed to the Morefield Gem Mine to search for treasure among the rocks that were being pulled up from nearly 100 feet under ground. After the buckets of earth came to the surface you then filled your pale and started sifting to find your treasure. It was a great time and the kids found plent of good looking rocks.

"E" is for Ebenezar

2011-11-19T16:36:00.001-05:00

Our "E" date was for Ebenezar Scooge and A Christmas Carol performed at the Ford's Theater in Washington D.C. - made famous for what happened on April 14th, 1865. We had a wonderful night out in the city and the play was incredible - excellent seats right up front. Ford's Theater is an excellent venue to see a show like a Christmas Carol.

Marine Corps Turkey Trot

2011-11-19T11:59:00.001-05:00

It was a beautiful day - a little cold - at Marine Corps Base Quantico for the annual Turkey Trot. This year Jillian got to race for the first time. She did an excellent job and was rewarded with a big goodie bag for her efforts. Tracee and I ran the 10k Turkey Trot. Tracee completed the task in under 1 hour (59:43). She was going for a 1:05 and destroyed that goal with a sub-one hour. Way to go Tracee.

Dixee Pelt April 2000 - November 2011

2011-11-15T21:20:00.001-05:00

In April of 2000 Tracee and I drove to West Virginia to pick up a little puppy Dixee - the best dog in the whole world. She was subborn as a mule and strong as an ox but she was also smart and very protective over the family. Last week she stopped eating and this morning I found her in the garage. We knew it was coming but it was still very hard to let her go. We love you Dixee.

Catanament - 2011

2011-11-13T15:55:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite events of the year is the Catanament. It is the game of Catan played wth some of the greatest players in the Northern Virginia Area three times in a row. It is just so much fun. Elliot won with 29 points - this is his second win in the Catanament. A special thanks to all of the players and we look forward to next year.

Marine Corps Birthday

2011-11-11T19:51:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps. We celebrated the Corps Birthday with cupcakes with butter icing - yummy.

Lego Building

2011-11-11T19:04:00.001-05:00

Jackson and I participates in a LEGO building Challenge - build your best sports car and driver. Jackson went with a white Mini-Car and I went with a red hooded race car with an evil driver. I love building Legos with Jackson.

Marine Corps Marathon - Second Running

2011-10-31T21:55:00.002-04:00

It has been two years since I ran my last marathon - the real question was could I beat my time of 5:19:20. I attempted to run it last year but a groin injury convinced me to defer to 2011. Training - well there was not much of it. I ran a little bit here and there but my longest run was 15 miles. But I thought I had an advantage just because this was my second try at the 26.2 distance. This year the weather was cool - 32 degrees at the start warming to 45 by noon. My plan was to get to the start line at the last possible moment before the race started - I didn't want to get cold before I started running. I did it - I popped out of the metro station and heard the canon signal the start of the race. I crossed the start line 14 minutes after the gun. Biggest lesson learned in 2009 was "pace yourself." I started off slow but kept the pace through 22 miles. After that it was time to walk/run/walk. Last time I hit the wall around 18 mile. This time mile 18 cam and went and I was feeling fine. I finished with a time of 5:12:02 - shaved 7 minutes off of my time plus I never felt like I was going to die. I will be running another marathon. I really want to run a sub five hour. I got passed by a running Dunkin Donuts cup of Coffee - once again that will crush your spirit.

Holloween 2011

2011-10-31T21:20:00.002-04:00

If it is Halloween - it is party at the Stratton House followed by tricker treating around a great neighborhood. Tracee takes the kids around while I stay on the driveway with my fire pit handing out candy. The Pelt kids did pretty good this year with their costumes. Bethanee was Little Red Riding Hood (coat found in closet). Jackson was a scuba diver (wet suit found on craigslist). Jillian was a Princess (dress found in closet). Ellee was a "Love Bug" (costume found in closet). All together we spent 35 dollars on costumes this year - not too bad.

Marine Corps Marathon

2011-10-29T21:25:00.002-04:00

And we are here again - the Marine Corps Marathon. I remember the pain associated with this race in 2009 - tomorrow is going to be an interesting day. The weather will be a balmy 34 degrees at start time with an expected high of 42 under cloudy skies. All I'm hoping for is a finish. Will post the race report tomorrow night

Fall Festival

2011-10-29T14:59:00.000-04:00

On the last weekend on October the family headed to our local pumkin patch to enjoy their Fall Festival. Corn Maze, pedal tractors, pig races, burlap slides, and big hay barn - all great fall festival activities. It was a bit cold but we all had a great time.

Future Naval Academy Midshipmen

2011-10-29T12:50:00.000-04:00

After Tracee and I went to the Naval Academy for a football game - we decided that Jackson should go to the Navel Academy. So ensure his admission we purchased him his own sweatshirt. This picture will be included in this admission package in 2022.

Not so "Fun" Fun Run

2011-10-29T12:37:00.000-04:00

This year's Marine Corps Marathon Kid's Fun Run was all wet. The Pelt Family drove to the start line to get the t-shirt but (wisely) decided that pouring rain at 41 degrees was not running weather. Hey we got the t-shirt!

Green Coffee Beans

2011-10-23T19:52:00.001-04:00

Thank you Bill Jessup for giving me your coffee roaster. Now I buy green coffee beans and roast them myself. Freshly roasted coffee is so much better and store bought whole bean coffee (and a little cheaper). Do you want an excellent cup of coffee? Come on over.

F is for Football

2011-10-23T09:27:00.001-04:00

I know that "E" comes before "F" but it just didn't work out in the timing. I have a good "E" date already planned and the Navy vs. East Carolina game just couldn't wait. We traveled up to Annapolis on an overcasts Saturday (perfect football weather) to visit friends stationed at the Academy. We had great seat on the Navy Side and was able to see an excellent football game - came down to the final seconds. Navy lost by 3 points. We had a great time and Tracee actually was able to understand the game. She has been paying attention during Sunday Night Football. As we watched the students on the field and in the stands we decided that Jackson needs to go to the Naval Academy for college.

New Travel Trailer

2011-10-17T21:59:00.000-04:00

This is the new look of the Pelt Rv Experience. It is one long load but it pulled like a champ. Way to go VanPelt

The Joys of Bimmer Ownership Episode 3

2011-10-17T21:56:00.001-04:00

Last weekend Traume began having trouble starting. The starter seemed to be lagging like the battery was going dead. I tested the battery and it was fine so I started looking at other issues. After a few internet searches I found out that I have a bad starter. First let me thank BMW for putting the starter in a nearly impossible location to reach without pulling the engine. After a few hours and a couple of grunts it finally came out. I would have taken the time to detail the project but it was already done here. Tomorrow I get to purchase a new starter and then do the reinstall. Not that happy with Trame right now. Who am I kidding - I love that car.

Update - finished the job and Traume starts up like a champ. $120.00 for a new starter vs. $1,400 at the BMW Dealership. I would rate this job at 5 out of 5 wrenches. This was a major project that is not for the faint of heart.

Bethanee and Cookie

2011-10-16T23:16:00.002-04:00

Bethanee and Tracee enjoyed a trail ride around our weekend resort. This was Bethanee's first time on a horse without a lead. She did a great job and came back wanting a horse (more than ever I should say).

The End of an Era

2011-10-10T23:35:00.001-04:00

Ellee has started trying the potty - yes we could be out of diapers soon. Right now she just likes to sit and read a book - but it is the first step.

Stella's New Frame

2011-10-10T20:59:00.000-04:00

This is a beautiful sight - Stella's frame back home after being sand blasted and powder coated a deep black. The guys at Hanover Powder Coating did an excellent job. Stella has offically turned a corner. I'm now reassembling the parts that are spead out all over the garage and the shed. How am I ever going to get all of these parts back together?

Army 10 Miler - Race Report

2011-10-09T21:26:00.003-04:00

Longest distance to run at one time - 10 miles. I am so close to the half-marathon that I've had my heart set on doing. I signed up for this race months ago to help me prepare for the Disney half. I haven't done a lot running to train and had yet to run more that 7 miles, so I had a bit of prerace jitters wondering if I'd be able to run the whole thing or if I'd have to walk. The morning began early. I met a friend at 6:00 to ride with to Springfield. We decided the metro would be the best way to get into the city. What we hadn't counted on was that so many others would take the metro also. Getting through the metro tunnels was like getting through the 95-S merge on a Friday afternoon. Then we got out of the metro tunnel only to be deterred my more masses of people. It was 7:45 by this time and we still had to find the portajohns. Again, another long line for the potties. My wave wasn't due to start until 8:20 anyway, so I wasn't rushed. I was just ready to get into my zone and run. Once at the start up line, we had to walk 1/2 mile to actually start. But then the fun began.

First new sight Right after we started, men lined the foliage perimeter along the hillside making their own portajohns. No fair!
Miles 1-3 went by quickly. I just ran to my tunes. I didn't stop at the first water station and then remembered I had planned to walk through each station to grab a quick hydration. During Mile 4 I saw the family. This picture was taken then. Still breezing through. Next water station, I stopped for a drink and potty break (I wanted to make sure I tried out a portapotty on the route.) Mile 5-6 feeling great. I'm excited to have completed six miles in a little over an hour. This means I was beating my PR for a 10K. Enjoyed water break and 3 Shot Bloks sometime during mile 7. This was the last water station. After Mile 8 the route headed on a slight upgrade, and I began to have to dig in and work. After passing the 9th mile, I just had to keep pushing. I finished in 1:54. I am very pleased with my under 12 minute miles. I was a bit disappointed with the course because I thought I'd be able to take in more sights as I ran. I mean, when else does one get to run around DC and not watch for cars. But with so many people, you had to watch in front of you. But it was fun to be continuously passing someone. Overall it was a good time and I'd do the race again.

The Good Luck Bear

2011-10-09T15:24:00.003-04:00

I wanted a easy way for Tracee to see us on the course - I created a pop ion - the Good Luck Bear.

Army 10 Miler Expo

2011-10-09T12:44:00.000-04:00

On Saturday we took a trip up to D.C. to pick up Tracee's Race Packet at the D.C. Armory. This will be Tracee's first 1o Miler and she is very excited. At the expo she picked up a runners hydration belt that will come in handy during the big race. The Army had all sorts of weapons on display. Jackson was ready to lock and load behind a crew serve weapon system. He also enjoyed the Blackhawk Helicopter and Mobile Hospital.

D is for Dance

2011-10-09T12:36:00.000-04:00

In our continued ABC dating - last night was the letter D. So we went Dancing. But is not that easy to find a dance. Sure it is homecoming season but we would look pretty silly showing up at a High School Homecoming Dance. But with a bit of internet searching I found the King George Fall Festival Dance at the Citizen's Center in King George, Virginia. This event is BYOB - and boy do the King Georgers now how to bring their own bottles. People were bring in entire coolers filled with adult beverages plus baskets of snacks. After the band started playing the party really got going. We danced and laughed for the entire evening. It is hard to describe this event but next year we will know the secret to BYOB at the King George Fall Festival Dance. Who's in for next year.

Ellee's Smile

2011-10-03T06:01:00.001-04:00

If you asks Ellee to smile while you are holding a camera this is probably what you are going to see. Eyes closed and teeth out. Cute - I know.

Fall K.D. Trip

2011-10-03T05:37:00.001-04:00

On a crisp fall afternoon the Pelt Family headed down to Kings Dominion one last time for the season. And to mark the occasion Jillian agreed to ride the Avalanche with Tracee. This ride has been the first "big ride" for all of the kids. Jillian was so excited but after she got off she say that she did not want to do it again. It is odd being at the paek when it is not 95 degrees - wearing fleece jackets just did seem right for King's Dominion.

Tracee's New Trek

2011-10-03T05:30:00.000-04:00

With a vision of completing a century ride in 2012 (that is 100 miles on the bike in one day) Tracee got her new Trek Alpha 1.1 Road Bike today. It is a beautiful bike that is ready for many century rides in the future. I also mentioned that it could be a great triathlon bike. We will have to see about that.

Home Depot Helicopter

2011-10-01T18:59:00.002-04:00

We have not done a Home Depot Build in awhile. Today we found ourselves at the right place at the right time to build a Helicopter. We decided to give them custom paint jobs. Bethanee went with a green background with white clouds - very cool. My big project today was building a compost bin for the backyard. It turned out pretty good and I can't wait to start composting.

Rifleman

2011-10-01T17:59:00.002-04:00

Jackson saw this rifle at Bass Pro Shop in Ashland, VA and just had to have it. I made a deal with him that we would make the gun in our garage - he agreed. We will post the results of our deal in a few weeks. We asked me to take this picture so that we could build it just right.

Virginia Beach

2011-10-01T17:02:00.001-04:00

Last weekend the family went to Virginia Beach - just because. We stayed right on the beach on the 14th floor of a giant hotel. It was a great weekend escape.

Lego Letter

2011-09-22T20:05:00.002-04:00

Jackson was very excited to get this letter from Lego. He wanted to go to the Lego Store this weekend and introduce himself as Jackson the kid that build the very cool Lego Robot that you have hanging in your office. He said that he wants to start building a one Lego Creation to send in each month.

North Trail 31BH

2011-09-22T18:26:00.001-04:00

Hurricane Irene destroyed our trailer so it was time to go trailer shopping. We found the perfect trailer - a North Trail 31 foot Bunkhouse. It has a large slide in the living area and four bunks in the back. One of the bunks turns into a small table. Here is the best part - this trailer is bigger by 7 feet but it still weights less. I'm very excited to take the trailer out for a test camp.

You Tube Mechanic

2011-09-19T22:21:00.001-04:00

I don't know if this is a new term or not - but I am a You Tube Mechanic. Meaning that I figure out what I needed to do on one of the Pelt vehicles and then I search You Tube to figure out how to do it. It has not failed me yet. For example - VanPelt started running hot (around 250 - it redlines at 270). This is strange because VanPelt is always pegged at 185 no matter what. Start going through the check list - low coolant, bad thermostat, bad fan clutch, bad gauge. I decided to change the fan clutch and the thermostat. Off to You Tube for a step by step video with a few hints along the way. Sure enough there is a 10 video right on point. I had the both parts replaced in about 2 hours. I changed the belts since it was right there. I haven't taking it out for a test drive yet but I look forward to seeing if I solved the problem with the help of You Tube.

Jessup's at the IMB

2011-09-19T22:05:00.001-04:00

While in Richmond looking at a replacement trailer (more information on that to follow) we stopped by the International Learning Center to visit the Jessup Family. Bill and Cindy (and family) are headed to Iceland and first needed some International Mission Board Training before they hit the field. We were very glad to spend the afternoon with this very special family.