catching up from summer

Near by spray park that we had fun at several times this summer

Saturday hike at Grimes Glen

Camping at Watkins Glen with friends

Carter taking a morning nap wrapped up and layed in the stroller

Trip to Virginia with extended Silva Family

playing cards

the metro escalators

infrared sensors at the Air and Space : Mike is standing on the right I am kneeling next to Caleb and Mason

Mason comparing his leg to a dinosaur's leg

Miniature golf at the "resort"

Skyline caverns

Smithsonian National Zoo

Mason comparing his tongue to a tiger's tongue

Hiking in Shenandoah National Park

Train Ride

Mirror Maze

I thought this was so cute.  Carter fell asleep holding both his feet together.  By the time I grabbed the camera he had let go though.

A little hay maze for the kids where we went apple picking

Tracker ride to pick apples

Enjoying apple cider and donuts after picking.

We Believe

I created a Wordle today using the Articles of Faith. Here's how it turned out:

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/2317649/We_Believe

Summer Fun

This summer so far has been so fun and gone so quickly. I can't believe how fast the kids are growing. I love watching them explore and discover and have fun.

I went to a murder mystery "fairtale" characters for a birthday party.

Carter is very alert and watchful of what is going on around him

Swimming in Canandaigua Lake

Enjoying the boat (Mason's typical face)

Yeah! One more potty trained and only one in diapers

Carter growing fast

Fun at the spray park

Mike went to his brother's wedding and brought these back from the plane. The kids thought it was the neatest thing

Blueberry picking

We spent a couple of days in the Poconos in Penn. We went Mini golfing,

Lots of swimming,

hiking,

and on a scenic train ride,

Enjoying Nana and Papa's boat on Mike's 30th birthday

July 4th Fireworks. All the boys loved them

Fun with cousins

Twilights Impact on Society

Disclaimer: The following is for entertainment purposes only and is in no way a commentary on Danielle.

The Case for Replacing Workers with Machines

I recently was at the airport getting ready to check-in. I had two options: 1) go up to the counter and deal with a person or 2) use the self check-in computer. I had enough time that both were viable options (the line wasn't long) but in the end I chose to check myself in.

Once I got to the gate I thought about my decision and how my decision to use technology could replace the worker. I then thought about the self-checkout lines at the grocery stores and how much I dislike them. I generally make it a point to use the cashier at the store. Why? Because I like the customer service - Saying hello, bagging my purchase, etc.

I found the inconsistency interesting, but then I realized something: By using the self check-in option I left the airline check-in clerk free to focus on customer service.

I remember the day when we didn't have these fancy computers and had to deal with people. And you know what? It stunk! The lines were long, making the customers grumpy. The employees were grumpy because they deal with nothing but grumpy customers. Why were we such gluttons for punishment?

Now we can use technology and not stand in the line. The wait times are consequently shorter and the people less grumpy. The employees really should take advantage of the customer's preference and wow them with customer service. Technology may take jobs away from people but the employees and customers can have a better experience. I know I did!