Um... Success

Funny that a party-book party would make it so necessary to write a blog...

It's 3:23am and our Chick-Fil-A party just officially ended. As an amazing collective, we killed 1000 chicken nuggets. Yeah we did. The service staff even ended up in the pool... fully clothed. We also came very close to taking a helicopter to Vegas, but all the pilots we called were sleeping. I won't mention your name "Cassidy Dad", but it's the thought that counts. Just another Cassidy party, right?

Fun night. Fun people. Thanks so much for coming. Crystal and I had a blast.

Pirate Typing

So, it's 2:19am. A very tired part of me wants to crawl into bed, letting the braised rib mashed potatoes fill my dreams with pink lighting and children's artwork. Another part of me... the one typing with one eye closed at this very moment... wants to battle through jumping sheep long enough to get through this.

Tonight was... well, amazing. I think Crys and I always knew that as a business, we would be successful. What we never counted on (or could have ever imagined) is the community that you all have built around Cassidy. It's really unbelievable to just sit back and watch. Aside from the fact that someone had the vision for our tastes enough to order fried chicken and waffles as an appetizer, the friendships that we've created with our families literally leaves me speechless. Honestly, I've been trying to write this paragraph for nearly 15 minutes. Listen, I'm not going to lie, it might because I'm currently on the brink of a food coma and my right arm is tingling... and my other eye is starting to shut. With that said, thanks to everyone who could make it tonight. I'm not sure how much we raised, but I'm sure it was a success. I'll post numbers as soon as a few of the parents recover. Again, I can't say this enough, I'm so honored to be a part of this community. It's so much bigger than Crys and me, and we couldn't be more lucky to be involved.

On a sad note, we had to leave the Giving Tree on Pico. It was so beautiful that it wouldn't fit into any of the transport cars we had. I was offered $20 to put it in the turning lane. Luckily the dad who offered wasn't the designated driver. I almost did it, too. Hey, $20 would buy us fruit for a day... not that that particular $20 would have made into the fruit pot.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I know a few. Other eye shutting completely. Not even sure what I'm typing anymore. This is where my freshman typing class pays off. Goodnight.

Saturday Stuff

So, if you haven't figured it out yet, there's a little shindig (not the spazmatronic dance type that's in the urban dictionary) going on this Saturday night. It's our annual fundraiser being held at the Mark for Events. If you can't make it, think about sponsoring a teacher. Tickets are being sold every morning by really cool moms... and Helen (who's still a really cool mom). If you can make it... great, see you there.

There are some great raffle items as well. Students projects and canvases will also be displayed on Saturday with the backdrop of amazing music and dancing and food and adult beverages. Who doesn't like kid's art with alcohol? Not me.

Thanks to everyone who's already donated to the giving tree and/or bought tickets to the event.

On a very cool note, we now have a Weezer signed guitar to display at Cassidy forever and ever and ever. Forever ever, ever ever? Yes, forever ever. We'll also be finally framing the blueprints that I had intended on framing about November of 2009. With that said, if any of you first-yearers (2009-2010 families) are still around and haven't signed that thing, do tell... and then sign it... please... only if you want...

Have a great rest of your week. Hope to see you Saturday.

Off the Top of My Head

At some point, it just becomes comical right? January 3rd... I mean, really? I feel like we've graduated 4 or 5 classes since then. We've possibly even opened another school in Malibu, branched out into Brazil, had our 10 year reunion, and finally got on Oprah's network since then (we haven't... just sayin'). Part embarrassment, part guilt, and a dash of persuasion has me smack in the middle of Cassidy's latest blog entry. I'm back... for now. No promises... just really really really good intentions.

Off the top of my head (in recap mode catching up the past few months in no particular order), we had a great Messy Art party. I think nearly everyone was covered in paint. For those of you who weren't, first of all shame on you. Secondly, don't wear your new outfit to the next Messy Art Party. We've had several amazing Party Book Parties... one of which just happens to not only be right up my alley, but also a close favorite... The Cigars and Tapas party. Betsy Brown Braun came to talk at our school. Lots of parents showed up... a hundred or so... and hopefully took some ideas away. I saw 127 Hours... super gross. Zac Levi came to our Tangled Party... the kids loved it. We got an iPad app through a rough testing phase finally. Fire extinguishers were inspected. Crystal did a ton to the outside playground. It's actually kinda beautiful. More trees, learning centers, another sandbox, plants, etc. Really proud of that vision. All my idea... not really. I went to the dentist... Mom, I know you're reading this. We just bought a pretty smokin' guitar for Rivers to sign and forever adorn our walls. And I started working with two of our parents on different projects... actually three now. Busy few months.

If you get some time, come check out the yard. No kidding. It's really amazing.

The kids are starting their class projects and class canvases for our benefit on May 7th. Tickets went on sale today. There will probably be a parent here everyday to sell admission tickets and raffle tickets. You can also sponsor a teacher if you want.

I think that's about it for now. Have a great week.

Happy New Year

Heeeeey, Happy New Year. Hope everyone had a good break this year... and last year. Crys and I had quite the adventure. Now, I don't mean to brag, but somehow with thousands of people getting stranded in airports, we ended up with 1st Class seats drinking wine and eating lasagna and chicken with rice... and it was the seats that lay down... alllll the way. Something's looking out for us... and it pays to be nice amongst a barrage of anger. But then we got snowed-in in New Mexico for and extra day. Against probably the better judgment of my mother (who might have had ulterior motives to see me for a few more days), I left in the middle of the frozen night with icy roads and lots of black ice. Even saw a few slippery accidents... luckily not us. A little homage to last year below... although not quite as cold.

This weekend is another last minute Party Book Party. We're having a private showing of Tangled in Culver City. Zachary Levi, the voice of Flynn Ryder, will be attending. Tickets are $25 for you and your child and $65 for any moms coming alone... yes, Zac is apparently very cute. This is closed to the public, so Cassidy families only. You can buy tickets in the office all this week. You must have a ticket to attend... no sneaking and crashing... there will be heavy security with tasers and stuff.

Glad to be back home. Glad to see your faces again soon. More photos to come soon, too.

The Humpty Dance Is Your Chance

So, I found a full level of our fountain full of sand today... a full level... the second one... crazy. It's like they're out to get me. Maybe give me a cold because there's not nearly as much sand during the warm days. Smart kids we're bringing up. As a matter of fact, I had a Raspberry ask me today what I was doing in his school. The nerve. Then he said, "This is my preschool, not yours." After showing him our business plan and explaining the dynamics of the investor's relationship to our ownership, he still wasn't convinced. He chased me from his room. I'll let him have it... for now.

If you haven't noticed, there are new photos in the hallways. We printed about 100, so your kid may not be in the first run. Rest assured they'll make it before the year is out. Some reeeeeally cute kids this year, too. Have a gander.

The small fountain is located near the outdoor art center now. I would have just set it all up myself, but flat squatting 300 pounds at an awkward Humpty Dance lean using my feet to push just about sent me to back rehab. So worth it to just walk away and let Crys handle it... and she gets a husband who can still stand upright.

Quick note: If you haven't listened (and/or created) the Otis Redding Pandora station, uh, please do so. It's amazing.

Not really liking these short days of sunlight... but I never have. I guess maybe I might when the kids come along. I would imagine the first few weeks they're just tricked into sleeping early. I can see how that might be nice, but in my kidlessness, the days are precious. With that said, there will be some outdoor lights installed soon. Not that you need to be playing at Cassidy in the middle of the night, but just in case you're leaving late some day... or you really need that midnight snack picnic in a sandbox one night.

If anyone wants those tree stumps in the parking lot, let me know. Free for the taking. As a matter of fact, if you have a third world country who would like an outdoor kitchen that has seen the wrath of Cassidy kids, rain, fountain water, and sand... also free for the taking. It lasted about a week... and again... only really suitable for children with no governmental health regulations in place.

Pretty Sweet Saturday Night

Headed out for some grilled cheese and beer... courtesy of the Cassidy Party Book. Thanks Cassidy Party Book.

Chickens, Lizard Boa, Grilled Cheese, and Diapers

If you didn't know, I was a chicken this year for Halloween. Pretty funny to watch kids stop in their tracks seeing a big yellow person standing inside the school. Yeah, there was a chicken hat and everything (see below). One of the moms even got a pic of me hard at work, on the phone, and nestled in my computer business. I think her caption on that email was "Cassidy Preschool: We don't cluck around." Nice. Reeeeal nice. Go ahead, make fun of the chicken.


All in all, a very fun day. A friend surprised us... um, dressed like a cat even... and handed out silly bracelets for the kids. Only the big kids... before you get fussy. We did a little costume parade, too. As one-half of the Grand Marshalling, I got carried away dancing and strutting my chicken stuff only to look back and see we had left everyone behind. You'd think these little ones would have some respect for the chicken and walk a little faster down those steps. You'd also think they were just learning steps, but I've got their number.

Yesterday was the Lizard Party... and by lizards, I mean snakes... and by snakes, I mean one huuuuuge Boa. I was invited by the host, and while a truly appreciate the gesture, there will no way in double hockey sticks I go hold a snake. As a matter of fact, my mind is so bent on them that I would swear they're crawling around my feet right now. Yeah, it's that bad. I wouldn't call it a hatred so much as a very passionate physical disturbance. It's just not in my make-up to be friends with anything that can run faster than me with no legs. Both my mom and Crys had one in college... go figure on that one. One of the parents was nice enough to email me this photo with a word of "encouragement" as the subject line. Absolutely not.


Grilled Cheese and Beer Party this weekend. I was informed that for a select few of us, it will be a Grilled Cheese and Beer and Cigar Party. Now that's my kind of party. Although tater-tots would absolutely round it off... comfort food. And I would have to say, if at this moment you're snubbing your nose up to tater-tots, you might be in the wrong school. No, really, pack your bags... no, not really... no, really.

The Food Drive started today. Please start bringing non-perishable items to donate to the food bank. Bins are set up in the hallways right now. We're all pretty lucky, so it's nice to help others in need. The more food we can collect, the better for some family over Thanksgiving. Anything helps. If you're reading this and you don't attend Cassidy, you now know of a place to donate. Just run across the street and pick up a few cans of veggies. I really think we can fill up all 5 bins (although one is just for diapers and stuff)... but the other 4 with food for sure.

If you kept up with my life over the past few months, you might have heard about the car show I did for the Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley. Today we did our check presentation for the kids. We raised $3500 for their club. Pretty cool for our first year trying. Just thought I'd share... proud moment.

Happy November.

Back in the Saddle

If you know us at all, you know Crystal and I have been pretty busy lately with a certain project. And when I say "Crystal and I", I'm being very generous... pretty much me with tiny slivers of Crystal dolloped here and there. She's been really busy here, so it evens out. I get to be manly and handy and she gets to be... hmmm... Cassidy. Anyway, I'm in the homestretch, so this blog should start getting back to normal again.

A few things to catch up on:

The Raspberries are getting new lights. The Strawberries already got new lights. The Newberries are getting a fountain moved around. The Blueberries are as cute as ever... but they're not getting anything new to my knowledge (they're young, so they probably won't notice). And the Blackberries helped me clean out the little fountain this morning. They learning siphoning. Speaking of, the large fountain was long overdue... like 30-110 pounds worth of sand overdue. That took some doing. Oddly enough, I don't remember much about doing it, but I remember not remembering anything else in life while I did it. That was nice. Very Zen. So, now the fountains are my rock garden. Moving on...

Being back around these little guys has been amazing. A few have latched onto me and most are warming up to the new guy hanging around (me again... don't get scared). I've even joined a few story times and goodbye songs with little ones hanging all over me. This is my job... nuts.

Be back soon.

Zucchini and Such

I do realize that once a month on here should be grounds for my termination... good thing I know the boss-lady so well. I have a plethora of excuses... ahem, reasons. Most of which revolve around new digs, painting, staining, sanding, hanging, cleaning, priming, etc., etc.

With all of that said, I was able to make it to Cassidy yesterday. Really great to see all of the old faces and some of the new ones. Crys says it's been a really smooth start so far. I settled back into my tickle-monster status within seconds. Even the new kids ran over, all smiles, for some chasing. Really nice to take a break and play for a bit. I love that in a world of grown-up stresses, Cassidy takes it away. Without sounding too mushy, it's nice to have a reset button there. Seeing the smiles and laughter remind me what's really important.

We're getting the small fountain relocated for the toddlers in the small yard soon. I've also been gracefully appointed my old job of cleaning (and by cleaning, I mean taking the sand out) the big fountain again. Given my schedule as of late, the kids are probably just playing in another sandbox that looks a lot like a fountain. We've got some more sand coming soon, too. I really think some of the kids have been taking bags of it home in their pockets.

Crys pulled these out of the garden this week.


Not sure of their fate, but I can vouch for their deliciousness... I had some this summer with a little olive oil and salt.

Happy October.

Safe Than Sorry... Late Than Never

First off, I've never been able to figure out which is correct in my title. Is it "than" or "then". There are schools-of-thought that go both ways... unless of course the wrong school-of-thought is something I've made up... which isn't beyond belief.

Secondly, something I never addressed at the end of last year. I really can't express how much you all mean to Crystal and me. This past year was so amazing that I'm left speechless when people ask us how it went. It blew our expectations away. There's so much to be grateful for having Cassidy, but even more so having the kind of families we found with you all. Cassidy is so much more than anything Crystal and I could ever own. It has become a feeling to me. It's like my safe haven and I can't thank you all enough for making our first year unbelievable. If this were a handwritten note that I was writing just underneath my eyeball, it would have a few tear-soaked words... just like in 7th grade... or the fake tear-soaked words in 9th grade when you realized in the 7th grade that girls thought it was endearing. Can you say "tangent"?

Crys and I have been probably more busy in the last month than we were throughout the year. We bought a storage barn for the playground and had it installed. They didn't offer the color we wanted, so we painted it ourselves. I guess as long as we're being honest with each other, I painted most of it. We even went so far as to take one of our preschool brushes and paint the spill-over from taking the tape off... super duper attention to detail. It felt weird as we were painting the spill-over focusing on an inch at a time, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm pretty sure Crys feels the same way and wasn't doing it because she felt bad for taping it wrong. Nah, it was my taping. She actually fired me.

We also have been doing a little construction inside. The open area above the Raspberry and Blackberry rooms is now closed up. Same with the hallway. Most of the cost of construction was donated by Helen because we all know she's really loud and the kids started complaining about not being able to read their Algebra books when she was giving tours. So, thanks Helen.

A long over due airplane that was sitting in the basement (yes, we have a basement) is now built and ready to adorn the Raspberry rafters. It's a P-51 Mustang just in case some dads are reading this. Speaking of dads, I still want to start the Cassidy Cigar Club on the roof. I can't believe there wasn't one cigar had while over looking the beautiful Cassidy air conditioners. Such a shame. A shame that will be corrected this year.

We're getting shades in the playground next week. They installed the posts... huge, and 6 of them. You have to hand it to the visualizations Crystal gets. Never thought that fence would work... now it's awesome. Didn't like the idea of shades... now I love it. As a matter of fact, I thought we should open Cassidy in the old Sizzler in Burbank... clearly not a great choice. I do still get to run around saying "I told you so" about the ceiling walls we just installed, so I guess we're even. She doesn't read the blog that much, so I've got a good week until her mom tells her to take a look. Relishiiiiiiiiing... now.

Well, the painters just left the building. I guess I should, too... but Crys is sleeping... maybe later then. Glad to be back on here. Looking forward to a great second year.

And Jordan, we're working on a sign... promise.

UPDATE:
Still sitting at Cassidy... coming up on 8pm. Just had turkey meatloaf, greenbeans, and a twice baked potato under the blanket of Gavin Degraw's Pandora station from one of our fold-up tables... bottle of wine intact. Presently going over our new home wish list. Gotta get back to the conversation... just thought I'd share. I'm out (said, hands flailing from Napa cabernet).

Piano Benches and Cameras... and a Cool Photo

If you haven't noticed by now, we're doing some pretty cool stuff in the yard. Part of the fundraiser money is going towards new toys, storage, some fencing, outdoor classroom centers, and shades for the playground.

We also just bought new cameras for the classrooms. Apart from not taking the best pics on the Westside, they strangely didn't work after being dropped and dunked in water. I know, right? Anyway, these new guys should do the trick. Blogs, here we come.

For all of you teachers who read this, and I know there are a few, I need to take your photo for the yearbook. You'd think I might just send an email or get up and go tell you, but laziness knows no bounds... plus, I'm already writing this... plus, you SHOULD be reading this, so if you DON'T know about the photos, then...

It is a little strange around here with fewer kids. I think I've probably mentioned that, but it's overly quiet sometimes.

I had to do some surgery on our piano bench. The kind of surgery that attracts the little eyes and prompts those cute "What doing?" questions. Same thing with our brand new toilet tank lid... "What doing?" "Why?" Yes, this is my job.

And check out this gem I found on one of my memory cards... crazy, right? This is standing in the Raspberry room looking into the Blackberry room.

Graduation to the Grown-Up Belt

Every once in a while it dawns on me that I might need my own blog. I feel like I have so many really really important things to talk about, much of which has nothing to do with Cassidy and thus gets forgotten and/or written about, reviewed, and then erased forever. For instance, the fact that I REALLY need to buy a grown-up belt. I am breaching my mid-thirties and I still have the cloth, 2 ring guy. I think it's time for a buckle and pin. I know, I know... what a shame this wasn't addressed sooner. I only have myself to blame for thinking a few of you might not be interested in my belt. For that, I apologize.

This past Saturday was our very first graduation ceremony. We even had fancy linens and white chairs, Queche and cream-puffs. The kids couldn't have been more cute with their self-made graduation hats. It was really neat to see all of the video and still cameras out... just like mom used to do. Next year, I'm thinking we maybe need Zach Galifianakis for our commencement speech. Maybe Bon Jovi, too. Think big, right?

Afterwards, we headed to a Cassidy grandparents house for what will HAVE to be tradition of pool, pizza, and ice-cream. Not knowing it was a pool party, we didn't come clothingly prepared... so Crys and I did what any self-respecting preschool owners would do. We jumped in with our clothes on. Miss Robyn even joined us... very possibly not on her own terms.

It was a great celebration and a nice way to say goodbye to our little ones. I really can't wait 'til they come back, when they're grown up, to say hey.

Thanks so much to the graduating families for being a part of our first year. Our families really do rock... and I'm not even being all that biased.

Dissertations on The A-Team

So much to say...

One of our last Party Book Parties is coming up this weekend. Check out the Party Book site for details. Should be a fun party. Some soccer, some wurst, some reisling, some beer.

Our Ice Cream Social is now a FREE event, so those of you who've paid already will be "sponsoring" the event. No, I'm kidding, we'll refund your tickets... if you're nice about it. It'll be our last big blowout party of the year. Kids, bring your parents. It's sometime in July, but we're finalizing the date... no matter what the website says. That website only got through 3rd grade, so it can't be trusted.

Big congrats to our very own Larry Kagan for his new pediatric center. I just went over to check it out... pretty amazing. I'm always a big fan of fellow entrepreneurs, so Larry holds a soft spot.

Our very own Miss Ashlie presented two dissertations regarding the appropriate measures to be taken while watering Tomatoes and whether Watermelon was a fruit or veggie. Very interesting to say the least. Either can be seen in the kitchen. She's also being published in the local edition of Wilshire Science News... granted that's our own paper.

It hit me pretty hard today of what the secondary consequences are to owning a preschool. It's the saying goodbye thing we're going to have to do every year. Today was the last day for a couple of our little berries... and it was very sad to see them go. I guess I'm going to have to get used to it... sad day. They should just stay. Am I being selfish?

Miss Randi got new cabinets today... I hear she's very excited. She's also getting a pretty swank couch on Monday, so you Beginner Berries will be sitting pretty... yup, literally.

Double date night with the A-Team tonight. Have a great weekend.

Four Buggies Worth

I have fond memories of toy shopping as a kid. I have no memories of toy shopping like I did this weekend... 4 heaping buggies full. Crys and I went shopping for the playground and came home with an entire FJ full of stuff. Did you know Tonka is making retro toys like we grew up with? Pretty great.

I'm not sure how it happened, but most of our toys are things that I not only would have played with as a kid, but are even things I would play with now... again, the Tonka trucks, basketball, Tinkertoys, and an arrangement of dinosaurs. So, if you catch me in the sandbox having built a full dirt bike track with a Tonka-Dozer, pay me no mind.

Still have a few auction items at the school. If you haven't gotten yours yet, please do.

Here's my Holler Out to Holloran. We just went to go see Baby Group for the first time. I'm not sure if you can just pop in and go see it, but it's adorable. Donna really is amazing and I'm not just saying that because she like the Colts... maybe a little.

A Day In the Life of a Preschool Owner: Episode 352 - The Bus and the Onion

Mr. Ryan told me today about his classroom sink. It was full of yellow water and backed up nearly to the top. I promptly forgot about it (not on purpose) and kept trying to figure out how in the world we were going to do the class shots. Lucky for me, a parent had a really good lens for my camera, so I climbed up on our really really tall ladder and, after a few minutes of berry wrangling, we got off a few shots. Though much to the dismay of several teachers and Crystal, one Raspberry laid face down for every one of the 53 shots I got... we tried... he was having none of it. Maybe it'll be funny to show his girlfriend when he's 17 and super duper dramatic about his curfew.

So, the day ended and teachers went home. Crys had to remind me about the sink. Oh yeah, I completely forgot. The water was still yellow and still right around the rim... the perfect job for our resident handy-guy. But, let's all be honest... I like fixing things. That's the "man" talking. Anyway, after giving it my plumber's best, still nothing. I got it apart enough to see something was lodged down there. The last time something was lodged, it was a tube of lipstick in a printer... I really couldn't wait to see what treat I was in for. After forking and knifing it for 5 minutes, I saw 2 little lights come on. What? Could it be? Yes, yes it was. The Big Blue Bus... oh, and an onion. Little lessons of life: Don't let kids wash their hands... ever.

Fire Sale

It's official... no matter what came out of my hands on here yesterday, the photos were actually hung today. We even have lots to replace the ones you parents take home. If you're a carpool parent, take a day and walk inside.

We're also "fire selling" a lot of the auction items that are still in Helen's office. One mom even overpaid us today because her deal was too good and she felt bad... thanks. Honestly, I don't get the reference. If things were burned in the fire, would you really want them? Am I missing something? I'm just saying it because that's what everyone is calling it. I have no use for a charred coffee table with 3 legs in my house. Is it because it's too hot of a deal? Anyway, feel free to come shopping... Helen's going crazy... well, more crazy.

I'm pretty sure it was that same mom who got us a sponsor for our ice cream social coming up. More info on that as we get closer.

The class photos are tomorrow, so make sure you're here... well, if you want.

On a nice little family note, we're hiring Randi's daughter to help out in the toddler room. Perfect fit.

We're off to the Determined to Succeed panel.

Lost & Found & Outgrown

Aside from the fact that one of our afternoon Blueberries grew 6 inches in about 4 days, I really haven't been able to tell how much our kids have grown. I was reminded today when I saw a parent shuffling through the Lost and Found. She saw a few things that were her kid's, but said they didn't fit anymore. I nearly didn't believe it and thought she must have been mistaken. I went back and started looking through old photographs of when they first came... uh, she was right. Our little ones have changed so much already. Of course I look at them as my own, so it was a slightly emotional stroll down memory lane. I think my tears damaged the "rrrrrr" key.

I got a chance to sit outside today and was actually commended by Miss Breck for sitting down and not throwing the kids all over the place. These days, the kids call me their "gross motor structure"... I'm paraphrasing. Anyway, I made a few cakes, some flowers, a strawberry muffin, and cookies... all from red play-doh.

REMEMBER - Class Photos are on Wednesday this week. It will be a group shot for the yearbook. Individual shots are just taken all the time and will probably show up in some form of something to let your family purchase... if that's not vague enough for you, just let me know. I have far less words to use.

Hope you had a great weekend. Oh yeah, the photos are starting to go up on the wall already. The donation box is right outside Helen's office. See what happens when you make goals and to-do lists?

Breaking In the Office

With the good intentions of letting this blog NOT become the next unofficial Weezer page, I plan on an honest attempt at refraining... right after this...

Saw that our dogs were hard at work today fluffing the sandbox for tomorrow. Never knew how it happened... do now. If they could read, I would thank them here. Maybe some extra kibble will do.

Helen's office is still full of online auction stuff, so either you need to go bid on it, or come steal it at night. I can give you my alarm code if you want.

I think we're going to start hanging photos in the hallways from now on, so you all can see (and have) them. That's probably a week away with a combination of planning, being busy, and a smidge of laziness. I would tell you that I'll tell you when they're up, but you'll most likely see them before I remember to blog.

We had lots of stuff (and by stuff I mean alcohol) left over from Saturday. I gave most of it away to teachers, parents, and a few kids that it's just hard to say no to... sweet little faces. I had also given away 48 Diet Cokes while simultaneously explaining how my Dad had horrible arthritis until he stopped drinking Diet Coke. Needless to say, I'm not the best salesman, thus proven by my current ownership of 48 Diet Cokes. I hear they're horrible for you and the gateway drink to Diet Mescaline... anyone interested?

About to have a fundraiser debriefing over a few bottles of wine.

Thanks again to everyone involved who helped make it happen... those of you who made it and those of you who didn't. I really can't explain how amazing this Cassidy family feels.

Thanks

Quote of the Night: "I'm Rivers from Weezer... and Cassidy."

What a night. What a success. You all really made our first fundraiser a blast. Thanks to the Benefit Committee for organizing everything. Thanks to Leslye and Cindy for bringing it all together... it wouldn't have been half the night without you two. For the first time in a long time, I'm practically speechless. Luckily, I got a chance to stand back from it all and see what's been created... and it looked amazing. Watching you moms dance at the end of the night was fun, too.

The Online Auction is still going on through Friday, so go bidding. Just go to our website and click on Online Auction. There's still lots needing your attention.

A friend of mine sent me a video link yesterday and it made me think of you parents... well, those of you not rocking the SUV's, but the Minivans.

I can't thank you all enough for helping make Saturday night so much fun. Sooooo much pressure for next year. Aside from bringing Jimi Hendricks back from the grave, I'm not really sure how to top it. Start thinking now. And Rivers, if you're reading this, you're still first in line if you want it... thanks again.

Aaaaaaand, we've been playing Weezer all day.