GadgetDad Reviews: Chariot Cougar 2

What is it & it's use

Chariot Cougar 2 (double)
The Cougar can be many things, depending on which conversion kit you have. We have the bike trailer kit and the stroller kit. Logan also likes to push this around like the BOB,for an even harder workout.

Highlights

• Pros:
• Very Stable
• Adjustable Suspension
• Carry one kid or two
• Easy to push and maneuver
• Easy to fold and transport
• Tons of Conversion kits
• Cons:
• Price
• Price of accessories
• PRICE! Seriously the most we have spent on kid gear!
• The QR bike adapter doesn't work on some frames
• Bottom Line:
• KEEP IT!

Why do you need it?

If you haven't already guessed Philly and are big fans of spending time on our bikes. This is a great way to do just that. But, this cool piece of gear is not just meant for cruising the pavement. You can get various conversion kits ranging from stroller parts, to cross country ski use and even a hiking kit. Okay so the hiking kit is really not practical and to be honest I would never use it. But someone might.

Basic Overview

Colorado keeps coming up as an excuse to buy outdoor gear, but I think you could make the case for this no matter where you live. Alright maybe not if you live at either pole, but it's really versatile. Our primary target for this gear was to use it as a bike trailer. Back when we owned our shop we sold Burley trailers, Giant trailers and way back we sold some Schwinn trailers. Wow times have changed, in just three short years a new kid is on the block. Chariot is a Canadian company and they know how to make gear. I'm very picky about quality, construction and when it comes to my son, safety. Chariot hit a home run, this thing is solid. The wheelbase is nice and wide so it corners very well. Although I have heard of some tipping issues with the single. There is a full aluminum roll cage as part of the build. The attachement to the bikes ensures that the trailer will not tip over even if the bike pulling it does. The fit and finish is second to none. The conversion kits fit like you would expect, perfect. It folds very easily and the wheels are a simple push button quick release design. Inside the safety harness seems comfortable and does a good job of keping Logan snug and safe. All in all this is some good gear!

Pros & Cons

Pros:
• Stable, confidence inspiring
• Logan isn't bounced around near as much as I expected
• Easy to fold and take off the wheels, it really is quite compact when the wheels are off, It fits perfect in our roof top ski box
• lots of options and conversion kits, almost too many
• It goes almost anywhere especially when you consider the various kits

Cons:
• The big one is price, I know you pay for quality but these things are spendy!
• The accessories are not cheap and there are many option available
• This is the single most expensive piece of kid related gear I have ever purchased
• These come as the base only, no kits are included, not even the stroller wheels (a $70 add on)
• The QR adapter doesn't work with some frames, namely my Dragon, the dropouts are not compatible

This is not really a Con per se but, just like the BOB Revolution it can be had as a single or as a double like ours. Unlike the BOB we opted for the double Cougar. Why you ask, well simply put, resale. These things are built to last and if we have just Logan or a second kid this thing should easily retain it's value in the long run. Make sure you plan ahead if you are intending on having two kids. With the price of these things buying a single then realizing you want or need a double could be very costly oops.

Suggested Modifications

Not really a modification but a suggestion for accessories. We bought the bike trailer kit since that was our main intended use, but we also really like the stroller kit. The really nice thing is that the kits store on the unit at the same time.

Price

MSRP is about $600. We used a 20% off coupon at REI so $480 without tax. More on this below.

Keep it or Toss it

KEEP IT!

Best place to buy

I don't like paying retail for anything if I can help it. If you are patient you may be able to score one on Craigslist for a decent price. That being said, when it comes to a piece of gear that will be pulled behind our bikes with our son in it, I only want to buy new. I know it may not make much sense, but I have seen some really wierd things happen to used gear. I'm not taking any chances on a bike trailer.
I shop at REI and I have been a member for many years. One nice thing about doing business with them is that you do get a rebate based on what you spend with them. In addition you get a 20% off coupon once a year. Needless to say we used the coupon(2010) and a portion of our rebate towards the price of the BOB. Unfortunately for us, we apparantly purchased our trailer the same weekend as everyone else. We had a hard time finding the bike trailer conversion kit. We had an even harder time finding the stroller kit.
This brings me to a sad part of my job as a reviewer. A negative review. Having been in retail and owning my own business I expect the same kind of service that I always made sure we provided. Unfortunately I am consistently let down, but this experience was worse than most.
I finally tracked down the stroller kit at Full Cycle in boulder. The guy on the phone said it was a display model and had not been used other than for display. I figured I would give them some more business, so I asked about some other bike related stuff. I got the answers I was hoping for, everything was in stock and plenty of each item. When I got to the shop the next day, which was a long drive, I was dissapointed to say the least. The stroller kit was dirty and scratched up, when I pointed this out I got a blank face in return. I would at least have expected a small discount for the difference in condition. On top of that they did not have any of the three helmets I had asked about on the phone the previous night. Nor did they have the floor pump or brake pads they said they had. I know I'm asking a lot, but I will not go back to that shop for anything in the future.

GadgetDad Reviews: Kelty FC-3 (Now Retired)

GadgetDad Reviews: Kelty FC-3

What is it & it's use

Kelty FC-3 kid carrying backpack
It's primary use is as a transportation device for Logan. A secondary use would be as a portable napping spot for the little guy, although he's still getting used to it.

Highlights

• Pros:
• Very Stable
• Adjustable
• Sun/rain hood included but detachable
• Solid construction
• Comfortable
• Automatic kickstand
• Lots of storage
• Cons:
• Self adjusts (see update)
• Bulky, but to be expected
• Logan is getting heavy, hehe
• Bottom Line:
• REPLACED (see update)

Why do you need it?

I'm sure your all tired about hearing how great Colorado is, but we have tons of great hikes as well as biking, camping and 4wheeling. I know, I sound like a record but I just love it here. This is an essential piece of gear because as the little guy is turning into a big guy I need to save my back. The FC-3 from Kelty gives you the adjustablilty and fit of an internal frame pack while giving your kid a nice view of nature.

Basic Overview

This pack has carried Logan all over Colorado and down many Downhill race courses. Don't worry we were hiking next to the trail to get pictures, not riding the trail. Early on we were not able to use this pack the way we wanted to, mainly because Logan was too small. During that time we used the Ergo carrier instead. Now that Logan is taller and a little heavier this pack is perfect for getting out on day hikes. The back pack is stable and comfortable, well at least for me, Logan can't yet tell us if he likes it or not. He likes the fact that he can reach forward and take off my hat, always good for making him laugh. I have a feeling that when he gets a little bigger and taller he will be able to kick my butt, literally. Even though his harness and seat are adjustable I can see him getting great joy from kicking me. I'll keep this review updated if that does become an issue. For now we like the pack just fine except for one minor issue. On occasion the packs shoulder harness carrier slips down and self adjusts. This is really not fun or comfortable for me when this happens. I can usually deal with it, but in a worst case scenario I have to take the pack off and readjust it. Not fun. Other than that I am very happy. As you can see by the picture, Philly can use it easily as well, since it is so adjustable we can swap partway through the hike if either one of us gets tired. I almost forgot to mention the amount of storage this pack has. There is plenty of room to carry extra jackets, food, water, and toys.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
• Stable and Comfortable
• Very adjustable both for the carrier and the carried
• Good materials and design so far
• It grows with your kid, from just under the recommended weight range on up to about 40 lbs
• Logan seems to be able to nap in it without much trouble
• It comes with a removable sun and rain hood which we almost aways use
• The face/head rest is removable and machine washable, really handy for drool and spitup (hey I'm a dad and I'm realistic)
• Lots of storage space and pockets

Cons:
• The self adjusting issue
• Logan is not a light kid
• I'm a little concerned about being kicked when Logan is slightly older/bigger

Suggested Modifications

We bought this great little conical mirror on a retractable spool hooked up to a carabiner. This is great for when I'm hiking alone with him, I can see what he is doing and if he's sleeping.

Price

MSRP is about $249 and that is about what we paid.

Keep it or Replace it

REPLACED See update below. (previously a Keep It item)

Best place to buy

I shop at REI and I have been a member for many years. One nice thing about doing business with them is that you do get a rebate based on what you spend with them. The customer service is consistent and their return policy is unmatched.

Update 8/9/2010

This past weekend we went on a longer, steeper hike with an older and heavier Logan. The pack is still stable and comfortable for the most part. Logan has been able to nap in the pack for long periods of time. He even tried to climb back in the pack on his own for the trip down the mountain. Unfortunately, it's not all roses. The self adjusting shoulder harness issue is worse than ever. On at least 4 occasions on this last hike alone the pack self adjusted. After looking further into the design of the pack, there is no way to fix this issue myself. I had thought if I had access to the pin and spring I could replace it with a bolt and at least fix it in place. It is unfortunate but this is a major design flaw.
As a result of this recurring issue, I have to change my rating slightly. I have decided to add another category to my Keep it or Toss it system....... deal with it while searching for something better. That may sound severe but needing to take off the pack mid-hike multiple times to fix the issue is not cool. Especially when Logan is asleep. Well that's it for now; I'll keep this review updated with any further developments.

Update 11/15/2010

Well the Kelty was officially returned to REI today and a Deuter Kid Comfort II Child Carrier was purchased as a replacement.

Update 11/3/2011

Sorry for the massive delay in the updates, but I'm back now (We now have two kids!). The review for the Deuter Kid Comfort II Child Carrier is now up for your reading pleasure.

Still stable enough to cross creeks and get us above tree line.

Logan at 16 months hiking up Butler Gulch, CO

GadgetDad Reviews: 2003 Jamis Eclipse

What is it & it's use

2003 Jamis Eclipse(52cm), purchased as a frame only.
It's primary use is as a road bike, it's also used to pull Logan in the Chariot. I also do the occasional duathlon.

Highlights

• Pros:
• Steel is real!!
• Geometry
• Color
• Comfortable yet quick
• Cons:
• It wasn't free?
• Bottom Line:
• KEEP IT!

Why do you need it?

I live in Colorado, we have beautiful scenery, lots of bike paths, and plenty of famous road rides. Not to mention ride the rockies, the vail bike path, or the Palisade wine festival and tour. A good road bike is essential for an active Coloradan.

Basic Overview

If you have read my mountain bike review then you already know that I like steel. This bike however throws in a twist, carbon seatstays and chainstays. I know I mentioned I would never ride carbon offroad, but on the road is a completely different story. The steel still gives you a great ride, but the carbon stays accomplish a few things. The nice qualities of steel are enhanced since the carbon increases lateral stiffness and increases the vertical compliance. This alloys you to sprint when you feel like it and avoid a numb rear end by the end of the ride. Nuff said.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
• This frame is strong, relatively light, good looking (I know it's a matter of taste) but the red and white combo is just very appealing
• The ride is very smooth yet responsive

Cons:
• I actually don't have any, and that's surprising considering how picky I am

Suggested Modifications

None

Price

Okay so some people may get upset at this one but, I bought this on employee purchase when I was working at a shop, so I can't actually list it. Sorry, I promise the bikes are the only reviews where that is the case.

Keep it or Toss it

KEEP IT! This has been a great gear buy!

Best place to buy

Check the Jamis website: Jamis I actually don't know of any dealers in the area.

Disclaimer

Some of you may have noticed I did not comment or review any components. Good eyes, I only reivewed the frame because that is how I always buy my bikes. I'm very picky if you haven't figured that out yet and components are a very personal choice. I may end up adding a section for my build of each bike, but we'll see.

GadgetDad Reviews: 2004 Jamis Dragon

What is it & it's use

2004 Jamis Dragon(17"), purchased as a frame only.
It's primary use is as a single-track machine, it's less aggressive pursuit is as a bike path escort for Logan.

Highlights

• Pros:
• Steel is real!!
• Geometry
• Paint
• Strength
• Cons:
• Seat post slips
• Head badge
• Bottom Line:
• KEEP IT!

Why do you need it?

Okay if you live in Colorado and you are active, you should own at least one mountain bike. If you are only going to have one, make it a hardtail. (For the uninitiated a hardtail means the bike has front suspension and none in the rear, thus a hardtail)
If you are looking for a hardtail you have 4 basic choices:

• Steel: Life: long (typically 25 years) Ride: nice Price: varies
• Aluminum: Life: decent (10ish years) Ride: stiff Price: varies
• Titanium: Life: (see steel) Ride: a little flexy if your a big person Price: HIGH
• Carbon: Life: unknown Ride: varies Price: High

Okay so that may have been confusing for a few reasons. First, I say price varies because well, it does. You can spend a small amount and get a small amount of quality or you can spend a lot and get more quality. Ti frames are expensive, let's face it so is Carbon. Now as for Carbons life, I had a very bad experience and I no longer trust Carbon for off road adventures. As for the ride well it all depends on how the Carbon is laid when the bike is made.
(Just a heads up I get a little too detailed from time to time, but this is my website, so I guess.... get used to it. hehe)

Basic Overview

Okay I'm not a little guy, well true I am short thus the 17" frame, but with riding gear I'm well over the 200lb mark. I need a strong frame and that is exactly what the Dragon is, STRONG. Remember I referenced my past life in BMX so I'm not easy on my bikes. This thing has not let me down. I have ridden everything from the Ribbon and Zippity do da in Fruita/GJ to Dakota Ridge and Centennial Cone. In the highlights I mentioned that steel is real, if you have ridden a good steel frame then you know why I say this. A good steel frame can withstand punnishment for a long time, it has to do with the fatigue life of the material. (Ask an engineer for a more thorough explanation) The ride should be laterally stiff while remaining somewhat vertically compliant. In other words you stomp on the pedals and it goes, you tackle a rock garden and it takes just a tiny bit of the vibration out.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
• This frame is strong, relatively light, good looking (I know it's a matter of taste) and the geometry works very well.
• The paint has started to chip. So why do I put this in the pro section, because this thing is 6 years old. I have seen many paint jobs not last through the first year.

Cons:
• The only issues I have are that the seat post slips down during the course of a ride. I have broekn both QR seatpost clamps and bolt on ones. I need to get some non-slip compound in there, but I've been a little busy lately.
• After 6 years the stick on head badge fell off. Not really a con, but Jamis just lost some free advertising on the front of my bike.
• This frame does not work with the Chariot bike trailer we have. Unfortunately due to the design of the rear dropouts the hitch doesn't work. This is why I mentioned this bikes secondary duty is to escort Logan, not to pull him.

Suggested Modifications

Fix the seat post slipping issues. That's really about it. Honest.

Price

Okay so some people may get upset at this one but, I bought this on employee purchase when I was working at a shop, so I can't actually list it. Sorry, I promise the bikes are the only reviews where that is the case.

Keep it or Toss it

KEEP IT! Without a doubt this has been a great gear buy!

Best place to buy

Check the Jamis website: Jamis I actually don't know of any dealers in the area.

Disclaimer

Some of you may have noticed I did not comment or review any components. Good eyes, I only reivewed the frame because that is how I always buy my bikes. I'm very picky if you haven't figured that out yet and components are a very personal choice. I may end up adding a section for my build of each bike, but we'll see.

GadgetDad Reviews: Deuter Kid Comfort II

What is it & it's use

Deuter Kid Comfot II
It's primary use is as a transportation device for Logan and soon his little sister Nyah. A secondary use would be as a portable napping spot for the kids, Logan naps in it, Nyah still needs to get bigger before she can fit in it.

Highlights

• Pros:
• Very Stable
• Easily Adjustable
• Solid construction
• Comfortable
• Buiilt in kickstand
• Hydration bladder pocket
• Way better than previous carrier
• Cons:
• Bulky, but to be expected
• Logan is getting really heavy, hehe
• Logan can kick me while hiking
• Rain/Sun hood not included ($34)
• Bottom Line:
• KEEP IT!

Why do you need it?

I'm sure your all tired about hearing how great Colorado is, but we have tons of great hikes as well as biking, camping and 4wheeling. I know, I sound like a record but I just love it here. This is an essential piece of gear because as the little guy is turning into a big guy I need to save my back. Now that Nyah is coming along we needed to make sure we had a long term solution for hiking as well. The Kid Comfort II from Deuter gives you the adjustablilty and fit of an internal frame pack while giving your kid a nice view of nature.

Basic Overview

Since I already did a comprehensive review of the Kelty this pack replaced I won't bore you with the same general overview. I will however mention that this pack is better in everyway except one, storage. The Deuter is by far the most comfortable pack I have ever worn and when it comes time to retire my North Face Backpacking pack, my first look will be at a Deuter. I'm not sure what it is about the waist/hip belt, but they did thier research, it just fits.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
• More stable and more comfortable than the Kelty it replaced
• Very adjustable both for the carrier and the carried
• Good materials and design so far
• It grows with your kid, from just under the recommended weight range on up to about 40 lbs
• Logan seems to be able to nap in it without much trouble, although naps are few and far between these days
• Enough storage space for the essentials
• Hydration bladder pocket, big enough for a 80 oz for dad and a 35 oz for Logan

Cons:
• Storage is a little on the tight side
• Logan is not a light kid, not really a fault of the pack
• Logan can kick my arms while we hike, he thinks it's hilarious
• The Rain/sun hood is not included and costs about $34

Suggested Modifications

We moved the great little conical mirror on a retractable spool hooked up to a carabiner from the old pack to this one. This is great for when I'm hiking alone with him, I can see what he is doing and if he's sleeping. I would buy the rain/sun hood, not cheap ($34) but so worth it when you need it.

Price

MSRP is about $229 and that is about what we paid.

Keep it or Replace it

KEEP IT! This is a far better peice of gear than what it replaced.

Best place to buy

I shop at REI and I have been a member for many years. One nice thing about doing business with them is that you do get a rebate based on what you spend with them. The customer service is consistent and their return policy is unmatched. The excellent return policy is also what allowed me to get this pack for almost a direct exchange.

It also comes in handy when you need to mow the lawn and Logan wants attention, he loved the ride.

GadgetDad Reviews: BOB Revolution

What is it & it's use

Bob Revolution baby jogger / stroller(single)
It's primary use is as a transportation device for Logan. Logan also likes to use this for strength training.

Highlights

• Pros:
• Very Stable
• Adjustable Suspension
• Carseat compatible
• Easy to push and maneuver
• Easy to fold and transport
• Goes almost anywhere
• Cons:
• Price
• Price of accessories
• Bottom Line:
• KEEP IT!

Why do you need it?

Being active as a family is hard if you are restricted to where you can go. This is a true off-road stroller. With the available carseat adapter you can be confident your little one will be safe.

Basic Overview

Strollers are essential gear if you are a parent. If you are surrounded by dirt and gravel paths then you need more than just an umbrella stroller. The BOB revolution is the ticket. Now there are a number of different models within the BOB line, so why choose this one. Well for such a simple question there is a very long answer. First, we needed something that was flexible, in other words we need one that can do everything. The Revolution's front wheel can be locked straight for when you want to jog or run. But it can also be left to pivot, this allows for maximum manueverability. This model can also fold to a compact size and all three wheels are QR to become even more compact. Then you have the car seat adapter as an option, we found this very nice when Logan was just a little guy. The other nice thing about the adapter is it becomes a drink and toy holder for later. This stroller has been to mountain bike races on the side of a mountain in Aspen, runs up and down the front range and even to Grand Junction for some coffee shop exploring.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
• Stable, confidence inspiring
• Logan isn't bounced around like in solid wheel strollers
• Easy to fold and take off the wheels, it really is quite compact when the wheels are off
• It grows with your kid, from the infant car seat on up
• It goes almost anywhere, we have even taken it through a shopping mall and found it easier than a regular stroller because it turns so tight

Cons:
• The big one is price, I know you pay for quality but these things are spendy!
• The accessories are not cheap and there are many option available

This is not really a Con per se but, the Revolution can be had as a single like ours or as a double. Make sure you plan ahead if you are intending on having two kids. With the price of these things buying a single then realizing you want or need a double could be very costly oops.

Suggested Modifications

Not really a modification but a suggestion for accessories. Buy the infant car seat adapter, but make sure you have a compatible car seat first. Second get the hadlebar console, with the pocket and waterbottle holder, it's very handy.

Price

MSRP is about $389. We used a 20% off coupon at REI so $311 without tax. More on this below.

Keep it or Toss it

KEEP IT! BUT, if or when we have a second kid I will add a for sale section to this website.

Best place to buy

I shop at REI and I have been a member for many years. One nice thing about doing business with them is that you do get a rebate based on what you spend with them. In addition you get a 20% off coupon once a year. Needless to say we used the coupon(2009) and a portion of our rebate towards the price of the BOB.

Update: 1/4/2012

Well with two kids, long walks require a bit more space. We now have a BOB Revolution Duallie for taking both kids out. The review is currently in the works. I hope to have it up soon.

Updates Coming............

Well the Holidays are a super busy time around here.  I have not forgot about my blog, in fact I keep coming up with new ideas.  I'm currently working on moving all of my gear reviews to this blog from my website project.  In addition I'm working on writing a few new gear reviews and I have a few new topics to post on including the all important SUV vs Minivan discussion.  Stay tuned, I hope to get some stuff up in the next few days.
Cheers for now,
Aaron

GadgetDad Reviews: Ergo Organic

What is it & it's use

Ergo baby carrier
It's a child carrier..... but so much more!

Highlights

• Pros:
• Comfortable
• Adjustable
• Adjustable sleep hood
• Durable
• I could not have made it through Logans first year without it
• Cons:
• No outward facing option
• Bottom Line:
• KEEP IT!

Why do you need it?

It depends on the person. We used a baby bjorn for a little bit until we found this. Our son Logan has never been a good sleeper. On top of that he went through this phase of not wanting to be put down. The hardest part was when he didn't sleep unless he was right next to your body. This nicely made bunch of organic fabric helped preserve my sanity during those times. So if you need your kid to take a nap and nothing else works this carrier will save you, trust me on this.

Update 1/4/2012
Okay, so apparently I missed the memo that if you have more than one kid they can be incredibly different.  Our son Logan loved this thing more than just about anything and it helped me stay sane.  Our daughter on the other hand wants absolutely nothing to do with the ergo.  I can't even begin to tell you how sad this makes me.  She is okay with being in the baby bjorn facing forward, but she will not sleep in either carrier.  Oh well, I guess you can't win every time.

Basic Overview

As I mentioned above this pack is worth it's weight in gold. In addition to being the single best way to get Logan to sleep, it's actually very comfortable. We have used this for everything from grocery shopping to snowshoeing and hiking. This carrier works great when you need to provide extra body warmth to keep your kid warm on cold hikes or snowshoeing trips.

Update 1/4/2012
Now that Logan is way bigger we can't use this for him any more. Unfortunately our daughter Nyah is such a little wiggle worm and so interested in what is going on that she refuses to be in the ergo.  If your kid likes to be close and held like Logan did this is still the best option.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
• Comfortable
• Very adjustable
• Good materials, the extra money is worth is for the organic fabric
• It allowed Logan to get some sleep!
• The built in sleep hood is a life saver
• Multiple carrying positions: front, back, side
• Machine wash and dry, this is a big plus

Cons:
• with my son, none  
• with my daughter, she can't face outward
• As of 1/4/2012 my daughter still hates this thing  : (

Suggested Modifications

Not a modification, but buy the Sucking pads, trust me these things are great for when your kid is teething.

Price

MSRP is about $120 and an extra $20 for the sucking pads.

Keep it or Toss it

KEEP IT! I think I can honestly say that without this wonderous product I would have gone insane with my son!

Best place to buy

Becoming Mothers in Boulder, they have a very knowledgable staff and helped my wife considerably with any of her questions. I actually bought the Ergo there and my diaper bag as well. I'm proud to be a stay at home dad and unfortunatley there are no stores called becoming fathers. Who knows maybe that will be my next adventure.

Chocolate and Tea

I'm having a housewife moment.  Some people might take that statement the wrong way, but as a stay at home dad I have the utmost respect for my fellow homemakers.  Househusband kind of sounds weird, and I am by no means a "kept man" so I like the term housewife even though I'm not a women.  My housewife moment consists of both kids actually napping at the same time, a hot cup of peppermint tea and some very unhealthy Hershey's chocolate.  The kitchen has been cleaned up and some of the clutter has been put away (cleaning will never be my favorite pastime).  That is pretty much where the housewife part stops and the rest of my strange personality comes in, the geeky guy side.  The geek side of this moment consists of me typing on my wireless keyboard, in front of a double display (20" widescreen that can rotate to portrait for heavy coding or web design and a 32" HDTV) setup that is great for writing code.  The typical guy part of this moment involves watching "Inside West Coast Customs" Mark Wahlberg's Mobile Office on Velocity HD by discovery in HD all at the same time.  So much for guys not being able to multitask.  Some days I feel very odd, very odd indeed.
I know I mentioned in my last post that I'm not a fan of minivans and that may have a few people miffed.  I promise to get back to the battle of the ages between SUV's and minivans.  No really, I will.  I just thought someone might get a kick out of my total randomness.  I hope whoever reads my posts gets a little kick out of them.  Philly, my wife for those who don't know, thought this blog would be good therapy for me and a great way to express the strangeness that is my mind.  So far I have to say this has been a ton of fun and I hope to find plenty of times like this where I can write.  Now my tea is cool and I need to reheat it, I guess I'm not too good at multitasking after all.
Cheers for now,
Aaron

6 Kids and a Minivan

Now let me start by saying that my wife and I do not have 6 kids nor do we have a minivan.  A few years back my wife and I started having the discussions about having kids.  The 6 kids and minivan thing came in the form of a nightmare.  I think many guys have a panic attack that ensues when the topic of kids come up, mine happened to come from my overactive imagination.  So the nightmare basically involves having one kid with everything going well and loving the little guy or girl, (remember this was a dream so I don't have to many specifics) then we started talking about a second.  After the second we started talking a third child and this is where it turns from a pleasant dream to a nightmare.  When the third child showed up we had to up-size from the station wagon we owned at the time.  The minivan is the main part of the nightmare, (it's a gold Honda Odyssey, not a bad choice, but it's a minivan). But as the nightmare continues we kept adding kids until we hit six at which point we couldn't fit anymore in the minivan and decided to stop.  I had visions of Vin Diesel from the movie "The Pacifier" wearing a baby on the front and one on the back while trying to chase the other four.  At this point I wake up in a cold sweat and realize I don't actually have a single kid.  What a dream to have more than once right?
So fast forward to present day.  I am very happy to report that my nightmare has not come true and that I am truly lucky to have an awesome son in Logan, and a super cute little daughter in Nyah.  We have two great kids and I am happy to report I have not even driven a minivan.  Now if any moms actually read my blog and own a minivan, I apologize in advance.  I don't have anything against people who drive or own minivans, unless you text while driving (but that is another post topic), I just can't stomach the thought of owning one or driving one on a daily basis.  I will admit that in the search for a "daddy wagon" I did research minivans in an effort to give them a shot.  Oh boy, I think I may have just picked a fight with the minivan fans, my sister included (sorry sis).  At least I found the next post topic.
Cheers for now,
Aaron

Hello World!

Well now, where to start.  I guess an introduction is in order.  My name is Aaron, I'm a full time stay at home dad, full time geek, gear and gadget freak.  I like anything technical or complicated, including my son and daughter.  They are not exactly technical but they are very complicated, where else can you find someone who can melt your heart one second and drive you up a wall the next, they can also make you laugh or cry at the flip of a coin.  
My writing style could best be described as a random jumble of thoughts with no real direction, sometimes, other times I can keep a cohesive thought going.  This blog will evolve as I do as a dad who is trying to find his way through the sea of moms and minivans.  No offense intended to the other "moms" out there or to anyone driving a minivan, although I'm really not fond of minivans.  I hope to give some insight into the world of a stay at home dad who is trying to find his place in a world that is still slowly getting used to the idea of a man staying at home with the kids.  I'm not quite sure what topics I will or will not cover, so you'll just have to stay tuned and see what I come up with.  On that note I'm also not quite sure how often I will get the chance to update my blog.  
In addition to this blog I do have a website where I can indulge my gear obsession, it is listed as my homepage in my profile.  I have a strong opinion in some areas and hopefully I won't offend anyone, but if I do than you likely have less of a sense of humor than I do. : )
Well that's about as much time as I have for now, I'll try to pick a single topic for the next post.  
Cheers,
Aaron