A Plug for a Tire (company)

Associated Tire & Battery (Automotive Supply)
6208 Roosevelt Rd.
Oak Park, IL 60304
708.383.6673

These guys are awesome. They always help out with our tire troubles (and we have our share). Last time M took the macro-van to them (air was slow-leaking out of the tire) and they patched it (a nail) for free. What?!? Free??? Yes. Free.

Birthday Party, Grande Size, please

So the Grande Lego Mammoth Behemoth birthday party is now history. 6 first graders, one preschooler, one third grader and three parents took the El train, transfered to another El train and ended up at the Lego Store on Michigan Avenue. Bionicles were purchased. Lego systems were drooled after. A quick walk to the birthday boy's father's work and Bionicles were assembled with only a few frustrated moments. Cake and ice cream, ping pong and cue sticks. Back on the train. Transfer again. Walk back to the birthday boy's house. Walk home. Total time: 4.5 hours
Whew.