Musical test

I took this test on the web today, that tests musical perception. I got a 28 out of 30 - it was kind of interesting, and I thought whatever readers I have might enjoy it.

Musical Perception Test

Princess Party

I'm really liking the ability to link in the short movies I take with my camera.

Ellie went to a party this afternoon where all the girls dressed up like princesses (Ellie wore her Tinkerbell costume), got their hair fixed, nails done and some makeup put on. Then they played funky music, danced and had a little fashion show. She had a lot of fun.

Not Your Birthday

I found a place that will host my short videos - let's see if this link works.

It's a video of Sammy blowing out the candles on his fourth birthday. The child on the right side of the picture is his friend Ethan, who developed an uncontrollable need to sneeze, and accidentally blow out the candles while we were singing. I laugh every time I watch this.

Braceface

Maddie got her braces today - top and bottom. I took a picture before and after, for posterity.

Don't try this at home

This weekend we rented a house with some friends by Lake Livingston. Our four kids and their four kids had a great time riding bikes, playing games and fishing. Here they are all getting ready to ride to the marina - IN THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK. For sheltered, suburban kids, this is a treat.

Batteries Not Included

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I swear that Sammy doesn't watch that much TV (and even less commercials, since we DVR everything). However, he's a sponge and soaks up everything he comes across.

Christmas Card Picture

In mid-December, I herded all the kids outside for a Christmas picture to insert in our cards. They are watching our inflatable bear fill up. We ended up using the inside photo, so I'm sure Mr. Bear felt left out.

Gathered 'round the hearth

Here's the modern family, spending time together, watching Dad conquer the world . . .

Spaz Girl

Ellie - after 90 minutes of bowling, untold cups of Dr. Pepper and Rootbeer (Maddie chose the drinks for the party), pizza, and two slices of tres leches cake.

13th Birthday Party

Maddie had her party at a local bowling/laser tag place. We bowled with the little kids in the lane next to them, much to Maddie's dismay. This was much better than having a whole bunch of preteen/teenagers at my house for 2 hours.

Shrimp Night

Sammy and Ellie are helping Dave make fried fish and shrimp for Maddie's birthday.

Belated Thanksgiving Pic

Dave and Orlando, enjoying the snack trays that Beenie and I created for Thanksgiving. Beenie was not sure about Orlando getting this kind of service, but decided to allow it, since it was a holiday. Also of note is our tacky coffe table. By day it looks like a regular mission style table, but it moonlights as a pop up table for people too lazy to get up off the couch. We love it.

New Student @ Hogwarts

This is Ben at the Harry Potter premier we went to a few weeks ago. Goldman Sachs had a special screening the Wednesday before the movie opened, and I took Ben and Maddie to it. They had forced one of their younger looking analysts to dress up like Harry and take photos with the kids. He looks more like Harry Potter after he gets his MBA. The movie was fun, we each got a $10 gift certificate for concessions, and they gave out carved wooden wands after the show.

Elder Monk

This is Sammy in his Christmas Suit. His usual church outfit is dress pants, shirt, tie & his cowboy boots. I think this is an improvement - he's even wearing little loafers.

Bad Santa

In honor of the first day of the Christmas season, here's my favorite Christmas picture ever. This is the Santa that Ben visited at the mall in Victoria with his preschool class. I wasn't there, but I have a feeling he leapt from this guy's lap immediately after the flash.