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.

In a Hurry

I told Sammy to take off his church clothes as soon as we got home. He took me quite literally. I hope he's not running around the cul-de-sac in his underpants right now.

"There's a Tie in My Boot": For the past few weeks I'd been unable to find Sammy's tie. I would only think about it on Sunday, then gripe at the kids a little for losing it. Last Sunday, Sammy showed up after Primary wearing his tie - his very very wrinkly tie. His teach said that suddenly during class Sammy yanked off his boot and pulled the tie out. I think it had been in there for a few weeks and he just didn't say anything.

Lady's Man

Sammy went to a birthday party for his friend Cameron today. I didn't realize that Cameron was a girl until Dave called me from the party, to let me know. I made a quick run to the store and got a gift to replace the Hot Wheels Rescue Vehicles I'd put in the gift bag. Sammy was the only boy at the party. We can't tell if he loved it or hated it. We're not sure which we would prefer.

Captain Dave & his wench

I have no words for this picture - I just couldn't leave it out.

Motley Crew

Angelic Maddie and her friends at our annual Halloween Frito Pie party.

Preschool Halloween Party

Tinkerbell, Woody & a Ninja at Sammy's party.