New Year's Snow

Last night's "blizzard" brought about 7 inches of snow to our community. Not a lot by most standards, but enough to cause people to lose their minds and panic. They shut the major parkways overnight, something we cannot remember happening in the past. Thankfully, school hasn't re-opened yet, so we didn't have to worry about a snow day. Of course, the kids think the snow is wonderful. 

After a hearty breakfast, we went outside to shovel and build an igloo.

Maybe we'll work on the second floor and roof tomorrow.

Robert made a snow angel.

After about 90 minutes, we retreated inside to get the snow out of our gloves and necks and eat some lunch.

Happy New Year!

Christmas 2013

A slideshow from our activities this Christmas, including Samantha's role in last night's pageant.

You can see the high definition version here.

Merry Christmas !

Handyman

We have this crazy vent fan in our kitchen. I think we've used it twice when we burned something on the stove. In the winter, it lets a lot of cold air into the kitchen because the outer hatch that covers the fan is about 60 years old.

This morning, Robert put on his super hero handyman outfit and tried to remedy the problem.

It didn't work, but at least he tried.

Christmas Card BTS

It's that time of year again. Preparing the Christmas Cards.

Fall Update

Fall has arrived to Long Island. The leaves are coming off the trees and the air has a certain snap to it in the morning. We've been busy learning our new kindergarten routine, developing homework habits and making new friends.

The kids made this scarecrow in their afterschool program.

Robert has been busy building "sets" from things he sees on television. Here he is in policeman mode, inside his squad car. If you look closely, you'll see a microphone and mobile data terminal he uses to check license plates!

This one is self-explanatory

That's it for now. Enjoy the fall.

First Day of Kindergarten

The kids are entering their 3d week of school. We made this short film about their first day of school and their first trip on the school bus.

The school district did a great job preparing them for this first ride. The kids attended an orientation session and got to go on a test ride on the bus, and Robert and Samantha have a fifth grader as their bus buddy, to make sure they get on the bus and buckled in to their seats.

Robert has a toy bus, which he has detailed to include all of the markings, including bus number and exit signs, of his real bus.

You can watch a high-def version of the film here: http://vimeo.com/75152613

August Update

August is gone. School starts the week after next. Last week, we bought the kids bikes suitable for their size and they have a renewed interest in cycling.

Of course, they took a break from riding to climb a tree.

We are safety conscious. Helmets are required for tree climbing.

They attended school bus orientation last week with Bob. Bob was proud beyond belief to see them sit in the auditorium by themselves, without concern about where dad was sitting. And they took their first school bus ride without any separation anxiety.

Here's Robert helping mom hang some contraption on the wall this evening.

We are safety conscious. Goggles are required for operating the screwdriver.