Birthday Party

A picture from dad's birthday party last night. The lighting in the dining room is not flattering to our eyes.

Mother Nature dumped about a foot of snow on us yesterday and overnight. It's hard to tell the exact amount because the wind is blowing it all-around. It's enough to close the schools, however, so we are enjoying a snow day today.

Bedroom Makeover

Robert's bedroom received a makeover for 2014, courtesy of Donna. It started with the need to add some sort of cabinet to hold his ever-expanding fleet of cars, planes and other toys. Then we started discussing a rug to deaden some of the noise, an idea that Robert liked.

It also seemed like a good time to move his homework desk into his room and out of the den. If you look carefully (click on the image to see a larger version), you'll see that he has arranged his desk with a lamp, toy telephone, scotch tape dispenser, ruler and pencil sharpener. He's very organized.

We let the kids pick their own rugs at the big box store yesterday. Robert was fond of the red carpet, even though up-close it looks a lot like a giant towel.

The new shelf unit sits next to his dresser. The plan was for the shelf unit to hold his toys, lots of toys. But before Donna could stock the shelves, Robert made his own arrangement.

At first glance, you'd think that an adult arranged the items in this fashion. It looks like a display at Pottery Barn Kids, doesn't it? But Robert did that on his own, and it seems a shame to disturb it for the time being. 

Robert is enjoying his "new," big-boy room.  He and dad hung out in the room and watched movies while Donna and Sammy attended a birthday party this afternoon.

Sammy's room gets its makeover this evening.

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.