Monster tree

We cut down our tree Sunday as we are in the process or transforming our home into a Christmas wonderland. This has been our tradition for 14 Christmases (or is it Christmasi?).

We cut down the biggest most garantuan tree we have ever gotten this year. Of course we had to hall up hill to our van. Thanks to Blake, Tanner and even David for helping me haul it. It is a full 8 feet tall and very full. Patsy is standing next to here, although you can't see the bottom.
After we set the tree up star, our cat found a comfortable and sweet smelling place to sleep. She didn't appreciate the flash though.

Since the tree is too tall for our star this year Blake decided to be a be the star himself!

Mysteries of the Realm Part 10

The last and final Mystery of the Realm! Great job Richard! Thanks to my wife, Blake and Tanner and Slidey!

We had a very nice time

My sister Rachel and her four kids came up for Thanksgiving and we had a great time.

It was pretty decent outside so the older kids played outside in the leaves and in the fort and on the trampoline. We sort of did "Black Friday", but not too much.

Patsy went to K-Mart at 6:30 for one particular sale and at 9:00 a.m. I went to Lowe's and Home Depot and AC Moore for Christmas decor. I thought I would post a few fun pics from the day.

Luke was all dressed up as a little pumpkin!

David and Chace got into the Historical nature of the holiday!

What I am thankful for

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I am thankful for so much including my savior, my family, my health and my job! Bu this Thanksgiving I want to say thanks to the troops who are fighting for our freedom! Thanks to my brother-in-law Matt who is serving in Afganistan

Mysteries of the Realm Part 9

The end of Grogon

Awana Grand Prix 2007

A view of our track. We have a pretty nice one and the metal always works nicer than wood. You can hear a "competetive parent" getting into it! :)

1st and 2nd place

We held our third annual Awana Grand Prix today. It was fun although a bit anti-climatic for me. Our participation was way down. Maybe it was too close to Thanksgiving. We may move it to February next year. Anyway Blake came in 1st in design and Tanner 2nd in design in their age group. Tanner had the fastest car of the two and finished fourth overall in his age group, but 4th doesn't get a trophy. The best thing about it they have two more cool cars to play with. Tanner wanted a Sponge Bob car and Blake wanted Luke's Sandspeeder from Star Wars. They came pretty close I think.

Three years of grandprix racing - all six trophy winners.

Blake's Sandspeeder next to the model (A Burger King toy).

Does he really think he is cool? C'mon!

Sponge Bob Square Pants!

Such a great smile!

Bug Night

Last night was Bug Night in Awana. We have never done this them night before and it's a little more difficult for today's busy mom, but overall it was cute. Not as many participated as some other nights we have done. I am messing around with a new program so enjoy the collages.

Mysteries of the Realm Part 8

Drako was a big hit in this one!

De ja vu' all over again

It's funny how little things hit you after you have lost someone. We showed this picture of my mom and us three kids during a video at my mom's funeral. Then a few days alter we are going through the Swiss Family Robinson tree house at the Magic Kingdom with my own family. Blake and Tanner were up ahead a little and looked down and said hi Dad! I snapped the shot and felt this wave of both sadness and joy come over me. It was a nice memory. Like a gift from God saying you have the memories Marty, now be a great dad! Please no comments on my socks!

Mysteries of the Realm Part 7

Week 7 of 10. Our snake Slidey got a little hyper in this epidsode. No fears though, he does that once in awhile when you hold him and then settles down.

Mysteries of the Realm PArt 6

From October 28th. There will be a total of 10 in the series. Remember these are supoosed to be hokey and non-professional.

The Real Pirates movie

The new Veggie Tales movie comes out January 11th. I have to admit it, I am really pumped to go and see it! We are kicking around the idea of doing a private Parkway screening for this like we did The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Stay tuned and check out the teaser from Kidology.