Christmas In Ashland 2008

We spent Christmas in Ashland with Ann's parents, Art and Doris. Here are some pictures from our time in Oregon.

Christmas Eve dinner was spent with family and friends.


After Christmas Eve services, Jennie was in no mood for pictures.


With a little coaxing, a smile was finally seen.

They can be sweet.



Christmas morning was beautiful.


Once again, Jacob and Jennie played Santa.


We finally get Jacob smiling nicely, and then...well, there's Jennie!


Art and Doris.

Christmas morning we woke up to a couple of inches of new snow, so we decided to do a little sledding. Since we didn't have a sled (why would two folks in their 80's NOT have a sled is beyond me!), I McGiver'ed a crude sled from duck tape and cardboard - emphasis on crude. Jennie gave it a shot - the results were less than spectacular. As a neighbor family was going out for the day, the dad took pity on my sad little sled, and loaned us his 4 person toboggan. Much better!

Sledding down the driveway.

A bit of video fun



Later, we went over to the park and the kids did a bit of climbing.

We had a great time!

Still Snow.....

Spent about an hour shoveling off the driveway. The snow is beginning to melt, but the driveway is in the shade, so I had to give it some help. The kids were out for about 2 hours this morning. We finally had to bring them in, as they were both soaked and cold. Nothing that a hot shower couldn't cure.

Wanna go in the spa?

The Morning After

The 14 is still closed, the schools are still closed...but MAN is it beautiful!

Arctic Blast 2008

Here are the totals for today:

• Still snowing as of 5:45.
• Has not stopped snowing since 6:30 this morning.
• We have over 12" of snow in the middle of the backyard -no drift- just what fell.
• We think we lost 2 or 3 branches from the shear weight of the snow.
• Just saw on the local news that school is canceled tomorrow.

More pictures tomorrow.

More Snow Stuff

Welcome to SNOWdale, California

The palms are in hiding today!

UPDATE

School was closed!

Yea!

SNOW!

Good news - It's snowing!
Bad news - It started around 6:30 am - too late to cancel school for Ann and the kids
Good news - It kept me working at home today
Bad news - .....er, um, I got nothing !!! :)

Jacob on HOUSE

Jacob FINALLY had more than 1 second of screen time! Check out the screen shot and the video below.

You can actually see his face

Nice job buddy!

Wow! A zany couple of weeks.

So, I'm typing this from our new laptop, while sitting in the living room with Ann. The new laptop is not the big news however. On November 1st, I got laid off. The studio I worked at was shut down with no real notice, and for the first time in over 12 years, I was without a job. Needless to say (but o.k. to type), this was a bit of a concern.

After a couple of days of worry (mostly by Ann :) ), I got a call from THQ, the publisher that had just shut down Mass Media. Before I go any farther, let me stress that there was no ill will towards THQ. When they shut us down, it was purely a business descision, and they were very kind with the exit deal they gave us. 'Nuff said.

Anyway, I went in for an interview on November 12. Everyone that I met with was very positive and excited to have me working at the main office, so I felt pretty good.

Last Monday, I got a call and they offered me the position of Director of Project Managment. This is a HUGE opportunity, and a gladly accepted.

Tomrrow is my first day. Wish me luck!

Cold Springs

Just a taste...

...more to come.

Muddy Buddy 2008

Pre race - Looking Clean!

Well, I didn't die! Yea!!! Warren and I ran the 2009 Los Angles Muddy Buddy this morning. This is the same race that Teresa and I ran last year. Teresa was going to run it with me again, but she is nursing a bad ankle, so Warren stepped up to the pit!

After the Pit - not as clean!

Although it had been raining for the last day or so (I know- rain in Southern California...whod a thunk it?!), the course wasn't too muddy, and our time was only a minute slower than last year. I think that the athletic 16 year old really is the one who held me back :) . Here is a video highlight of the race - mostly the beginning and the mud pit.

Click to play

Video camera in hand...

I have to explain. Cindy (Warren's sister) wanted this shot, so we obliged. The look on the guy's face on the right is priceless!

Halloween 2008

Jacob and Jennie had a blast on Halloween this past week. They wore their costumes to school and Trick or Treating on Friday night.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Lego

The Red Lego at school.

Little Red and her basket of goodies.

The traditional Halloween picture spot (with Frankie!)

A new Black Belt in the House

Jacob, Mr. Scott White and Jennie

Jacob and Jennie had testing at Tae Kwon Do tonight. Jennie tested for her decided black belt (one belt below Black Belt) , and Jacob tested for his 1st degree Black Belt. Check out the clip

They both did AWESOME!

This is about as mean as Jennie can look.

Mr. White was very proud of Jacob.

Going for the board break with a front kick.

Intense!

That board doesn't stand a chance!

Nice and high.

Jennie received her decided black belt, the final color belt before her 1st degree Black Belt. She is scheduled to test in February.

Jacob received his 1st degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Now his training can truly begin.

A HUGE amount of the credit goes to Ann, who has taken the kids to Tae Kwon Do, twice a week, for almost 4 YEARS! She has been their biggest cheerleader and off the mat coach.

I am very proud of my entire family.

Lavender Blue - Jennie Dances at the Fall Festival

Braving temperatures in the high 40's, Jennie danced at the Palmdale Fall festival on Sunday.

Preparing..

Toes pointed...

All together now.

Smiles for miles.

Our tiny dancer.

For your viewing pleasure...Lavander Blue.