Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!

 


We had a lot of fun opening presents this year. The kids had asked for an Xbox 360 as their major gift. We got it for them, but decided to have a little fun giving it to them.

It was the only present that wasn't under the tree, so after everything was opened, we asked them if they had had a good Christmas. They both answered politely that they had, but we could tell that they seemed a teensy bit down. I then reached up towards the top of our tree and pulled out a folded piece of paper stuck in the branches and exclaimed "what's this?". they both perked up, walked over, and started reading from the note. It said:

A grand gift awaits, but you must solve this riddle to find the next clue:

I am under a place of slumber
in a room with a view of lumber


They knew immediately that it must be referring to one of our bedrooms facing the backyard where we have our wood stacked. When they looked under Nick's bed, they found a bag containing a can opener. They looked a little perplexed, but opened it at our urging. Tucked in the packaging they found another note, this one said:

I'm on the table
without a label,
open me
and set me free


They remembered a can sitting on our kitchen table that Michele and I had earlier drawn attention to. We had asked them who put it there, and where was the label? All tongue in cheek of course, we knew exactly where it had come from.

They used the can opener, and inside they found another note, this one said:

Come down...
...and PLAY!


Now they knew to run down the basement. In front of the tv they found a stack of presents containing the Xbox 360, extra controllers, and assorted games. They were delighted!

I'm sure it's a Christmas they won't soon forget.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all some good gaming. I know we will. :)
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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Civil War in Four Minutes

This is really cool. It's an animation showing the land held by the North and the South throughout the Civil War, as well as the casualties as they mounted. Gives a unique perspective of the war, both in the context of its geographical bounderies, and its cost in human lives.

Winter Fun

A small winter storm last weekend inspired some winter fun. Here are Alex and Nick sledding with cousins Jessica and Anna. John and I were on hand to record the event for posterity.
 

 

 

 
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Wrestling

Alex has added another sport to his growing repertoire by joining the Parkside wrestling team. Here he is in his first match of the first meet, which he won handily.
 

 

He wasn't as fortunate in his next two matches, but there's a whole season in front of him.
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More Jazz

Alex and the Parkside Jazz band performing their Christmas concert. These guys just keep getting better, and better.
 
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Friday, December 07, 2007

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

No better way than with the Trans Siberian Orchestra, these guys Rock!