Hannah in Pocahontas

Probably everyone would be surprised that Hannah continues to appear in school plays. This is her second one and she seems to enjoy the long hours of practice. Darcy helped out with props, as all parents of the cast must be on a "team" to help the production. In so many ways, she is so mature for her age and in so any other ways she is, and always will be our little girl. Luke actually pondered auditioning for "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown", but decided against it.

"Luke-ism"

We celebrated Darcy's father's 70th birthday on December 27th with all of her family. The picture is of Luke and his grandfather. After that we drove home the next day. Luke and I have been having a three year discussion about him getting a pet. We have pretty much decided that a rabbit is the best choice. Last night we were talking prior to his going to sleep and I thought that maybe, just maybe, we should look at a dog instead, since then the whole family could enjoy it. On hearing this Luke paused and said, "Your words interest me".

Only Luke.

Proof of Santa - in triplicate!

As you remember, Hannah wrote a note to Santa. Ever the exacting girl, she asked Santa to sign a note, three times, when he was at our house. Here you have it, show it to your family, friends and children everywhere, proof of Santa!

Growing up can be painful

OK, I wasn't there, but Hannah had asked for this for a while, pierced ears. She went with Darcy and our neighbor Julie and her daughter Kelly. If you look in the first photo, Hannah is holding a stuffed animal. Hannah isn't one for pain so I told friends that there was a 50% chance of this getting done. I just wanted to share these photos with those who have gone through this or have little girls. I especially wanted her aunts and cousins to see how my Hannah is growing. I also felt a little bad that there hasn't been "Luke" updates" but he is up

at his cousin's house in LA for two days. We'll pick him up on the 27th and then we'll spend New Years at the beach in Carlsbad.

Innocence & Uncle "Billy-Goat"

We are often asked to "prepare" our children for the trials that will come their way. We are to teach them about "stranger danger", my children have to practice a "lock-down" at least once a year at school as if an intruder was on the campus and they are not to leave their rooms, but to hide beneath their desks. I will have to deal with "stranger danger" at some time, but for now, my job is to protect them from strangers. I will protect their innocence, protect them from any physical or mental harm. This brings me to Hannah's letter to Santa. Hannah is still "innocent". She still believes. 2007 may be the last year where they both of my children truly believe. 2008 will be a year of change for all of us in the Smith Family. I'll be getting a new job, Bailey may not make it through the whole year (though I hope she will) and maybe, just maybe, one of my children will not "believe" anymore. A layer of innocence will be shed. Please enjoy Hannah's letter. She is special. Today I was singing some of my Christmas carols, where I insert "Hannah" or "Luke" in them. I made up a verse where I spoke of my brother, who Hannah named "Billy-Goat". Billy had called Hannah - "Hannah-Kate". Well as I was singing, I mentioned Billy, and Hannah smiled. She remembered him. She loved him. The pure innocence and joy that came over her face as Billy's name was mentioned made me happy for the time Billy spent with her. Someday I will have to work harder on "preparing" her for the world. For now, I just hold her and protect her.

This is not Halloween, Luke tries out Dirt Bikes

This is not a Halloween picture. Luke's friend Derek (on left) got a new dirt bike. His father has a dirt bike and a RV so they were nice enough to ask Luke to come with them. When I confirmed with Derek's father, Norbert, that he really had offered for Luke to come and this wasn't Luke's hopeful request, Norbert said, "Maybe I should have run this by you first?" Apparently the look on my face confirmed that he should have, but it would happen eventually and the Hagens are great friends. But I was not exactly thrilled about this as this would start the whole process of Luke wanting a motorcycle, me getting one and $15-20,000 later after an RV this becomes the family weekends. Well Luke started that he wanted a motorcycle for Christmas. He even spoke to Darcy about talking directly to Santa without me so I wouldn't stop it. I thought about it. I really did. Darcy even showed me some motorcycles on eBay. I'd love to do it but I know if we had motorcycles, I'd never be riding the bicycle and I want Luke and I to have exercise that we do together. So this has gone on for about two weeks. Luke came and sat next to me downstairs last night and said, "Dad, I know the motorcycle is off the table, so if you get me the pet rabbit we've been talking about, that would be OK." I asked him why and he said that he knew I would never agree to the motorcycle. Pretty smart 8-year old boy. My son, my friend and a young man who has a wise heart - Luke.

The Marines land at Rancho Carillo Elementary

There are many advantages to living in San Diego. Great weather, mediocre football teams, great friends and the proximity of Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. We have a few neighbors who serve our country as pilots. Our closest friend is Lt. Col. Rick Bowen. He will probably be transferring to the east coast next year so this is the last year that he was able to fly two Huey helicopters onto the playground at the elementary school by our house. This is a great chance to see not only the helicopters but the men who fly them. Flying into a residential area takes a few clearances from bureaucrats that are not crazy about seeing this done but it is an awesome sight.
Thanks to Rick Bowen and Principal Fred Wise (in flowered red shirt) for getting this done for the kids.