Darcy turns 40!

We had a semi-surprise birthday party for Darcy's 40th birthday. Darcy knew we were having a party, she didn't know that we were making it a 1968 theme. Most people dressed the part, with a few going well beyond and making it a great time. We decorated the outside of the house with palms, built a "temporary" bar in the street and had a "Darcy Trivia" contest, with the winner getting a gift certificate to Starbucks (the winner, Julie Hagen). Darcy's parents came down and so did her sister. It was a great time and the "temporary"bar is now a "mobile" bar that will be wheeled to anywhere in the neighborhood where a party is hosted. Everybody had a great time and when I turn 40 I want the same thing for me.

Monday Night Pizza

Luke and I continue with a tradition of " Monday Night Pizza. It has been 4-5 years for us and it is a gathering of a few dads and their children. No moms. I'd say that the group started 7-8 years ago with the Theule family. My mother shows up when she is in town as a "special exception." to the "No Moms" rule. I just happened on this picture of one of the past nights when our friends, the Michaels, still lived here. The highlight is when the 7:00 PM train goes by at high speed. We've been doing this for years, but it is still amazing to have a train speeding by, 6 feet away from you at 60 miles per hour. Jeff Steffen and his children are the longest ranking member of the group now since Chad Theule and his family moved up north. When I pulled up this picture, the best part is Jeff's son, Judah, on the bottom right, shuddering from the speed of the passing train. We eat Pizza at Pizza Port in Carlsbad. We head either to the "train" park, or in the summer, down near the beach. Then to Starbucks for some drinks and checkers for the kids. Nothing really special, but a time every week when dads get to spend time with their kids and the moms get some free time. If you're wondering, Hannah "opted" out a few years ago as she was the oldest and didn't want to go anymore. Now that Luke is the oldest, I'm wondering when he'll want to stop going, but he still looks forward to it every Monday. We have a special football that we only use on Mondays and we keep it in my car so we won't forget it. When he starts to get tired of it we have him bring a friend. The real question is, when he stops coming, where will I find another kid to bring with me so that I can still go?

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.