These pictures really capture the realness of our kids. For whatever reason, Benny loves to play dress-up. He will wear anything...including Everlie's dance gear. The two pictures in our driveway were from Mother's Day. One minute they are smiling next to each other, the next minute Benny has Everlie in a headlock. Mind you, Everlie is very much like her Mom. One day her brother will try stuff like this, only to find himself in the sleeper hold or with his arm twisted around his back until he says "Uncle". Both Geri and I have conversations trying to figure out Delaney's personality. I'm sure she will be tough like her sister. Everlie is like an egg...hard on the outside, but soft on the inside. Maybe Delaney will be like a Nerf ball...somewhat tough, somewhat soft, but very resilient.

Benny's birthday was last month, but because of rain we delayed his party until this weekend. We had CIndy's Zoo from Moscow Mills, MO bring all their small baby animals for petting. They also had a horse the kids could ride.

Here is my favorite picture. This is Benny in the height of his 4 year old curiosity.

Wonders never cease. I didn't think we would get any information about Delaney for quite awhile. Alas, here are some pictures of our beautiful daughter. Hopefully we'll pick her up this Fall. I am excited to fly back to Seoul and catch up with Mr Shin, Mrs Go and meet Delaney's foster family.

I apologize for the lack of post. These days it's much easier to log on to Facebook and upload pictures and quickly visit with other folks. Benny and Everlie have really enjoyed this part of the year. Both love the snow and being outdoors. We have gone hiking the past few weekends, once with the Robinson's and a few times just us. When it's chilly, we usually try and get the kids away from the TV to do something constructive like painting or building towers, etc from blocks or cards.

A few weeks ago we were worried about Everlie's health. Geri kept noticing her hair was falling out in clumps. We called Julia, who gave her professional opinion about the issue (ie: Thyroid issues, etc...). We finally put the puzzle together when I casually mentioned putting up the scissors in the bathroom. After cornering Benny, he confessed to cutting her hair. Case closed. I think Julia even mentioned that as a possibility.

Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks activities of painting and picnicing.

A neat thing about Facebook is that sometimes friends post random pictures from the past. This is from a banquet at Oklahoma Christian (OCC for old guys like me). I think that all the guys in the picture were from Kappa Sigma Tau. I believe the year was 1986. I'm top row center sporting the sweet white tux.

Snow Day

Today was Benny's first official "Snow Day". Preschool was cancelled due to the weather. Geri now spends Tuesday mornings at home (usually with Everlie). By lunch time, with 2 pent-up kids, she was more than ready to hit the slippery road to her office.

Our kids love the cold and snow. I think Benny was disappointed that the snow didn't pack very well for snowballs, but we made do building an igloo. Evidently this is where a squirrel and rabbit will be spending the night. After pulling Benny around the block on our boogie board...yes, we don't have a sled...it was time to come in for dinner. Geri made her first batch of clam chowder. It was excellent.

I want to clarify the post about my wife's "retirement". She retired as a partner, working at their home office. She is now back running her own office, like she did in Littleton. She loves it and has flexibility to spend much time with our kids.

This has been a memorable weekend. To begin with, I met an inspirational dad named Dick Hoyt. He is a hero in many senses of the word. He has 3 boys. One of his kids, Rick, has Cerebral Palsy. You see, his umbilical cord was wrapped around him at birth. Despite this impairment, Rick's Dad made a decision to never let life pass his son by. He did not want Rick to live in an institution or be pitied... Dick learned to swim and bike and never looked back on an amazing journey that has led to him and Rick competing in appx. 1000 sporting events.

Their website is www.teamhoyt.com



Another event that helped make this weekend memorable was a retirement party we went to last night. I have a friend that in many respects has been at the "top of her game" in her chosen profession. She works for a privately held company that has appx 25,000 employees worldwide. Their ownership structure is one that is privately held. There are approximately 400 General Partners in this company and my friend has been one for the past 5 years. Much is demanded for these partners. They all work hard across the board. In my estimation she excelled at the tasks given to her. She loves her company but decided make a lifestyle choice that gave her flexibility with her kids. That meant stepping down as a partner. They officially call this "retiring". That friend is my best friend...my wife. Congratulations. I am very proud to be married to an old, retired woman. You had the courage to make changes that will benefit our family for our lifetime. I love you for it. You are another hero to me.

I also want to let our wonderful friends Kelly and Aaron know that we appreciate you taking care of Benny and Everlie last night. We love you...but are smart enough to know that the payback will be coming soon enough.

After all the time we have spent in Spanish class...Benny's favorite foreign phrase is "Bella Luna". The other night we were treated to a Bella Luna. If you took a peek in our house at the same time, you would have been treated to our Bellissimi Bambini..beautiful children.

The forecast indicates an incredibly cold, coldfront. I'm thinking about hitting the modest Hidden Valley ski slopes Thursday night after a CFS board meeting. Maybe I'm loco.

Everlie is clearly addicted to texting and Nick Nolte movies. It's a shame isn't it?