Art Show

My oldest put on his first art show. He picked out his 'artist clothes' and showed everyone his work and told us about it. It was a small, but intimate gathering: me, his mother, and his little brother (who decided to take on the role of 'the elephant in the room'--which we were careful not to talk about).

White grape juice and crackers were served, while acoustic music played in the background. (A little Jack Johnson, oh yeah.) The pieces displayed were from his acclaimed "Fall and Halloween" phase. Anyway, without further ado, here is the artist and some of his work:

The artist




Watercolor Jack-o-Spiders




The artist talks about his influences, you know... Maurice Sendak, Eric Carle, Charles Shultz.




Welcoming the guests

The juxtaposition of the smiley face and the ghost's expression can be interpreted many ways, of course. What does it say to you?

An art patron is simply awed as the artist describes the scope of his vision.

There you have it folks. His first successful art show. I'll let you know when the tour begins.

Eight years and counting!

Eight years ago today I married the love of my life. Sweetheart, I thank God for you. You find a way to bless me every day. I know it hasn't always been an easy road, but it is very, very good. Forgive me for the times when I don't treat you with the love and respect that I should. There are mountains and valleys, battles to fight and victories to claim, and it all means more to have you at my side. I adore you. You are my helpmate, my friend, my beloved beautiful bride.

One last hurrah!

We took one last mini-vacation before school starts. North Georgia mountains this time, around Helen. We stayed in a cabin for three nights.

A big "Thank you, darling!" to my beautiful wife for all the work she put into getting us ready and making things go as smoothly as they did. Thanks also to my mother-in-law for coming with us and helping with everything. Thanks to the boys for helping me be a kid again. And most of all, thanks to God for creating such beauty for us to enjoy.


Ready for anything!


How symbiotic relationships get started.


Adventurer in training.

Sign? What sign?

Smile like you mean it!


Now THIS is what it's all about.

I can't even begin to imagine what heaven must be like.

More pictures later...I'm going to bed now.

How I spent my summer vacation:

My boy is the exuberant one (naturally).




Ready or not, here I come!




Can I come in and play?




Don't try to stop me, I'm going in!



You can tell at once, we are elephants*.



I know there's some dinosaur bones here somewhere.



Be still!



Coolin' it with Grammy.



Shoulda been a park ranger. (yes that's me with a reptile, and yes those are other people's kids).




Dude, this is my favorite part.




Cuddlin' cousins.




What friends are good for.




Chillin'.




No, this way...




Boat making 101.



Sea worthy!



Finding fun in our own backyard. (Yeah, another snake.)


Speed? I am speed.

So, how are you spending your summer vacation?

*Elephant caption courtesy Fred Rogers (aka 'the coolest man in children's television).

Belated Birthday pictures!

The big day was in June. My oldest turned six. Wow, time needs to slow down a little.

He wanted a Hulk birthday cake, so the wife and I made him one. He wanted to eat the hair.

Of course we let him.

It aint a party till something gets SMASHED!!!

Happy Birthday Buckaroo!

The best Moma in the world.

She lives right here in this house.

I could not have picked a better

mother for my sons, but come to

think of it, I really believe God had

more to do with that than I did.

Thank you Lord for giving her to us.

I don't know what we'd do without her.

I love you darling!

Happy Birthday!

Our youngest just turned three! We had lots of fun this weekend.

My beloved baked the cake and iced it. I really believe she can do anything. I made the little banner, and the boys already had the toy cars.

Water fun!

Sugar is your friend!

Oh Goody, something with a million pieces!

The party was a blast. Thanks to everyone who came. We are still trying to recover and to rein in the latest deluge of toys.

We're back!

The Disney trip was a success! Thanks for your prayers. We were able to pack an incredible amount of fun into the few days we were there. Here are some pictures:


My three favorite people beside that famous Castle.



Here's me and the oldest son fighting the evil emporer Zurg.



Buzz and his new pals.



The dragon is actually in the water and is made of Legos. It stands across from the Lego store at Downtown Disney, a shopping center on Disney property that sells all things Disney.



I thought the fireants in Georgia were bad, but they're nothing compared to these things they've got in Orlando.



And here we all are with the Mouse himself.


That's it for now. I may post more about our trip later. Right now I'm tired and just want some down time.


Peace.