Chef Koleman

Koleman is becoming quite a cook. He enjoys it so much that for his science fair project he decided to bake cookies. It is possible that part of the reason for that was so he could eat cookies. You never know.

His project was baking cookies using different types of flour, and seeing what the differences were. First he was going to make a large batch of the batter without flour.



It's a bit early to start tasting, Koleman!



Master Mixer.



Five different types of flour. I can't remember them all, but there were some relatively nasty choices for cookies.

This is either buckwheat flour or pumpernickle flour. Either way, it's not looking good.



Some results. Some look like cookies, and some look like ... well, this is a family website, so I won't finish that thought.



Yum! Yum! Yum?



"Hmmm... these aren't nearly as bad as I expected!"

Cowboy! Cowgirl!

This is Christmas Eve Day. I'm right on top of things here. Milena was a cowgirl. Kelson and Milena had their horses. Fun times for all.



Is this a cowgirl or cowboy? Good sport, for sure.

Artist!

Kelson just received the highest honor which can be bestowed upon a young St. Peter artist - one of his masterpieces has been hung in a local bank. Here is the proud master, pointing to his work of art:



It might be hard to tell which picture he's pointing at. It's the light blue one with lots of sea animals in it. Not the picture with just one shark. That's a hack job by a far less talented student. And the big, ugly head to the left? Embarrasing. Kelson's picture is like a diamond lying in a pile of goat turds.

Not that I'm biased.

Joy. Sweet joy.

It's a nice thing to have a new book waiting to be read. Since it's the latest from Christopher Moore, I expect gigantic things from it. And, since I haven't started reading it yet, it is a brilliant book in potentiality. It might end up being lousy, but until I crack into it, the sheen of untarnished spectacularity remains unscathed. As of now, it's the best book I haven't read.



Now I just need to finish my book about ninjas, monsters and the end of the world.

Eli loses a tooth

They want to make sure I photographically document all of their tooth departures. It's very important.



He was proud of this one - he had to yank it out.



The tooth fairie had a tough time dealing with Eli, because he is, in general, a light sleeper, and it was a very loud, very windy night. The tooth fairie had to do their best ninja imitation to sneak in and do the deed.

Problem? No problem!

The kids have been really happy to get out on bikes and scooters, now that we finally have respite from snow and cold weather. They were planning on going outside today after school, too, but it started to rain. Is that a problem? No! It's merely an opportunity to find a solution!

And the solution was, naturally, goggles.



With goggles, you can ride your bike without blinking!



Even if it's raining! Brilliant!



Milena can do it, too!

St. Patrick's Day Visitors!

It's a St. Patrick's Day Tradition. The Leprechauns come a-visitin' on St. Patrick's Day Night.

For some, it's a bit early in the morning to deal with a pillow on your breakfast stool.



A fort of cushions? It's madness! Madness, I tell you!



Walter protects Kelson from the bright lights.



It truly would have been a disappointment if the Leprechauns didn't turn the milk green.



How the heck did those little buggers get one of the poodles' duck toys on the fan? I hope that they dusted the fan first.



They played Rock Band! You can tell, because the drum set is at the lowest level.



And look, the microphone stand is short, and the guitar straps are short. I wonder what songs they played?



It also looks like they piled up our cushions and played Mario Kart. I wonder how they did...



... pretty darn well, it appears! The Leprechaun got first place!



And now we are free of them for another year.

Cool Hair Kids

This morning was a good morning. Probably the best getting-ready-for-school morning of the year. When Eli exclaimed, "Oh! I need to do my hair!" (he has his own gel, and likes to go to school with spikes or a faux-hawk), Kelson said, "I want a faux-hawk, too!"

Eli then said, "C'mon, Kelson, you can use my gel!" And they ran downstairs together. I had to help Kelson, since he had never done it before. His hair is a bit short to get a real nice spike in the middle, so we went with a center ridge and spikes on the side.

The boys were happy with the results.



Of course, they fully expect me to have my hair done fancy when I come to spend time in their classes this afternoon. What to do, what to do...

Walter Gets Plastic Surgery

OK, I know, I've been slacking. Severely. I apologize. There are lots of excuses I could pull out, but I won't insult you. I'll just try and win back your love by posting pictures.

Yes, the Christmas tree does give an indication that these photos are not recent. Again, I apologize. But, as NBC pointed out, if you haven't seen them, they're new to you!

Kelson's bear Walter has lived a hard life. And he was falling apart. Thankfully Grandma Karen told Kelson that she would help to fix him. And she did!



He got new stuffing, a new nose, new eyes, patches over his frayed spots, and some other cosmetic improvements. Kelson even got to help.



Walter is now a much sturdier bear, and Kelson loves him!



Awww....