Kids Table

Kids Table
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are back home now and waiting for 2011 sitting by the fire. Dylan and Sam got all worn out running from girls and wanted to leave. Happy New Year everyone.

New Years Foos

New Years Foos
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys with Dylan's girlfriend Mia.

Hats and Jerseys

Hats and Jerseys
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are on flight number two for the day and the boys are all relaxed on their new timberwolves and Viking hats and jerseys.

Ridin Home

Ridin Home
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

On the plane back to dc and hoping the connection works out in Chicago. Based on the gift the Vikings gave the Bears yesterday by beating the Eagles, I'd say they owe us one. We had a great trip but it's time to get back.

Tubing Fun

IMG_5019
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Got out and got some tubing in today with Rachel, FInn, Mae, Nicole and the boys. It was chilly but we all warmed up after a few runs. Plenty of snow out there to keep us busy with winter sports. Not sure what we are doing tomorrow but I'm sure it will involve snow. You never know if we will get enough back in DC to have any fun there.

Puss in Boots

Puss in Boots
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Saw a nice little children's play at the Old Log Theater this afternoon and now we are settling in to watch some football and let the cousins play together outside. We finally got some sun today which made the snow filled trees look very beautiful.

Snow Cave

IMG_5004
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We dug a series of snow caves and forts in the 6 foot drifts in the front yard today. That may be all the outdoor time we get today but it is a winter wonderland out there.

Waiting for Santa

Waiting for Santa
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The kids in their new pajamas getting ready for a long winters nap.

Winter Sky

Winter Sky
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's a snowy and cold Christmas Eve here in Minnesota and the kid present frenzy is about to begin. The dead of winter always seems so bright around the holidays.

Sledding Madness

Sledding Madness
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The snow is deep on the sledding hill this year. Like to my waist deep in some spots. We spent a couple hours shooting down the hill and sipping bailys and hot chocolate before getting ready for Christmas eve dinner and the child present opening extravaganza.

Minnie Bound

Minnie Bound
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Early flight to ORD then a fairly tight connection to MSP. The boys are pumped about all the snow.

2 and 0

2 and 0
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The baby Blue Devils won their second game of the season 21 to 10. Sam had another 10 points, Dylan had 4 and both played great defense. Sophia came away with 7 points and some awesome assists. They have a good little team.

A Christmas Miracle

A Christmas Miracle
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I did some errands after my vein treatments today and got some replacement LED icicle lights for a string that was having issues on the back porch. When i got home after picking up the boys, the strand in question was working again. I looked at it with the boys and told them that it wasn't working all week and how I bought a new strand today. Dylan looked at me with a dead serious face and said, "it's a Christmas miracle". Then grinned and we all laughed. Funny kids.

December Snow

December Snow
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's just a couple inches but it whitened up the place quite nicely. I do like trees with lights and snow. It's a good look. In off tomorrow for one more session of needles in my legs. I may have to take the boys with me since school has been delayed two hours. They should enjoy that.

First Snow

First Snow
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are getting our first couple of inches of snow today and people have already forgot how to drive. As always, stay away from cars with diplomatic plates. They tend to be really bad snow drivers.

The Yellow Team

The Yellow Team
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This was last weekends starting lineup and are working together tonight against the other five. Dylan and Sam provide some great power under the basket but Sophia may be the best all around player on the team of 8 boys and 2 girls.

Modeans

Modeans
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The annual Christmas party at Steve and Patty's house in Catonsville. A bunch of people I haven't seen in a while and a good time all in all. The boys had a great basketball game yesterday as well. Sam has 10 points and Dylan had 2 in a 14-12 nail biter. They both played some ferocious defense and had to have 10 steal a piece. We are getting the rain that was snow in Minnesota today so after few errands it will be home in front of the fire for the rest of the day.

Flying By

Flying By
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This was a busy week that kind of flew by like this little spaceship ornament on our tree. I had more needles put in my leg today and I'm still trying to shake thus cold but I'm glad it's the weekend. Minnesota is getting a couple feet of snow this weekend. With the foot they already have we should be good for some serious sledding un a couple weeks. I like snow but I'm glad I dont have to shovel this round of the white stuff.

Big Lights

Big Lights
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I would be the neighborhood champ if I had these lights up on the house. Had an easy trip back from New York today with the trains running on time. Sam and I are still a little sick and I'm not sure he will be going to school tomorrow and I'm a little on the iffy side as well.

The Tree

The Tree
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Rockefeller Center at christmas time. It's cold and a little snowy here in Manhattan. Noon train up today, noon train home tomorrow.

Decorating the tree

Decorating the tree
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The tree is up, the stockings are hung, the outdoor lights are strung and Elf is on TV. Elves stick to the four major food groups, candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup.

Out Done

Out Done
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

My neighbor across the street from us got his lawn all set for the holidays. I can't match the sheer number of inflatable displays, mostly because I wouldn't know where to store them so I will do my typical lights around the doors, front bushes and back deck. Maybe something new this year if I can muster the energy.

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Another eight crazy nights.

First Basketball Practice

First Basketball Practice
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A new season begins.

December

December
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

One of my favorite months of the year. Lights, cold and snow are all good with me but this kinda hot torrential rain we just had should not happen again until June.

Basketball Season

Basketball Season
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Basketball practice starts on Wednesday and the boys are excited. Got them new shoes for the season and dud some drills at the park. We are going to win some this year.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Looking out at the sunset over San Francisco. It's time to eat.

Cheering Sam

Cheering Sam
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A tense Cal volleyball game but Sam is making some noise.

Left on the vine

Left on the vine
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Landera Vineyard on Howell Mountain was very nice and I ended up with a lot of their wine. Don't know why these grapes are still on the vine, harvest of the 2010 cab ended in October.

Solbar

Solbar
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Great dinner at Solbar in Calistoga last night and a relaxing day meandering back to Berkeley today. Had a nice tasting at Landera on Howell Mountain. It was nice and sunny today which was nice after on and off rain yesterday.

Frazier Family Winery

Frazier Family Winery
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Just completed a very nice tour and tasting at Frazier in Napa. The caves were actually warmer than the outside and the wine was very good. At the Soda Canyon store for a quick bite them off to Larkmead for more wine.

Oakland Museum

Oakland Museum
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Checking out the Pixar Exhibit at the Oakland Museum. Can't take pictures inside.

Happy Bears

Happy Bears
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

While the football game yesterday afternoon was a Cal disaster, the basketball game last night was a Cal romp. The Boys like to see the Bears win as much as Grandpa.

The Tree

The Tree
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The Stanford tree had it's way with Cal today. How does a tree beat a bear? The boys had fun at the game anyway.

Lawrence Hall of Science

Lawrence Hall of Science
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's been raining all day so we went up to the Lawrence Hall of Science childrens museum for a while. The main exhibit was the science of roller coasters but Nicole found the building blocks area the most engaging.

Airtrain

Airtrain
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Our 6:30am flight landed 20 minutes early this morning and we took the SFO airtrain to the car rental facility and got to Berkeley at 10:30 cal time. It was tough getting up at 3:30am but I survived and the flight and the boys were pretty good as 6 hour flights go. Need some rest now.

Great Fall Weekend


The parents left yesterday but not before a action packed weekend of historic sites, football parties and dinners. I think everyone had a good time during three really nice days in late fall. It's rainy now but it was 65 and sunny while Marsh and Carolyn were in town which had to beat 12 inches of snow back in Minnesota. Actually, I like snow and would have enjoyed that too. As you can see from the picture, I survived my varicose vein treatment on Friday. The two Valium, laser glasses and music made the whole thing bearable but my leg is pretty sore still today. It's my bad knee leg, so I'm limping even more than usual. I must look pathetic. Still have a couple of busy work days then it will be Thanksgiving week with the Big Game, wineries and turkey. Good times...

Here's a link to some of last weekends photos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157625385528480/

Under Control


Finally found a way to keep the boys under control. Prison.

Airforce Memorial

Airforce Memorial
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Took the parents to the airforce and pentagon memorial after my procedure yesterday. Its been some nice weather these past few days. Just got back from mount Vernon with more pictures.

Laser Treatment

Laser Treatment
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Getting some laser treatment for some varicose veins in my leg today. Check out the laser glasses and headphone to try to tune out the whole thing as much as possible. Man, I hate needles and I'm getting lots of then right now.

Really?

I've now seen two houses with full Christmas displays up around here and I have yet to take down all the Halloween stuff. I do like the season but it seems a little early to start celebrating. I like to keep my lights up until February and if I put them up now, it would be a whole quarter of lights which just seems wrong. I think I will wait till after Thanksgiving like normal people.

I posted a bunch of pictures from last weekends birthday party and football game on flickr. Enjoy.

Off Road Biking

Off Road Biking
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Perfect fall day to ride some trails with my little 8 year olds.

Happy Birthday Boys


Big party today at Shadowland, a laser tag joint where the theme was Mario Brothers. It was close to impossible to get all teh kids in one shot but this one seems to be the best. Sam is in green behind the dude in blue. It was a fun party and I even played a game of laser tag. I came in 24th but it was some fun. Can't believe they are 8 year old. Love the little fellas.

Mission Three

Mission Three
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Tie Game

The season ended today with a tie against the Chargers. It was a tough defensive game at 6 to 6 with Sam scoring the Bronco's touchdown on a long end run. Both boys were pretty disapointed that they missed the playoffs by a hair but had a great time all season long. On to the birthday party and more pictures.

Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Edison vs. Hayfield in a crosstown rivalry.

Spooky


We did a little more outside decorating this year but nothing compared to some of the stuff I see around the neighborhoods these days. Not sure I will ever be able to muster all the energy needed to do a lot line to lot line decorating job at this house. I'm not looking forward to taking this little display down. I will need to do it before stringing the Christmas lights I suppose.

Here are some pictures of the Halloween Party. It was fun but I'm glad it's over for another year.