Kung Fu JD

 We (meaning JD) has had some trouble with concentration at school.  We (meaning I) decided that maybe doing a little martial arts after school would help.  I don't know if it has improved his concentration -- but it certainly hasn't hurt it.

 His class right before Christmas was VERY small and so his instructor let the kids do a little work with weapons.  Watch out - JD is going to be a kung fu master in no time.

Merry Christmas

 It's Christmas again -- where did the year go?  JD played with his cousins at Grandma's house on Christmas Eve.  The others are younger than him but JD enjoys being the big guy for a change.

 Kids ran wild while the adults debated about where to pose for a family picture.  I wasn't the official photographer.  When I get the "real" photo I'll post that one too.  This one may not have everyone's best side but was much more entertaining.

 It was a Skylander's Christmas.  JD got lots of skylanders and skylander themed items.

 As always, Lulu is puzzled by all the mess. 

 

After opening his own presents JD helped dad with his. 

The Birdhouse

 One of JD's cubscout projects was to build a birdhouse.  Dad helped him put it together.

 We painted it yellow.  JD decided it would be best to paint without a shirt on since the paint was the kind that doesn't wash out.

We gave it to Grandma for Christmas.  Nothing beats a homemade gift.

Goosebumps

 JD is a little obsessed with the Goosebumps books.  They are scary (mostly really dumb) stories written for kids.  He found this app on my phone and decided to "goosebumps" himself.  Then, of course, he had to "goosebumps" the bird. Ahhhh fun times!

Lucy Ruth

This is my newest little niece.  She has beautiful red hair and the most fabulous name ever --- meet Lucy Ruth.

Primary Christmas Party

 JD visited with Santa at our church's Primary Christmas party.  Afterword JD informed me that it wasn't really Santa, it was "Hammer's Dad."  I have to say - Hammer's dad did a great job.

JD took his turn at the pinata.  He came away with his share of candy even though his swing wasn't the one that broke it open.

Happy Thanksgiving

 We had a great Thanksgiving with the delicious turkey that George cooked.  I got lazy about taking picutres but Uncle Keith and JD look just as lazy here playing video games on the i-pad.

One Helpful Bird

 That Gumball is one helpful bird!  She wanted to help JD do his homework. 

 He was happy to let her take over the task.