A Little Light Reading

Well, after many many days of computers working, not working, and then working again, I think they actually fixed ours. A new "Logic" board, which, correct me if I am wrong, is like a new motherboard. The logic being, if you don't back up your data, or if you don't have the AppleCare extended service warranty, you're really going to back over your computer on purpose. I guess it could be called, "iCare", but that would be too cliche.

I spent some time yesterday in the 63 degree weather to put up our Christmas lights. This is how the house looks now:

I felt like getting the moon in the picture was just perfect, Jodi thought it would be a little too gaudy. I know gaudy, and that's not gaudy. I have the boys help me on the roof. No, not Nick. We told him this year that he needs to be 8 before he can get on the roof to help. He seemed to be okay with that, but by then I am sure we will have a great idea like tethering him to me. The kids love it, I trust them up there, and it's also not bad because I don't mind not being on the roof. No one makes snide remarks or the typical, "Don't jump, there's still a lot to live for!" comments to kids. And they looked like they knew what they were doing this year. Jodi added a nice touch, having them wear their bike helmets while they are on the roof. I thought kids still bounced at that age? Brayden and Matt got exactly 2 strands done. So that amounts to the south side of the house and about 10 feet up the west side. I was actually sweating on the roof, had a water bottle, and was wearing shorts. I figured if I couldn't get out there on a day like that, I was an idiot. So they are up, done, and who knows when we will turn them on. Jodi is very much against turning lights on too early, thereby bypassing Thanksgiving. I guess the fact that I wander around the whole month with a drumstick necklace and candied yams on my face isn't evidence enough that we won't be skipping right on into Christmas this year. I can't believe that it's already Turkey day next week though. I am pretty sure it is because we have had such beautiful weather here, no one pays attention to what month it is. It has felt like September since, well September. We will be participating this year at my family's buffet. I am starting to get nervous about the holidays because I have absolutely no idea when I am going to get rid of my winter coat and slim down into my normal speedo ready body for our trip to Hawaii in late January. I guess I can always wear my biking outfit. Which, by the way, reminds my of my recent milestone. Just passed 800 miles and 50 hours on the bike so far this year. Since I started in August it has been ideal weather to ride in, so in that way I think it is a little naive to assume I can ride outside this late in the year every year. But I will take advantage while I can.

Since we have been gone so long, there was a few pictures I wanted to post that I didn't get a chance to during the meltdown. You'll remember that I talked about Nick's little soccer pal Caleb, well, here he is:





and here is his famous victory pose:












Here's Nick in a pose of his own:




Here are a few more highlights from Halloween. A Fantasy Scene provided by my brother and his family.


My sister and her family portraying Curious George:


And a couple of kids, I don't know who they are.