I think I finally have this scooter thing down. I think.

Runaway scooter!

Daddy teaches Katie how to scoot

Sweet sister kisses

Playing before bedtime

Reaction to Windows 8 - It's Not Good

In the first part of December, I upgraded my computer to Microsoft Windows 8.  I really wanted to like it.  For the first few days, I thought it was pretty cool.  Now that I've had it for nearly 2 months, I pretty passionately dislike it.  I need to re-learn much of what I already knew about Windows, and this new operating system is not intuitive like Apple's OS is.  For the first time, I'm starting to think about getting a Mac.  Hopefully, Windows 8 will grow on me in the coming months....but right now, I'm disappointed.  I'm sure I'll get comfortable with Windows 8 right around the time that Microsoft unveils its next operating system.

Posing for the camera (so far she isn't tired of my new interest in taking pictures).

My little monkey loves bananas

Opening Christmas Stockings

Katie's Christmas Present

Katie was so excited when she opened her scooter for Christmas. She clapped her hands, jumped up and down and said, "Thank you!!! It is just what I wanted." She then ran over to give Daddy a big hug and kiss. Christmas = success!

The whole class (minus a few that went on vacation early)

If you give a toddler a cupcake...

You have to have cake at a birthday party!

Katie's co-op Christmas party

Before the Christmas break Katie's co-op had a birthday party for Jesus. Here are a few pictures of Katie in action.

9/11 Memorial

Earlier this year (when it was much warmer) we headed downtown to see the 9/11 Memorial. 

Best friends

More individual pictures of Katie and Elizabeth in their Christmas dresses

Silly girls

Posing in their matching Christmas dresses.

Comment Moderation

In an attempt to get more of our readers to comments on the pictures we post on the blog, I have removed comment moderation.  When you comment on a recent blog post, the comment will immediately be posted. 

I added comment moderation a couple years back when our blog was getting a huge amount of Chinese spam comments, but Google seems to have solved that problem. 

Hopefully, this will encourage more participation by our silent readers.

The Difficulty in Printing a Family Portrait

A little over a month ago, I took this family portrait. I took this in our living room - Mommy put up a black cloth, and I set up a tripod and used a remote control to take the picture.

Yesterday, I decided to get the picture printed so that I can proudly display my 3 girls in my office.  Online, I sent the picture to a local drugstore (a national chain) to get printed.  After receiving an email telling me that my order was complete and ready for pickup, Katie and I took a walk to pick up the picture.

Katie and I stood in line at the photography counter for the picture.  When it was finally our turn, the associate looked for our picture for a moment, and returned with the message, "We can't print the picture you ordered."

"Why not?" I questioned.  "I got an email saying that it was done."

"Because it is a professional picture, and you need to bring authorization from the photographer allowing you to print the picture."

I responded, "I'm flattered you guys think it is a professional picture, but, actually, I took the picture."

"Umm...no.  You're in the picture."

"That's because I used an infrared shutter release."

"A what?" 

"A remote control."

"Look," the associate continued, "This picture was clearly taken in a studio."

"Actually, my wife put up a black background, and we took the picture in our living room."

"This was clearly taken with studio lighting, not living room lighting."

"Well, I used an external flash and manually set the white-balance, but that was taken in our living room."

"Hmmmfff," the associate sighed.  "Sounds like you have a come-back for everything.  I'm going to get my manager." 

The manager came and had a discussion about the picture with me and Katie (Katie even explained that Daddy took the picture at home).

Finally, the manager agreed to sell us a print of the picture if I would sign a statement stating that I "was or claimed to be" the photographer that took the picture, and that I agreed to indemnify the store against any copyright infringement lawsuit.  I wasn't expecting it to be nearly that tough to print our family portrait.

Sister love

Mommy is trying to be artistic.

Oh Great. Now Mommy has figured out how to use the camera.

So many emotions

It was about this time a year ago my nurse was frantically searching for the doctor because Elizabeth was arriving whether we were ready or not. I cannot believe it has been a year already. Elizabeth has been an enormous blessing to this family. She has such a sweet personality and loves to give kisses and cuddles. I am so thankful that I get to be her Mom. This past year has been full of adventures, learning experiences, laughter, sleepless nights, doctors and a whole lot of love. I cannot wait to see what this next year holds. Happy Birthday, Elizabeth. We love you.

Bonus Picture of the Birthday Girl!

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!!!

One year ago today, Elizabeth joined us in this world.  Somehow, it feels like just yesterday, but at the same time, I can't imagine our lives without Elizabeth.  What a year it has been!