Merry little Christmas

We must have been good this year because Santa left a lot of presents under our tree.

We gathered together in the living room to open them. 

 Except for Darcy. Darcy had suspicions and stayed in the hallway.

Open the packages!

I got candy corn candles. 

Seth got socks. 

James got a gaming headset...

and heart-shaped sunglasses. 

Ryan got a block heater...

and tuition money.

Emma got a new sibling.  

Twins.

It was a nice Christmas.

December 2018

Pilgrimage

Last night, the Buxton family...

went to Nick's Garden Center...

to buy a Christmas tree.

It was cold...

and the trees were expensive.

Sorry, James. No pink tree for you!

After a lot of looking...

and a lot of silly pictures...

we finally found just the right tree and a whole bunch of free candy canes. Don't take them all, James!

December 2018

It's hard to be Darcy

Today was Thanksgiving, and Darcy spent the entire day waiting for her turkey dinner.

It was a long wait, and Darcy was hungry. She decided to take matters into her own paws.

Oh no! Intrusion detected.

Intrusion repelled.

Sorry, Darcy. This turkey's not for you.

This is your turkey dinner.

It's almost as good.... (not really!)

Nom! Nom! Nom! 

November 2018

Fall leaves 2004

2004

Academic recognition ceremony

Today started with an early morning academic recognition ceremony.

James received an academic bar...

and an AP Scholar with Distinction medal. 

This medal is awarded to students who average a minimum of 3.5 on all their AP exams and score 3 or more on at least five of these exams.

 Of course, James will let you know that he has taken five AP exams and his average score is 4.8.

He might be smart. 

James' best friend, Kevin is smart, too. 

He also got an academic bar and an AP Scholar with Honor medal. 

October 2018

Carol visit!

Carol is back in the United States for a week of training.

On Tuesday night, the kids and I drove out to Southlands to hang out with her.

Ryan wore his kilt... 

and Carol shared some German beverages. 

September 2018

First day of school, part one

August 2018

Licensed

James and I went to the DMV this morning. It was terrible.

So we went to another DMV, and James got his license. 

He couldn't wait to use it. 

Drive safely, James! 

July 2018

DA+JDG

Last night, James, Seth and I went to a Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore concert at the Oriental Theater in northwest Denver.

 We sat at a table near the back of the room, which was fine.

Really. 

But eventually I worked my way up closer to the stage.  

That was better.

The man standing next to me had a big camera, and I was a little jealous.

Still, I think I did okay with my cell phone. 

July 2018