Gallery

At the range

Welcome to the world of the Plastic Beach

For the most part, Mom listens to "kids music" with the kids. Dad? He listens to "Dad's Music" with the kids. Recently, Turner's been digging Peter, Bjorn and John, Coconut Records and The Generationals. Lately though, the past three Saturday mornings have belonged to the new Gorillaz record "Plastic Beach". This isn't the first time the Gorillaz have made an appearance on this blog. But that was before Turner could dance to it. Turner's favorite songs include "Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach" (feat. Snoop Dogg), "Superfast Jellyfish" (feat. de la Soul), and "Some Kind of Nature" (feat. Lou Reed). We both recommend it.

E.T. (Extra-Turner)

Turner & Gus

Gus Walking

Mom is Awesome.

Ashley was nominated and recognized as one of the top 100 nurses in Texas! Everytime I hear anyone talk about Ash at work it's always how great she is. I guess they're not lying because this is a big deal. Needless to say, I'm not surprised. If she's half as good at her job as she is with our kids then this is a no brainer.

We (the kids and Dad) are so proud of her and love her so much. Great work babe!

Sleeping and Soccer

This is how we see Gus most nights. Sleeping soundly. This is a picture of our video monitor in his room. I've also put another picture of Turner in his uniform at his first Soccer game! This is taken on the bleachers at Moss Field. What a ripper!

OH BOY, SNOW! (part 1)

Snow days are fun. Especially when Dad gets a snow day! Both school and the office were closed. Everything was at a standstill as our world turned white and fluffy.

This is the BEST kind of snow too. The temp was right around freezing so it wasn't too cold. Perfect for snowball fights and building snowmen. Turner and I built "Sénor Snowman" (see part 2) and a snow slide. Gus even got in on the action. There is an awesome older woman named Louis (who we just call the trash lady because she walks the neighborhood every morning and picks up trash along the sidewalk) who came by and took our family picture. Oh boy, I love the snow...

OH BOY, SNOW! (part 2)

Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da

Here are some recent pics of Gus' birthday, Turner and Owen at the Science Museum and a Turner in his new soccer uniform - which, by the way, haven't changed in 30 years...

Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da

Yo Gabba Gabba

Turner (and Dad) have always been fans of Yo Gabba Gabba!. A couple days ago Turner drew this cool picture on his Star Wars marker board (Ah, marketing to 4-year-olds...). Anyway it's a great study of iconic forms of these characters. And how kids see things. I know that sounds deep, but follow me here...

1) On the left there's Muno. Turner got the one large eye, the smile, "bumps" on his body, as well as the overall shape of good 'ol Muno (who lives on the Moon). Notice Turner didn't draw arms? Why? because I don't need to see arms to know that that's Muno. Just like I don't need to see Muno's red body.

2) Next in line is Foofa. The shape of her body and the flower on her head is a dead giveaway.

3) Brobee is in the middle. The horizontal stripes are what makes Brobee. But Turner took it one step further and and put the three points on top of his head. Awesome!

4) Toodee is drawn with the least amount of detail. Which is ironic because she's the lamest character on the show. The shape is still there though.

5) Last, but certainly not least, is Turner and Daddy's favorite Yo Gabba Gabba! character, Plex. Again the shape is totally Plex, but the antenna is awesome.

Turner is by no means a savant. He's a kid. He draws things how he sees them. He drew these "from life" as he was watching them on TV which I find remarkable. I know the characters and when he showed me, I knew who each and every one was. He draws the iconic form of each character with very little unneeded detail. I love the way kids draw. So simple. Always perfect.

Kickflip*

Turner has been really getting into football recently. (thanks for the Witten jersey O'Briens!) So when the Cowboy's lost yesterday we had to get our minds off the game and head to the park. Turner brought his skateboard and I had him start doing tricks. The ollie seemed too simple, the board was moving too much to photograph during the heelflips, and there wasn't any rails for Turner's favorite trick (50-50). So we took pics of him doing straight kickflips. What a ripper! He decided not to wear his helmet and pads 'cuz he's so hardcore and such a daredevil. Also, this picture is totally photoshopped. I couldn't help myself...

Gustavus Allan Ring

G-Daddy & Goose

Thanks to G-Daddy and Gigi for coming to visit over the New Year. I know Zach, Lauren, Baby Martin, June, Lane, Tara, LaRue, Peanut Butter, Greg, Ashley, Turner, Gus and Gurdy loved hangin' with you guys. Love you!

Gus' new toy

Christmas

Christmas was awesome. Kids make it that way. Here were the highlights:

1) Lane, Tara and LaRue (and Peanut Butter) driving up Christmas day.
2) It snowed!
3) Christmas Eve Service and spending the evening with my family opening presents.
4) Eating cake for breakfast Christmas morning.
5) Me and Lane beating Ash and Tara in Trivial Pursuit...badly.
6) Snowball fight with Turner and LaRue.
7) Eating awesome chili while watching the boys (Graham, Turner and LaRue) play at the Williams'
8) Watching Turner play with his favorite new presents (digital camera & his first bike)

Family Pictures

"The Rainbow" by Turner

I'm loving this. We painted the red/orange background when Turner was 3. So this painting has been in the works for about 2 years. Sorta like the Mona Lisa.

It's complete with all of the colors in the rainbow. Five sheep (with four legs each) eating the grass.

Fall Fun

Lila turned 13! Whoa. Time flies. There was a get together at the O'Brien's and the party included cake and tree-jump-roping. Turner LOVES to hang out with Logan and will follow him to the ends of the earth (or up a tall tree).

Holloween 2009

Turner and I braved the ghost and goblins Saturday night and went trick or treating for Holloween. A block over about 30 or so houses got together and made a block party with games, candy and other activities for the kiddos. It was cool. Except that all of the people were not inside there houses - so there was no:

1) knock on the door
2) say "trick or treat" at the top of your lungs
3) then say "thank you" as you leave (or dad takes the candy you just got from that house)

Instead Turner was trying to figure out who to say "trick or treat" to. There was so many people walking around and it was dark. Our friendly neighbors were just saying "here you go" and putting huge handfuls of candy in T's bucket. No "trick or treat" needed to be verbalized. Is nothing sacred?

It was fun, but I think Turner was even a little beaten down by the end. With about 5 houses left he just wanted to go home.