Novitas

Twins at the Talent Show

Chris — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:17:52 +0000

Here’s the video of the twins performing at their school’s talent show. There was a big crowd and Tess unfortunately froze up a little bit while singing. Once they started over from the beginning, she got through it like a champ. Nothing fazed Adam. Tess was a little bit upset for a while, but her friends and teachers at school were very complimentary. I was so proud of them for working through it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Easter picture

Chris — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:10:29 +0000

Tessa has lost three teeth now. Adam hasn’t lost any. He’s a little upset about it, but only because he’s missing out on some of that sweet Tooth Fairy cash. Here’s a picture from Easter Day of the twins.

Twins rehearsal video

Chris — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 12:01:09 +0000

The twins are going to be in their elementary school’s talent show. Tessa is singing and Adam is accompanying her on the piano. Here’s a video I took at a rehearsal this week. Tessa was a little nervous singing with a microphone in front of a crowd, so the teacher sat with her and she did great. Adam just kept pounding out the tunes!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Jumpin’ Jiminy it’s cold!

Chris — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:34:22 +0000

On the Beltway on the way back from Jack’s birthday party, we ran into a snowstorm. The road wasn’t bad but the outside temperature went from 43° to 33° in about 10 minutes. Supposed to go down to 18° tonight. … Continue reading →

A “New” Camera

Chris — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:59:15 +0000

I have started using a new camera. New for me, it’s actually a pretty old camera. It’s my Mom and Dad’s Polaroid Land Camera 101. Probably at least forty-five years old.

Once I found a new battery that fit, and some film that it could use, it worked pretty well. You take the picture and then pull the print out of the side of the camera. It develops in about thirty seconds and you have a print.

I tried to explain the concepts of film and developing to the twins, but I don’t think they got it. They are used to cameras that show on the back the picture that was just taken. They were fascinated by the process though and modeled for me.

I’m still working on getting the exposure right, but this one came out pretty good.

Scouts and Citizenship

Chris — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:09:06 +0000

Adam has been busy with the Cub Scouts–and Dad’s been having fun too. Adam recently was awarded his Bobcat badge for finishing all of his associated tasks. The tradition is that the scout has to wear the badge upside down until he does a good deed, and since you wouldn’t want to disrespect the badge by holding it upside down, the scout gets held upside down by the Scoutmaster while the badge is pinned on. Adam had a ball.

Adam also competed in the Pine Wood Derby, with his car “Hawaii Five-O”. I think the Missus helped him pick out that name. His car won the first heat–I think I may have screamed like a girl when he did. By the time all the heats were run, he had slipped into 5th place (out of 12) overall. I congratulated him on a good race, but he was disappointed he didn’t get a medal. Here’s a picture of the awesome Hawaii Five-O:

Tessa’s been busy too. I got to join her at school to see her receive a Citizenship Award. I was able to surprise her and got a big smile in return. Congratulations, Tessa!

Global Domination

Chris — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:37:20 +0000

The Missus had to go back to work this week, so the twins and I have been home playing with the stuff Santa brought. The wily old elf brought me Risk, the game of global domination. I hadn’t played it since I was a kid. The twins caught on pretty quick, but they aren’t as willing to stab their opponents in the back as I am. Hey, what can I say? I don’t believe in coddling them.

Here’s a picture of the contestants having fun. The puppy won.

Out with the old…

Chris — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:29:32 +0000

Bought a brand new car! And donated the old one. I shed a tear or two as they took my Accord away. As I told the twins, “I’ve known that car longer than I’ve known you!”

Merry Christmas!

Chris — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:22:30 +0000

My boy!

Chris — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:35:45 +0000

At a recent cub scout meeting, Adam got his kit for making a pinewood derby racing car. He was excited about making the car, carving the wood, and winning the race. I was trying to set expectations. ”We’ll do our best,” I said, “but Daddy hasn’t had much experience with carving wood.”

“But, Dad!” Adam said. ”We built a computer!” Which we did. My boy!