December 2007

Christmas 2007

Christmas at the Shugart's

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. . .

and overflowing onto the floor.

Brett and his new "toy" gun. It's a very realistic looking airsoft gun.

Kelly with Brett's new "toy" gun.

Kelly with her new sunglasses.

The box looked good, but I don't think the glasses were quite what she had in mind.
The actual glasses are on order.
We told her she could keep the $5.00 pair until hers come in.
Nothing but the best for our Kelly!

It was the "Year of the Bike" for Lauren.
Here she displays her new ultra-comfortable bike seat.
She also left equipped with a new bike light, flat repair kit, and bike gloves.

One of our new stocking rules was to include something that
belongs to the giver or a recycled gift.
Roy gave Lauren is 1976 motocross jersey.

Kelly received Roy's 1998 shirt from one of her basketball tournaments.

The presents have all been opened, but the best gifts are still here!

Christmas at the Bennett's

Brett prepares to open his stack.

Each year since Brett's first Christmas,
Uncle Mark has given him a Lionel Train Keepsake Ornament.
There are usually two or three in the set.
Here's this year's addition.



Brett
loves
unpacking
the
trains
each
Christmas.


In the past we've displayed them on the mantle, but this year
Brett put them all on a special tree.




Back to Christmas at the Bennett's. . .

Mimi with her new mini brag book of photos
(of Brett, of course.)


It was the "Year of the Gun" for Brett.
This one wasn't a toy and came as quite a surprise to him.

A Ruger .22 Pistol!

Roy and Brett were at the range the next day.
I think they will be going there frequently from this point on.

A Star is Born

On the heels of a stellar performance as Kid #1 in the drama
performed last Sunday at our church, Brett prepares for his next role in
Laura Welch Bush Elementary's 5th grade production of "No Strings Attached."

Brett is having some fun with his costume.

Mimi and Grandfather had front row seats for the production.
(We were the first ones in the room!)

The play is based on the story of Pinocchio.
Brett landed the part of Pietro, the theater owner.

"Come one, come all, to see the marvelous marionettes.
They will amaze and astound you.
See the comical Harlequin and the charming Pulcinella."

Brett shares the stage with a few of the other "leads."

Everyone agreed that it was an awesome performance!

That's all folks!

Sydney Meets Chip

We have an unexpected house guest for the Thanksgiving holiday week. Brett called me from school Friday morning and said, "Mom! I won the contest to take the class pet home for the week. Can I keep him , Mom? Please!!!"
How could I possibly say no?

Meet Chip, the gerbil!

Here we have Sydney meeting Chip for the fist time.

She was very interested, but I'm not sure if she likes him or not.

My Strength

Pumpkin Carving

Kelly and Lauren shared these pictures of their recent pumpkin carving event.

They labeled this one
Die Pumpkin!

Pumpkin Head

Proud Carvers

Rock Stars

Each year the fifth graders participate in a Business Fair. Brett joined two of his classmates to form their own business and called it Rock Stars. They made Swirly Stones, colorful wax-coated rocks, and sold them as paperweights, Magna Stones (refrigerator magnets) and Swirly Friends (a version of pet rocks.)

The students set up their booths, and all the other grade level classes take turns shopping.
A few parents show up to shop, too.
Remind me to show you some of my purchases!

Open for business . . .

Gabe, Brett & Vikram

The money the students make pays for the fifth grade field trip.
The students made about $4,500!

Brett's 11th Birthday

The Celebration begins . . .

Friday, September 14

Roy checked Brett out of school early on Friday.
They drove to Norman, Oklahoma, to see the Sooners play Utah State.

It was still daylight when they arrived in
Norman some 5 1/2 hours later so they did a little exploring.
They found a way into the stadium and onto the field!
They realized that they probably weren't supposed to be there so they didn't stay long.

In the picture below, Brett is on Roy's phone talking to me.
They kept me well informed. It was fun to talk to them at all the different places.

Saturday, September 15

Game day at last but still more time to kill.
They did a little more campus sightseeing.

Here's a close-up of Brett striking the statue pose.
Game day festivities . . .

Brett and Roy's seats were on the 45 yard line . . .
Way up high!

Not being a Sooner myself, I have no idea what this event is called, but it sure looks important!

The Celebration Continues. . .

Sunday, September 16
Brett's Actual Birthday

Brett invited a few friends to join him at Dave and Buster's to play some games.

The cookie cake has very little icing, a request of the birthday boy.

We ended the party with a skee ball tournament.

Happy 11th Birthday Brett!