Happy Birthday Derek

This past week we celebrated Derek's first birthday.  He had a great time with his presents and cake.  He is one of the happiest little kids. We have a few images of the party. 

 

 Father and son working as a team to blow out the candle.

 

 Derek chilling, smiling at all his fans. He was the star of the evening.

As he sucks off the sweet frosting I think he bit his little finger.

 

See the little red spot on his finger.  I think it is an owey from an accidental finger bite.  

 

He likes to use this foot.  The little guy his quite creative with his feet.  Maybe we have another soccer player on our hands.   

His first big grab of cake.

 It took him a little to start eating the cake but once he realized it tasted good, he was in it to win it.

 He was a clean cake eater.  Our kids were a serious mess. 

 I don't think Derek has eaten many sweet things but you can see he is not taking the little bite, chew and chew philosophy.

 Yummy...

Lynne and I found an interesting little troll like alien droid like stuffed creature.  It is so strange we had to buy it for Derek (Heather had shown it to Lynne earlier, I think she wanted one too).  Derek was very intrigued by the circular mouth and the carp like action it creates when you squeeze the "things" mid section.

Derek pulling his finger out of the carp-like mouth.  I love the inquisitive look on his face. 

As Jessica squeezes the thorax of the creature it makes the sound of a thousand aliens from galaxies beyond. 

We also got him an orange ball.  The little guy really likes playing with things that roll or bounce.  The ball is like a big super ball it can really bounce.  In this image he is throwing me the ball. 

He loves to play catch. 

Pick a boo!

Happy Birthday Derek.  We look forward to many years of fun with this little guy. 

Gone For A Season

I started this experiment on June 1st. One of my main goals was to grow a beard vertically and horizontally larger than my Dad grew his beard. I think I have succeeded even though grandma G. questions my success. I challenge Richie to do the same. Years from now I might try a longer fungal mass in hopes to secure the the longest beard ever grown by a Glassford. 

The above image was taken minutes before partial removal. One of the main problems I experienced with my long facial hair was eating and drinking. It was a hassle to say the least. Another would be people stare and give you a puzzled look. It is kind of a "what the heck" look. 

A benefit would be saving money on shaving supplies.... yes it is expensive to shave. You also get the nod from other endowed facial growers. There is a brotherhood among those who dare to put down the razor.

Lynne said on many occasions.... I want my husband back. I did not marry a biker, homeless person, convict or crazy person. I saw this look many times this growing season. 

Even though Lynne greatly disliked my experiment she was a trooper... thank you Lynne.

I would also like to thank Heather for taking the images for us.  She is quite the little photographer.

Well I have have had my facial experiment for 7 months, and Christmas day I started exposing my face to the elements.  It took a few days with a goatee before I could shave off most of the hair.  Currently I am supporting what you now see and will shave all of it within a month. I would like to thank my mother and father for providing me with the genetic abilities to grow a beard for without I would have been for every wondering.... what it would be like to have more hair on my face than on the top of my head.

Happy New Year

I know we are half way through Jan. but some followers (all two) might be interested in what we did late into the evening on Dec. 31st. For us old people (Lynne and I) it took about all the energy and concentration we had just to stay awake. If it were not for the Wee and good company we would have missed the traditional ball drop. Hey, come to think of it we did not see the ball drop. Whats with that.... we were watching a major network. I must be going senile.

Rachel and I are playing a little ping pong.

Everyone played a few games. My follow through looks much like a kung-fu move.

In this image Rachel and I are taking on Jim and Dan. I can't remember who won but from the looks at it Rachel and I dominated.

Dan and Jim score while Rachel gives the grrrrrrrr.

We did pry Heather from her new digital book. Keep scrolling down and you will see her participating.

Mom had a good laughing attack playing the Wee.

Once Mom gets started she is hard to contain.

Jessica and Mom score big so a modified two finger "high five" is in order.

Jim also known as 'the wee master' can play with his hand in pocket. Not many can compete at such a high level using the hand in pocket method. Keep it up Jimmy.

See we almost got Heather off the couch.

Ok back to reading...

This game everyone decided to sit down and see who can win...Jessica won!

Victory is sweet even if it is a digital game. Three cheers Rachel

Yea Heather.... quick someone hid her electronic book devise.

Opps... Heather falls off the edge of the game.

Jimmy Jumps his way to the finish line. The two-handed pocket placement method can be seen as Jimmy prepares to jump.

Three cheers for a great year.

After one to many drinks.... even if there was no alcohol.... it was late. May this new year bring you all joy. Stay healthy everyone! We love you all,

Rich and Lynne

Merry Christmas 2010

We hope all are having a wonderful holiday season. As soon as school was out (Dec. 17th) we had a surprise snow storm that dumped about 18 inches. It was very wet heavy snow and did not stay long. Currently we are getting some more wet snow.

Christmas Eve was spent with family at David and Gina's house. It was very different for us because we are use to having all our kids and their spouses for Christmas Eve. We had our traditional Christmas Eve performances but this year there were not as many participants. Richie and I whistled "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer". Grandma and Grandpa G. drove up from Vegas to spend a week with David and family. We were able to see them Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Christmas morning we were joined by Dan, Jessica and family, Jimmy and Rachel along with a surprise guest Grandma Hawkins. We had our nummy breakfast: bacon, sausage, grits, eggs, pancakes, cinnamon, rolls etc. Lynne and I love cooking for the kids and I really appreciate them coming over for Christmas morning festivities.

Daniel and Derek chillin before we go down stairs to exchange gifts.

Jacob found something interesting in Richie's ear or perhaps he sees some of his small light brown sideburn hairs. Yes Richie is starting that part of his life.

Every year we line up from youngest to oldest..... then slowly and orderly (Ha!) go down stairs.

Daniel and Jacob hand out all the Christmas gifts.

Derek did very well crawling around finding little things to play with. He can stand on his own but prefers crawling. He can move as fast as a little spooked spider. If you turn your head he is long gone exploring his environment.

Derek and Jessica learning how to play the drums.

Rachel received some beautiful jewelry.

It is so nice to see my kids get excited about grits.

Jim examines his 7 Peaks / Trafalga card.

Grandma H. searches the depths of her stocking. Thanks for coming Grams.
Later that evening we all went to David and Gina's house and had Christmas dinner. Grandma G. cooked two turkeys along with many of the fixins. We also played a little ping pong and I got my butt kicked by David. It was pay back during doubles as Richie and I destroyed David and Jim. Well this gives you a little insight into our Christmas Day. A big THANKS for all who spent the time to celebrate with us.
Merry Christmas All!