Out Of The Picture

You may have noticed that we have neglected our blog this month.  The big factor has been that are dearly beloved Toshiba laptop that allows me to load, edit and upload photos has recently passed away.  We originally thought it was a Windows 7 issue.  Unfortunately, a local computer guy gave us the news that no one wants to receive, the hard drive had crashed.  The good news is that I backed up everything within in a couple of weeks of the demise of the hard drive.  Also, for an additional fee, I can have the computer guy try to pull all the data off the laptop – just in case my backup isn’t as good as I though it was.  Our household is currently using our 2004 PC (running Windows XP).  The kids have complained how slow it is.  They should be grateful that they haven’t been trying to run a photo editing program with it.  I’m back to Photoshop Elements 6 with no actions.  Extremely slow and limited in its abilities!  Therefore, the posting to this blog has been on hold.  Perhaps there will be some post-holiday sales where we can get a great deal on a fast new laptop.  We will have to reload all of our programs and data, so it may be a while before we are “back in the picture”.

I did get a few pictures edited and uploaded though.  Here’s a quick peek at some things that have been going on this month.

Buddy, our Elf on the Shelf, returned from the North Pole.

Just Hangin’

Sophia still doesn’t know how he got up there and stayed there throughout the day and evening.  Magic, of course!

We had a snowfall that allowed for some play in the backyard, but it wasn’t sticky enough to make real snowmen.  Mike and Sophia improvised by making mini snow people.

Building A Mini Snowman
Mr. Mini Snowman
Mr. & Mrs. Mini Snowman

Sophia’s school had their winter concert.  She sang with both the school choir and with her class.  She did a great job and it was fun to see how much she enjoyed being on stage.

Caroling

Her class also performed “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”.  We took some video and pictures, but they have made their way to our makeshift editing room yet.

Mike and I enjoyed a day off from work on our wedding anniversary last week.  We celebrated 18 years of marriage by having a quiet morning at home after the kids were off to school.  We went to lunch at a new restaurant in Canal Park and then walked around checking out the stores.  We finished with coffee and hot chocolate at Caribou Coffee.  The evenings are always chaotic during the school week, so it was nice to spend some uninterrupted time together during the day.

In the days or weeks ahead, I hope to get caught up on photo editing and posting.  Maybe Santa will bring me a new laptop for Christmas.  🙂

Happy Holidays!

Elf On The Shelf, The Finale

We will be sad to see Buddy go, but know that he will be visiting our house again next year.  Here are the last few days of Buddy’s adventure.

Casting An Eye At The Candy

 

Target In Sight From The Table

 

Studying The Room With The Stuffed Animals

 

Consulting From The Christmas Tree

 

Thanks for stopping by to share our journey with Buddy.  Tonight Buddy will report back to the North Pole.  See you back here on December 1, 2012, Buddy!

Elf On The Shelf, Part IV

I ran out of time yesterday and didn’t get a chance to post the next installment of Buddy the Elf’s adventures.  Buddy has found some interesting places to hang out this week.  Here’s a look at days 16 through 20.  This one is my favorite so far.

Concentrating From The Train Car

 

Noting From The Nativity Scene

 

Giving The Once Over From The Glassware

 

This location seemed innocent enough until I took the picture and noticed the look on Buddy’s face.  He decided to tuck himself in next to Sophia’s American Girl Doll, Julie.

Taking Notice While Tucked In

 

Minding His Manners From The Mobile

 

Only four more days of mischief left for Buddy.  Stop by on Christmas Eve to see his final destinations in our home.