Gamer's Dream!!

You can't tell it from the expression on his face, but this kid is in heaven. He's playing X-box 360 "Live" which means he's playing his favorite game (Call of Duty 4) with who-knows-how-many other players on line. We recently signed up for high speed fiber optic internet access....perfect for live game playing because it's so fast. Critter earns the X-box Live service by doing chores around the house. He cleans bathrooms, vacuums out cars, and just about anything else. What's really amazing is how fast he does his chores but how well he does them. He's learned that if he doesn't do it right he'll do it again. -Didn't take him long to figure out that it's best to do it right the first time. Critter would play all day and probably all night if we let him, but he's required to take breaks to rest his brain, eyes, and to spend time with the family.
There is one caviat: If Critter is behind on his schoolwork he isn't allowed to play. He found out a couple of weeks ago that it wasn't a bluff. I'm in close contact with the teachers of the classes that Critter struggles with. We work together to help Critter along. I think it's working. His grades are moving along and he LOVES playing X-box and Lynda and I love to see him enjoy himself.

"Up Chuck"

This is another of our favorite weekend activities....Chuck-O-Rama!! Critter wasn't with us this time since he didn't want to go to Chuck E Cheese's. He was quite content playing X-Box 360 Live at home with his best buddy. I couldn't get Elena to look over for the pic, but I did get shots of the other 3. I always think it's interesting to see what the kids bring back on their plates. This time Ellie scored peas from the salad bar and green Jello. Shannon and Lynda did the "meat and potatoes" thing and Elena had a little of everything.

Girls just wanna have fun!

The girls LOVE going to Chuck E Cheese's! We haven't taken them there for a long time so when they brought it up, off we went. They had such a great time! Ellie loves the little rides the most as you can see from the pic. Shannon likes the games that allow her to get as many tickets as possible. Going there costs more than going to a movie, but the smiles are SO worth it!!

When the kids come we try to do things that will be fun and memorable and keep them busy so that they don't get bored. They can do that at home. It isn't the easiest or most economical way to do weekends but we feel that it's worth it to have fun together and build family relationships. It's awesome!! Lynda and I love our 4 kids and we try always to do what is the best for them.

A year with Elena