Learning about static electricity

That's right, we have a trampoline. And if any of you can reckon back to the days of yore when you used to jump on trampolines you might remember the vast amounts of static electricity your little bodies would generate from jumping and sliding all over the woven nylon surface. I am happy to report that in the fifteen years since I was a frequent trampoline user things have not changed. Especially if it is a winter afternoon with dry air and you are wearing very thick socks. Today was not the first time our oldest, Lorien, discovered the hair-raising effects of trampoline use. She has pointed out Clare's wild hair many times. Sadly, today was the first time both Lorien and Clare learned to be weary of the charge. After jumping until their hair stood on end Lorien asked me to take a picture. Then wanted to see the photo...when both girls touched the camera they got a jolt that will probably make Lorien's loose teeth fall out tomorrow. Clare wouldn't come near the camera again. Will says I am lucky the static didn't mess up the camera.

Christmas Morning 2007

We try not to go too crazy with presents for Christmas. Between Grandparents and other relatives the kids really get a lot. We try to stick to five gifts that we think the kids will really enjoy. This year we had a hit with each kid. Clare loves this giant teddy bear (as do her older brother and sister). Wyatt, the family builder, got a set of tinker toys. And Lorien got a new doll, different from a baby doll but not a Barbie (Mom is happy too). My favorite gift for them were the baby books. After six years for Lorien, four for Wyatt and almost two for Clare I finally got their first year in pictures and notes put in books. I have had a lot of fun sitting with them going over the story of the day they were born and all the fun memories from their first year of life.

Christmas Eve at the other Anderson's House

We enjoyed Christmas dinner at Uncle David and Aunt Angela's house this year. Thankfully for us, the live right around the corner. Super Dave and Wonder Angela went all out for this little get together. We had ham, potatoes, salad (jello and the leafy kind) vegetables and pie. We ate by candle light, which my kids thought the best idea ever. With so little light Mom and Dad could barely see if they had eaten all their dinner or not. To top the evening off Aunt Angela prepared dozens of cookies for the kids to decorate (or eat) for Santa. Will showed the kids how to track Santa on NORAD (a defence contractor who on Christmas eve abandons its normal web page for an animated tracking of the Jolly Old Elf). Grandpa Clay, Grandma Lizz and her son Daniel drove up from Soquel for the evening. We all had fun listening to Christmas music, eating way more than we should and watching the kids run around.

Pictures:
At the top we have Evan (wearing Lorien's shoes) Wyatt and Will (Dad) checking out the Santa tracker. The next picture is Wyatt, Dad, Lorien and Daniel.

Second row: Wyatt was really pleased with his cookies. He loves to bake and wants to be a "cookie and cake decorator" when he grows up. Lorien also enjoyed decorating cookies (and doughnuts).

The Family