Climbing Trees

A friend and Nicholas in a tree.

Happy Halloween!

Here are the pumpkins (Jack-O-Lanterns) the kids did on Halloween Eve and the costumes they wore last night:















Nicholas did Darth Maul to go with his costume as a Jedi Knight.














Rebecca did a cat to go with her costume as a Fashion Cat.
















Emily did a butterfly because she liked it. She dressed as Strawberry Shortcake.

Stewart Family Reunion

I have posted pictures on this blog before (thus the name of the blog), but I'd like to restrict the access to pictures now.

We went to a family reunion for my mom's side of the family today in Ohio. Nicholas and I took some really neat pictures. If you would like to see them, please leave a comment requesting the password to this folder. Or if you would like, you may email me at dnorton@teacher.com and I'll send the password to you.

Here's a slideshow

There are pictures of people who may not want strangers looking at them.

A Picture for Katrina Victims

Rebecca drew this picture for the victims of Katrina because her 1st grade teacher, Ms. Bowes said she and the rest of the class should do something to make those people feel better. She wanted to photocopy 100's of pictures and send them, but I said I'd post it here so everyone in the world could see it. Click on it for a larger view.

Todd is 36!!!

Today is Todd's birthday. He is 36 today. Todd is my 1st younger brother and is a Deputy in San Diego. Here is a picture of him "pulling over" Jimmie Johnson (of Lowe's NASCAR fame) and giving him a "ticket".

Todd said that Jimmie is really a great guy and was pomoting a Lowe's Grand Opening.

Pops in the Park

Went to the annual Pops in the Park event at White Hall State Shrine on the August 26th. Not as good as years past; the music sounded off and the turnout was low initially. After a 3-4 weeks of heat and and no rain, people wondered if the off and on rain the previous three days was going to be enough to allow the finale firework display. It happened, though and the kids seemed to have fun. That's the important thing.

Emily's First Day Of School

Today Was Emily's first day of school at St. Mark. She is in Mrs. Maupin's afternoon Kinder class and was very excited. We have had some separation problems with her in the past, the most notably being this summer at VBS. However, with her staying with my mom in the morning while Kathy is working in the school's kitchen twice a week, Emily seems to fair pretty well.

This is a milestone not only for her, but for us as a family. She is last of us to enter school (unless Kathy or I decide to take classes at EKU). "All out babies are in school."

Of all three, I think Emily is the best prepared and most advanced at this age. We thought Nicholas was a genius at four, but Emily, in keeping up with the other two is right up there.

Congrats to Emily! Have a great year!

Trailhead Cabin

Our main vacation this summer was to a friend's cabin at Cliffview Resort. We had a great time being together for a week! Just being able to relax, go fishing and not be on a schedule was terrific. The kids want it to be an annual thing. I'd like to do that as well. Check out some of the pictures.

Celebrating Memorial Day

My family celebrated Memorial Day yesterday by working in the yard, grilling and spending time together. We were thankful that we know no one fighting in the Middle East. I don't recall having any family who have died as a result of being in a war. We are very thankful.

I did spend some time ponderring how I would react if my son or daughters were killed while in the service. I know I cannot ever know the terrible loss a parent must feel when they lose a child - but it must be extremely horrendus.

Thank you to all those who have served and lived or given their lives for my freedom.

In the Sprinkler on Memorial Day

Emily in Spinkler


Rebecca chillin


Kiddos getting wet

Beer Can Chicken on Memorial Day 

Make a Wish! 

The Darth Cake 

Rebecca says, "Open Mine" 

Emily and Grandma (Gail) 

Rebecca 

Melissa, Alec and Uncle Randy 

Starting the opening 

Nicholas 9th Birthday

Nicholas celebrated his 9th birthday at home with family on April 30, 2005. His birthday, though is May 5th.

In attendance were his mom and me (Kathy and Darren), his sisters (Rebecca and Emily), Papa and Grandma (Charlie and Anne), Grandpa and Grandma (Bob and Gail), Uncle Randy and Aly, and Aunt Melissa and Alec.

The theme was "Star Wars" with a "dark side" cake from Dairy Queen.

We had cold cuts, snacks, chips, dip, etc.

Check out the pics. He got some really cool stuff.