The Spears Family

Vacation 2010 - Pigeon Forge

One of the things the kids have gotten into on vacation is Magiquest. Here they are displaying the wands when we got back to the cabin.

Heres's little Christian enjoying time playing at the GoCart place.

Me and Emma riding on a GoCart.

Our Critters

Here's the girls treating our cat Keaah in a dignified manner by making her wear tiny glasses.

Gray is a Russian dwarf hampster. I had hamsters as a kid, but I gotta tell you that this is one sweat heart of a rodent.

Sledding - Oops!

In getting caught up, I should have placed this one up early in 2010 posts. Below are a couple photos of Ashleigh and Emma sledding.

Emma Crosses Over in Girl Scouts.

Below are a couple of photos from Emma's crossing over ceremony from Brownies to Girls Scouts.

Katie - Our Artist

Katie really enjoys art and is usually one of the better performers in her art class. Below is a photo of a self-portrait she did in art class in 2010. It was selected to be displayed at a display at our local library.

Here's a nice photo of our Katie in May 2010.

Easter 2010

It's our tradition to celebrate Easter in Portsmouth. Here's some photos from Easter 2010.

Emma Turns 9

I'm doing some desperately late catch-up posts after abandoning posting for way too long.

Here's my Emma turning 9.

Tree Decoration 2009

Mom (off camera) led Katie and Emma in the tree decorating process. A joyous and happy time in the Spears' household.

Bowling Party

Forgot to post this earlier that as a part of Katie's birthday, we had a bowling party.

Below, Uncle Scott and Katie poise to knock down some pins.

Halloween '09

The girls still love trick or treat. The weather was quite good this year and they collected a large bounty of candy. (I'm still eating their candy today!)

The gals went around the neighborhood with a group of the neighborhood friends.

Katie Turns 13

Katie officially became a teenager this year. I'm thinking we will survive it.

Uncle Scott gave Katie (and the rest of the family a surprise gift -- a Wii. Emma had to go up stairs to scream she was so excited and Katie was quite surprised herself.

Comic Con 2009

As part of Katie birthday gifts, Uncle Scott and I took her to the Midwest Comic Con held at the convention center in downtown Columbus. We had a great time. There were a gazillion comic books there and some very interesting sessions from some of the comic scenes greatest contributors.

Here I am looking like I'm putting my hand on Iron Man's bottom. I swear I'm not.

Katie's Concert

Katie plays the flute in the band at her middle school - Genoa.

Here's a couple photos from one of her latest concert.

School Year 2009 Begins

The 2009-2010 school began today for the girls. Emma's school started a day before Katie's, but Katie was getting ready today, too.

Below Emma stands ready for the first day.

Here Emma stands with her school friends, ready for the bus.

Katie started her own preparation as she got a stylish new haircut just ready and waiting for the first day tomorrow. (Ember supplied the lipstick - a one time only event...we hope)

OSU Spring Game

I got this one a little out of chronological order.

Uncle Blair organized a trip to the Buckeye's Spring Game. While it wasn't appreciated as deeply by all attendees, it was still a nice experience because we all got to be together.

My Trip to the Twin Cities

I got to take a trip to attend a conference in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Just prior to the conference, I got attend a Minnesota Twins game. (The last year for the Metrodome.)

Summer Fun 2009

Emma made the leap into learning how to ride a bike (a real two-wheeler) this summer. She and Ashleigh got distracted through on one of their early rides by a sprinkler.

They took their distraction to absurd lengths when they decided playing with the watering hose was more fun than riding their bikes.

Vacation '09 - Mountain Retreat

We made our annual Copen/Spears family pilgrimage to the mountains where much fun ensued.

Below the youngest of our clan take up a reading station on the porch swing.

Here's a photo of the Mama & Papa and the youngsters.

Much fun was had at the pool.

Non-Human Visitors

The Spears household got visits of the non-human time by two types of creatures.

For several days this spring, an owl decided that being near the Spears was good for its image.

Below a nocturnal visitor, a cute flying squirrel makes a late night raid on our bird feeder.

Emma Birthday Number 8

Emma turned 8 in January and we hosted an intimate gathering of friends

Making their own pizza was a big hit.

Josh - Boy Scout

Nephew Josh makes the move up the ranks of the boy scouts.

We attended a wonderful ceremony where Josh is granted the next level of Boy Scout status.