The Spears Family

Vacation 2010 - Pigeon Forge

2011-11-14T02:48:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-14T02:44:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-14T02:41:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-11-14T02:39:00.000-08:00

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

Katie - Our Artist

2011-11-14T02:35:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-14T02:32:00.000-08:00

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

Emma Turns 9

2011-11-14T02:28:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

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

Bowling Party

2009-12-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-17T14:29:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-08-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-31T05:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-31T05:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-31T05:20:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-31T05:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-31T05:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-31T05:07:00.000-07:00

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

Making their own pizza was a big hit.

Josh - Boy Scout

2009-07-31T05:06:00.001-07:00

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.

My Music Girls

2009-07-31T05:03:00.000-07:00

Both my girls display their musical talents.

Katie has two music concerts this spring.

Emma was a part of a choir concert at her elementary school.

Easter 2009

2009-07-31T04:57:00.003-07:00

Trying to catch on the family blog and reaching back in time to Easter 2009.

Below the girls have their Easter Baskets.

Below, the kids are dressed in the Sunday best after going to Easter services.

Mama & Papa hosted a frantic Easter egg hunt in their front yard.

Christian is on the hunt.

Star Wars Kazoos

2009-01-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

The Spears and Copen clans gathered together for fun and frivolity. The kids all got kazoos and decided to display their talent with a sterling interpretation of Darth Vader's theme from Star Wars.

Halloween '08

2009-01-24T14:09:00.001-08:00

A whole hoard of folks went Trick or Treating with the Spears gang this year including Ashleigh and Alex from next door and Taylar and Christian (pictured int the stroller)

Uncle Scott Makes Movie

2009-01-24T14:06:00.000-08:00

This fall Uncle Scott shot a feature motion picture. Me and the gals went down to the set and found it fascinating.

Pumpkins on Parade

2009-01-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

The gals worked hard on designing their pumpkins this fall and I think they did a fine job.

Uncle Scott Teaching Emma How to Ride a Bike

2009-01-24T13:58:00.000-08:00

While I was recovering from ankle surgery, Uncle Scott came up and tried to teach Emma how to ride a bike. It was a noble effort, but I'm not sure how successful it was.

Katie and Her New Bike

2009-01-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

Katie got a new bike for her birthday and I'm really envious. I think it might be nicer than my bike. Oh my!

Emma and the Big 7

2009-01-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

Last we took a photo of Emma next to the 6 and now it's time to move her to the 7.

More Geocaching

2009-01-24T13:41:00.001-08:00

Here's the gals after a geocaching find in Westerville.

OSU Architecture Show '08

2009-01-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

As a family, we're making it an annual tradition to visit OSU architecture student's spring quarter exhibition. The students (I'm assuming) are challenged to create artwork from common materials.

Here's a some photos:

Katie and Emma pose in front of one piece of work

These are large scale pieces as this photo shows.

This is a really neat exhibit that had long white strings suspended from the ceiling. The girls loved running through it and touching the strings.

Emma was amazed by this one. It was constructed from tightly rolled-up newspapers interlaced together.

Tornado Warning

2008-07-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Katie and Emma got wind that we were under a tornado warning and they decided to take shelter in the business just in case. (The storm headed north of us.) They have books, stuffed animals and their wind-up lanterns. All the essentials when facing a tempest.

Easter 2008

2008-07-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

The Easter bunny hit the Spears house, but before he got there, the girls helped mom make some Easter cookies.

The girls enjoyed the spoils from the Easter Bunny.

Getting Caught Up on 2007

2008-06-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

I know that it's way into 2008, but I neglected to put some information on 2007 online for the viewing public.

So here goes.

Vacation 2007 - Galtinburg TN

Below the kids stand outside an Indian dwelling on an Indian Reservation we visited while in Tennessee.

Here's Emma holding a gourd at the Indian Reservation.

And here's Katie with some gourds, too.

Below we hike on the rocks just across from our cabin.

Here's the whole clan standing outside the Apple Barn restaurant for a family portrait.

First Day of School

Here's Kate and Emma with the two neighbors - Lexi and Ashley on the first day of school for 2007-2008

Emma Vamping

Below Emma vamps at Aunt Sharon's antique shop -- wearing the past's fashions.

World Premiere: Monster on the Mountain

2008-06-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

Shot just last week -- edited today. Budget in the tens of dollars. All the greatest stars and a world renowned producer, writer and director.

It's the premiere of "Monster on the Mountain" -- shot on location in Pigeon Forge Tennessee.

A must see for everyone.

Interesting Visitor

2008-06-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

We kept hearing little noises in the attic. We borrowed Uncle Brad's live trap and it set for nearly a week until we caught the interloper.

This is a souther flying squirrel. Kim and the girls found him to be irresistibly cute. Kim wanted to keep him, but cooler heads prevailed.

Big Snow

2008-06-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

In March, we got hit by about 18 inches of snow. Of course that much snow means no school and more fun in the snow.

Kate helped shovel and made a wonderful snow fort.

Emma's helps uncover the PT Cruiser.

I shoveled copious amounts of snow.

Sad News: A Loss in the Spears Family

2008-06-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Tracey Warren: Wife, Aunt and Sister-in-Law

On January 3rd of this year, we were all shocked when Tracey Warren, my twin brother's wife passed away unexpectedly of an undiagnosed heart ailment.

The tragedy was traumatic to all who knew her and we all remember her fondly along with missing her dearly.

Fun in the Snow

2007-12-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

The extended family came to the house today and a surprise snow came upon us much to the delight of the children. The girls and the cousins attacked Uncle Randy in a vicious snowball battle to the death.

Much fun was had by all.

Decorating the Christmas Trees

2007-12-14T03:49:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt to place video on the Spears family blog. Here are the girls decorating the special trees that their mom bought them to decorate and place in their rooms.

My Girls - Growing Up

2007-12-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

A month or so ago, we went down to the Wexner Center to see the Wegman exhibit. A good time was had by all. Afterwards, outside the Wexner Center, I snapped this photo of my girls. Boy are they growing up fast.

Halloween 2007

2007-12-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

We got to go out for the first time in our neighborhood trick or treating. The girls went with our neighbors and much candy was to be had.

Things almost went bad when this pigman showed up, but the girls grew to like him.

The Topiary Garden

2007-11-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

This summer we visited the Columbus Topiary Gardens in downtown Columbus. The topiary sculptures are inspired by the famous painting - Sunday in the Park with George.

Katie and Emma found the sculptures fascinating.

First Day of School: 2007

2007-11-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Katie and Emma start their first full year back at elementary School.

Here's Katie and Emma stand ready - back-packs in position

The new thing in their lives is that they ride the bus to school. Every morning, they gather with their friends at the bus stop.

State House Visit

2007-11-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

The family went down to the Ohio State house this summer and we learned and had fun.

Below, Katie and Emma stand proudly in front of the august building.

Here the family is inside one of the rotundas.

Katie and Emma pose beside an old Wagon.

In one room, the floor has a map of all the counties in Ohio. Emma stands on Franklin - the new home of the family.

My Girls

2007-07-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

These are just a couple photos of my girls on their visit to campus.

The Newest Copen

2007-07-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here's the new nephew and cousin, Christian. He's a cute little bugger.

Numbers

2007-07-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

On the west side of campus near the power plant is a field with number sculptures. Since seeing the overlarge number 6, I wanted to get Emma in a photo next to it.

Katie, being 10, didn't have a number. So, we went with the big zero.

And we had to explore the other herd of numbers, too.

Funny Chairs

2007-07-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

In the new architecture building the girls discovered these funny chairs which couldn't be ignored.

A Visit to O-State

2007-07-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Kim brought the girls down for lunch and a visit. After lunch, we explored the new architecture building, where the girls found some marvels. Students had an exhibit w in which they had to use common items.

This is one that used styrofoam cups.

Here the girls vamped in front of small cardboard boxes with acetate in them.

Girls in Water

2007-07-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

The new house in Westerville has a pool and it provides no small source of enjoyment for the girls. The first few weeks after we first moved in, they barely missed a day of going swimming and sometime went multiple times.

Daisy the Christmas Dog

2007-02-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

Here's Aunt Sharon's dog, Daisy, ready for the Christmas festivities.

Emma shares Daisy festive glee.

Christmas 2006

2007-02-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a wild time with the Spears. As is tradition, we traveled to Portsmouth to celebrate with the Copen's and the Spears'.

We always start at Aunt Susie's on Christmas Eve. Uncle Tim plays the guitar and the kids dance like wild people.

The gift extravaganza opens in the morning at the Copens.

Here Josh and Kate get in the action.

Emma got a special doll from Mama.

Here Katie carries her special doll.

Gingerbread House and Decorating the Christmas Tree

2007-02-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

The girls worked hard to build their Christmas gingerbread house.

Then they worked diligently to help decorate the tree.

Advent

2007-02-18T06:27:00.000-08:00

We have a tradition at the Spears house of celebrating Advent and we read inspirational stories and light the Advent candles.

Pumpkin Patch

2007-02-18T06:23:00.000-08:00

My friend Dave from Ashland University hosted a going away party for me at his farm and the girls got to pick their own pumpkins.

Halloween 2006

2007-02-18T05:57:00.000-08:00

The Spears had a lot going on this Halloween.

The girls were very active carving pumpkins and trick or treating. (Left) Emma and Katie worked hard to decorate the "main" pumpkin and their own.

The girls picked their own costumes. Katie went as a mid-evil female characters and Emma went as a princess.

In Memoriam: Paul Spears, 1919 – 2006

2006-12-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

Son, Husband, Father, Teacher. For most, he will be best known for the latter of these and even though he was a teacher to me, he will always be my father.

A simple man in every sense of the phrase. He enjoyed family, he liked sports, antiquing, puttering around the house with consequential and inconsequential projects, and just chatting with anyone. He never met anyone he couldn’t engage in conversation.

As a teacher, he touched the lives of thousands of students over his 37 years as a teacher. Many of his past students have commented on the positive influence he had in their lives.

As a father, he taught me fairness, decency and how to look out for the underdog.

I was blessed to have had him in my life for as long I did and there will always be a hole in my life because he’s no longer here. I will cherish every memory – sad, happy, funny, even silly.

Below is one of my favorite photos of him circa 1959 (2 years before I was born).

End of an Era

2006-12-27T12:53:00.000-08:00

I've never been one to stand in the way of progress and this is one act that I didn't expect to have the emotional resonance that I felt, but when I saw the wrecking ball working on my Alma Mater, Portsmouth High School, it certainly struck me quite hard.

The building has hosted 3 generations of Spears and, in my opinion, could have hosted many more generations, but the new high school has been erected with all the modern amentities that students today deserve.

Still, I truly wish there had been a way to save the old school. Sigh....

Geocaching Crazy

2006-12-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

Early in the year, I got exposed to a new recreational pasttime that I have taken to like a duck to water. It's called geocaching. It's a hobby where folks place objects, called caches, somewhere and mark the objects longitude and latitude using a portable GPS device. These coordinates are then posted on the web for people to look and up and then go hunting.

It's been a real family affair and Katie has taken a great liking to it. We go out "caching" several times a month.

Above is a pic of Katie and I out on a cold December day finding a cache in Portsmouth.

Spears on the move....again

2006-12-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

After much tribulation, I decided to make what I hope to be the final move of our lives as I take a job back the the Ohio State University. After 15 years away, I took and offer that I felt I couldn't turn down to return to Ohio State. It was sad to leave Ashland. The job was great and the people were fabulous and I will surely miss them.

I started working back at OSU in the Fisher College of Business in October. My office is in the lovely Fisher Hall.

I have a great view of campus which spans down one of the main corridors to allow me to see the Main library.

My office is probably the nicest office I've ever had. Here's a nice pic of it.

My office would have a great view of the stadium....

...but this building blocks my view.

And all my attempts and communications to the president of the university to relocate or raze the building obstructing my view have been ignored. Sigh!

Emma's Pre-K Gradution

2006-07-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

Emma graduated from Pre-Kindergarten this spring and I thought I would share some photos from the grand event.

Here, Emma stands proudly with her diploma.

Emma has one line in the commencement ceremonies and it was:
"Welcome to our graduation." She said it proudly.

Unity Temple

2006-07-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

Just a few minutes away from Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio is the Unity Temple which is one 35 strutures that Wright designed in Oak Park.

Wright always believed in using natural light and the Unity Temple's ceiling displays this well.

Hot Dogs in Chicago-Land

2006-07-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

We rarely pass by the opportunity to have the local cuisine -- if you can call a hot dog cuisine, but we are self-avowed the connoisseurs of the common man.

Parky's located in the Oak Park was probably the best dog we had. It's located on Harlem Avenue. Check it out. They have fries to die for, too.

On the way back home, we decided to take Lake Shore (SR 41) along Lake Michigan. In Calumet, we couldn't pass up our last chance to have a Chicago dog. Skyway Dog's didn't disappoint.

Downtown Chicago

2006-07-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

For me, the greatest pleasure of being in a big city is the feeling of a thriving, metropolis. I just love going out and taking in the sights and sounds.

Kim didn't want me to take a photo of this fellow, but I couldn't resist.

The Wrigly building was just a few blocks from our hotel (the Sheraton)

Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio

2006-07-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

Kim and I are fans of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture. So, we couldn't ignore the chance to see his initial home and studio. Below is the exterior of his studio.

Again, we are unable to take photos inside the home or studio, but the exterior still displayed Wright's genius.

Chicago Art Institute

2006-07-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Kim and I got to walk down memory lane as we toured through the Art Institute. Our last trip was on our honeymoon.

Chicago and King Tut

2006-07-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

During the 2nd week of July, Kim and I went to Chicago for me to attend the last WebCT conference. While there, it was a must for Kim to see the touring King Tut exhibit.

Unfortunately, we weren't unable to take photos inside the exhibit, but here's a rendering of what Tut was projected to look like.

I guess I must have offended Isis or museum security or someone because they sicced this old dinosaur after me.

Balloon Fest 2006

2006-07-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

It was another fine year for a Balloon Fest. The weather cooperated Friday night. Here is Gordo, the monkey balloon.

Here are Taylar and Nicole enjoying balloons.

Paula decided to try a new identity on the festive holiday.

Daredevils in the Driveway

2006-07-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

Mama and Papa's driveway is a favorite place for the kids to try our their daredevil techniques. Katie and cousin Taylar make their way down in the photo

The Final Fun Fest at Roosevelt School

2006-07-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Aunt Kim had the kids over to Roosevelt schools last fun festival. Below Katie and Taylar stand together. All had a great time.

Spring Swim Lessons

2006-07-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Katie and Emma started swim lessons again this spring. They both had a great time.

Easter with MaMa

2006-07-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some Copen (Spears) girls with their Mama at Easter

Snow Days, Feb. 2006

2006-02-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

We got our first snow fall earlier this month. The girls came out and helped daddy shovel the walks.

Here's Emma posing with her shovel.

We proceeded to the backyard where the girls pelted me with snowballs.

Here's Kate, decked out in her winter garb.

Disney on Ice

2006-02-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

Kim and the girls were blessed to attend Disney on Ice earlier this month. It was a "girly-fest" as Katie, Taylar, Nicole, and Emma were awed with the show. It was reported that there were several moments in which little girls looked on gaped-mouth.

Hiking in Portsmouth

2006-02-23T15:14:00.000-08:00

Just after Christmas, the weather became unseasonably warm. So, we decided to take advantage of our good fortune and took on the challenge of Garfield hill. Katie, cousin Josh, Aunt Kim and myself climbed to the summit late in the afternoon.

Katie and I went into the old "cave" that I used to hike to as a youngster.

Josh was able to enjoy a lovely vista of Ohio River valley from the peak of the hill.

Christmas 2006

2006-01-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a joyous occasion for the Spears family. Katie and Emma headed to Portsmouth early and Kim and I stayed behind to wrap gifts and have some "couple time."

Before going, we had the girls pose for their annual Christmas picture (always included in our Christmas card.)

It seemed like it was Christmas everyday to the girls and their cousins. Due to scheduling and illness, we opened gifts for days. The first time was at Grandpan and Grandma Copen's on Christmas eve day.

On Christmas Eve night, we went to Aunt Susie's house where the extended Copen family gathered to share fellowship and exchange gifts. Just after dinner, cousin Tim lead the children in Christmas songs on his guitar and the kids danced up a storm.

A surprise vistor showed up to get the children's last minute orders for gifts.

On Christmas Day ended up over at Aunt Kim's so that the Spears side of the family could be a part of the gift exchange orgy.

Decorating the Tree

2006-01-09T14:15:00.000-08:00

Katie and Emma had a great time decorating the Christmas Tree this year.

Keeah the cat found a wonderful new place to hang out, too.

Piano Recital

2006-01-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

Katie had a chance to show off her new skills on the ivories.

Katie started practicing in March of 2006 and she was a part of a group of students who put on a recital at a local nursing home just after Thanksgiving. Katie played two Christmas favorites, "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Silent Night."

As a part of an early Christmas, we bought the family a new electronic piano.

Uncle Scott and Buckeye Head

2006-01-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

The Spears family moved it's way into fall and continues to have a great time.

Uncle Scott stopped in around Thanksgiving and here is kidding around with the girls.

Halloween 2005

2005-11-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

The girls love Halloween and this year was a blast. They raked in the candy and had a great time.

Here's the girls with Katie's friend Kara.

The girls discovered our stash of old Halloween costumes. Here they are trying on one of daddy's old masks.

October in Ashland

2005-11-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

Small town life can move kind of slow, but we make the most of it.

Katie has a project to document here community. So, we went out and got some nice photographs of Ashland.

Here's the girls standing in front of the safe in the Huntington Bank building. (This safe was feature in the movie, "The Shawshank Redemption.")

This stream runs just off the main street downtown and the girls like to visit it on occassions.

Here's the girls posing in an alley just of the main drag.

Katie participatied in soccer this fall, but her injured toe held her back some. Still, she had a good time. Here she is holding her trophy just after the final game.

Katie Turns 9/Josh Turns 8

2005-11-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

Both the Spears and Copen clans converged upon a Chucky Cheese's on the west site of Columbus to celebrate both Katie and Josh's birthdays.

Here's the birthday girl.

And here's the birthday boy.

And here's Katie enjoying her cake.

There is much fun to be had at Chucky Cheese's. Here's Papa George teaching Emma the fine points of Skee Ball.

Here's all the girls dancing:

Toronto with the Nielsens

2005-11-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

At the gracious invition of our friends of the Nielsens, we traveled to Toronto.

On the way up, it was our good fortune to visit Niagara falls. Several of our party took a trip on the Maid in the Mist.

Here's a sampling of our intrepid adventurers

Lars looked especially snazzy in his rain gear.

Here's a lovely rainbow in the mist of the Falls.

In Toronto, we stayed at the swanky Four Seasons.

The kids availed themselves of the plentiful amenities of the hotel...especially the pool.

Here's the Spears Family modeling the Four Season's luxurious bathrobes.

Getting 9 people out to breakfast was no small feat, but it was achieved at this little bistro just down the street from the hotel.

Lars barely survived the trip in our 12 passenger van.

Kingwood Gardens

2005-11-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

In early September, Aunt Kim and Paula came up for a visit and we decided to make a trip to Mansfield. While we were there we decided to explore the Kingswood Gardens and it was a very pleasant surprise.

Here's Aunt Paula and Emma.

Both Katie and Emma enjoyed all the "pretty" flowers.

Evacuation

2005-11-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

As I stated in the last post, we were evacuated from the beach when hurricane Ophelia came ashore and we had to head inland. But our spirits were not dampened.

I learned how to play Euchre with the men. (At least, I tried to learn. I felt sorry for my partner)

The kids made themselves at home in the hotel playing games, drawing and, basically, just having fun in each other's company.

The move inland did put us closer to quality dining. Here's our evening out at the Japanese Steakhouse at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.

Going to the Beach

2005-11-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

As is the tradition, we made our annual trip to Holden Beach, North Carolina. The first two days were good, but hurricane Ophelia made land fall and we had to evacuate for 2 and half days. Before it hit, we still got in some beach time.

Here's Emma having fun in the sun.

Before we left the beach, we shot an epic motion picture..."The Ghost Pirates of Holden Beach."

Here are some production stills:

Here are Uncles Brad and Blair in their starring roles as Pirates.

Sassy Hair Cuts

2005-08-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

Well, after great effort was expended, the girls finally decided to let us get some of their hair cut off. We think their styles are quite, well, sassy.

They have been flitting about the house with their new dos and really being, well, sassy.

(Katie, after returning from the styling salon, stated that, "This hair cut makes me feel 2 years younger. She's only 8 year old.)

Balloon Fest

2005-08-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

This was our first year in the house that we got to experience Balloon Fest. Balloon Fest is an annual event that has been held in Ashland for the past 15 or so years. We have a real close view because it happens in the field just behind our house.

There were nearly 30 Balloons in the event and thousands of people show up just to see the balloons.

Just prior to the actual event, they offered tethered balloon rides. Katie, Emma and I got in line, but by the time we got in the basket, only Emma and I got on and she probably only looked for 20 seconds of our 4 minutes ride.

The Purple People Eater was the popular balloon for the kids.

At night, the balloon pilots put on a show with an orchastrated balloon glow. 17 balloons participated in this and it was a real crowd pleaser.

Early risers got the benefit of seeing the balloons launched. It seems that morning is the best time for balloons to be launched.

Face Painting

2005-08-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

The kids got to have free face painting masterpieces applied at one of the Balloon Fest booths.

Extra Fun at Balloon Fest

2005-08-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

There was more fun to be had at Balloon Fest than just balloons. The kids got to play carnival games and below you can see the kids in a balloon basket.

We had a nice hike in the woods behind the field that hosted the balloon fest with the kids.

Fun with the Mask

2005-08-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

Aunt Paula brought up a very funny mask just for kicks for Balloon Fest. Just about everyone tried on. Here's a collage of just a few of us with the mask on.

Vegas Vacation (Sort of)

2005-07-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

Kim traveled with me to Las Vegas while I attended the EduComm Conference there.

We stayed at Las Vegas' first theme hotel, CircusCircus.

At first, we were nervous that all the employees in the hotel would be dressed up in clown outfits and thought that would be pretty creepy, but we found out differently. They didn't need the clown outfits to creepy. Just kidding. Our accomodations were fine

Yes, Vegas is the city of glitz, neon and glamour.

I toured the strip with my new best friend Frank. No, not Sinatra, Stein.

We dined at only the finest of restaurants:

Probably the most interesting stopping point for us on the strip was the Luxor Casino. It has an Egyptian theme and has a genuine replica of King Tut's tomb.

While were there we did get out into the desert and visited the Hoover dam.

Did we gamble while we were there? See my tragic journey.

Okay, for the record, neither of us spent a penny on gambling.

Spears New Addition

2005-05-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

The Spears have expanded their family to include the latest addition...

Keeah the cat. (Named after Princess Keeah from the Secrets of Droon series of fantasy/adventure books)

The girls have been eagerly awaiting a cat for well over a year and Kim and I decided to surprise them with this cat last weekend (5/15/05).

Keeah is energtic and affectionate. Emma is the Keeah's constant companion during the day.

Into the Water

2005-05-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

Both the Spears girls have taken to the pool for swim lessons. Katie is improving upon her skills and Emma has taken to the water like a fish.

Both girls thoroughly enjoy their time in the water. Emma wears an ear-to-ear grin for the entire 45 minutes of the lessons.

Emma Turns 4!

2005-05-20T06:01:00.000-07:00

Emma turned 4 on January 28. Spears and Copen Families converged at Magic Mountain in Columbus for Emma's big event. Much fun was had in the tower maze.

Toe Tragedy

2005-05-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Tragedy struck at the Spears' house when Katie had a mishap with some exercise equipment. While playing on the equipment with her cousin Josh, Katie's toe was caught in the equipment and she, unfortunately, lost her toe nail and lacerated her toe. After a frantic trip to the emergency room (and three sticthes), Katie started on her road to recovery.

Katie was happy to get "get well" flowers from Mama and Papa. (Inset: bandaged toe)

Ice Storm in Ashland

2005-05-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

A furious ice storm hit the greater Ashland area this winter. At least a quarter of the town went without power for several days. The Spears Family was spared.

Several trees were felled by the weight of the ice in the woods behind our house. Katie, Emma and I took an expedition to review the damage and have fun in the snow.

Emma can give you a good review of the flavor of the icicles.

Arctic Blast

2005-05-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

It's become a winter tradition at Ashland University -- Artic blast And the Spears family didn't want to miss it. Ice sculptors from around the world come to compete at Ashland University. While it is a cold day, it is a fun day.

Katie and Emma were most impressed by the ice slide and the Scooby Doo ice sculpture.