Celebrity Sighting

The editorial board here at the AFB decided that today's celebrity, Fuzzball, indeed qualified as such because we saw the actual puppet used in the film/Disney parks attraction Captain EO.

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From Captain EO, here's Fuzzball in 1986.

From the Disney studio archives: Fuzzball today, February 27, 2009.

Derek with Fuzzball (and Disney archivist Becky).

This Day In History: February 26, 2005

Deacon on February 26, 2005

Art Showcase: "Deacon at Age 107"

Deacon at Age 107, by Deacon

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Deacon's class recently celebrated their 100th day of 1st grade and as part of the festivities, they drew pictures of themselves in 100 years. Paging Willard Scott! I think we'll go ahead and submit this to the Today Show for a broadcast sometime in 2109.

Ice Skating!

Deacon and Maren's latest adventure with Burbank Park & Rec: ice skating lessons!

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Pickwick Ice Center, Burbank.

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Maren's class is ready to go.

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Deacon's having more success with ice skating...
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...than he did with roller skating.

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Ladies Man.

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Ready for their triple lutz!

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If there were a bucket-pushing event, Maren would win the gold!
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Or maybe the silver... I think the judges mark off one-tenth for that.
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It's cold in here!

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Quite a pair: ready for Vancouver, 2010!!

Mismatch Day

Today is Mismatch/Bad Hair Day at St. Paul's!
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The Alff kids have been enthusiastic participants in their school's Spirit Week festivities this week.
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Two stylin' dudes: Deacon and similarly mismatched Mr. Z.

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Deacon and his first grade friends (and Maren, of course).

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Picture of a picture: yesterday was Sports Day. This picture of Deacon (taken yesterday) was posted on a display board in front of the school.

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Deacon struts his stuff.

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Maren comforts Baby Fi-Fi, who will certainly remember to dress up for Mismatch Day next year.

Surprise!

Valentine's Day is also Carol Ross' birthday!
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Jessica planned a big surprise party for her on Saturday the 14th.
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Derek snapped this picture of me emerging from the party store with 26 balloons, per Jessica's request.
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SURPRISE!!!

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Queen for a day.

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The party planner is revealed.

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Wait, there's a party?

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It was decided that the grownups would take swings at the pinata.

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Holly was particularly determined...

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Ouch. Decapitated!!

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Holly poses with her kill.

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The kids swooped in for candy, which lasted on the ground for exactly 4.8 seconds.
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Time for cake.

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Make a wish!

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When I saw this picture in the batch the next day, I thought for sure that the hat belonged to a ghost. There was no way in the world Derek would take a picture with the back of someone's head blocking the shot! Doesn't the hat look a bit out of place?
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Upon further examination of the pictures, I discovered that Sean was the young hat-wearer. Derek said that he stood up in the frame at the last second as he took the picture. Mystery solved!

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Cutting the cake... this is the traditional Maren-Stands-Right-Next-to-the-Cake picture that we include in every birthday party post here on the AFB.
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Opening presents...

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What every busy mom needs - a snuggie. Hare Krishna!

Art Showcase: "George Washington" by Deacon

In honor of President's Day today... here is George Washington, by Deacon.

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This portrait of our first President is embellished with fireworks, confetti poppers, and a depiction of him chopping down the cherry tree.

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Happy President's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The AFB wishes everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day!
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Deacon, 2004

Art Showcase: "I Am a Princess..." by Maren

Maren says the title of this drawing is I Am a Princess - the First Public Princess.

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Deacon is a prince and Maren is the princess, and of course there is a castle, complete with moat and drawbridge. She also wanted me to credit guest artist Deacon for his contributions: the window on the right and the flag.

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She was vague as to the meaning behind her reference to a "Public Princess", perhaps evoking the term "People's Princess"?

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Of course, it is never wise to question Maren's pronouncements and declarations. Try as she might to cultivate her image as a "Public Princess", we know that deep-down she'll always be the formidable Queen of America.

This Day In History: February 10, 2005

Maren on February 10, 2005

Sunday Morning

This morning Deacon sang with the St. Paul's Canticle Choir.
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They sang an African song based on Psalm 27. We are singing, for the Lord is our Light.

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A short movie!

Art Showcase: "School Supplies for Maren" by Deacon

School Supplies for Maren, by Deacon

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Maren won't be in Kindergarten until September, but Deacon decided it wasn't too early to show her what supplies she'd need for school.