Irvin Kershner, 1923 - 2010

The AFB remembers director Irvin Kershner, who died yesterday at age 87.
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We were fortunate to see him in person in 2007 at Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles, and he was full of grace and humor. We thank him for his masterpiece, The Empire Strikes Back, and will be praying for his family and friends.
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George Lucas Statement

Black Friday Super-Thanksgiving Doorbuster Mega-Post!

It's been way too long, so I thought we'd go all Thanksgiving Dinner-crazy for today's Black Friday Super-Thanksgiving Doorbuster Mega-Post! You might need to go for a walk afterward.
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We'll start with a pic from Tuesday evening, November 23rd - here's Derek as he washes the 24-pound bird, prepping to soak in marinade for two days. We'll let you know how that turned out.

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Just a pic of the "music wall", ready for Thanksgiving musical goodness.

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Wednesday, November 24th - Maren and Grandma make Pumpkin pies!!

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Pies in the oven!

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Testing the new fireplace. Blast a space heater, and your HD fire is complete!

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Thursday - Thanksgiving Day! It's as cold as it gets here in Burbank. Deacon drew the Wimpy Kid in the frost on the van window.

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Maren is ready for dessert.

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Soaked in marinade...

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Dr. Derek, Turkey Surgeon.

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Terri peels potatoes once a year.

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Deacon's lonely vigil, waiting outside for guests to arrive.
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Mommy and Maren and some snacks. And paper turkey crafts from years past.

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The table is set! Yes, that is a...

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Rancor Monster centerpiece. Deacon's idea, embellished by Grandpa.

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An artistic shot of Grandpa through the fish tank.

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Maren's welcome sign...

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A family pic in front of the house.

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The turkey is DONE!

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The Rosses arrive... mischievous Carol samples the turkey before it's served.

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Next year, I will be buying nicer napkins to go with Jessica's beautiful napkin rings.

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Dinner time - Debbie leads the way to the DRY TURKEY. Two days soaking, and it was still dry! Better luck next year.

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Eatin' dinner.

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After dinner... the kids take turns reading from a poem entitled 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving.

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Then, there's no escape - it's time for the dreaded Star Wars Quiz!

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This year's quiz was all about The Empire Strikes Back, in honor of its 30th Anniversary. Mommy was especially proud of Deacon, who scored 10 out of 10.

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He was disqualified from winning the prize, however, due to his status as an Alff Family Member. So the others take a shot... will it be Carol's year??

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Feeling the Force.

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The winner: WILLIAM!

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His prize: a Space Slug Oven Mitt.

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Then it was time to play Pin the Hat on the Turkey. Game moderator Jessica poses with the final hat placements.

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A piano lesson from Grandma!

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Terri and Debbie

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11:00 pm - the NATIVES are restless!!

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After a lot of music and singing, we couldn't let the Rosses get away before taking their annual late-evening Thanksgiving photo. Here it is! And here's 2009, 2008 and 2007.

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Also a tradition: Deacon steps in to ruin the idyllic Ross Family scene.

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Maren wanted in on the act, too.

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We had a fantastic time and hope you did, too - however you celebrated being thankful!

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Bonus pic: from this morning, Grandpa and Maren.

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My kids made me wait until today to listen to Christmas music. So now Christmas is in full swing here at the AFB. More to come!

BREAKING NEWS: Maren is Student of the Week!

UPDATE 5:15 pm 11/17/10: A pic from school today!

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ORIGINAL POST, 11/16/10:
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Maren was THRILLED yesterday at school when she was selected Student of the Week!
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Here's the bumper sticker, which is on her bunk bed:

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She had to make a poster to display at school. Here it is:

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Congratulations Maren!