Derek's Birthday Weekend - Part 2

We tried semi-successfully to pull off a little surprise party at home on Saturday night, November 8th!
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Deacon asked Daddy to check out a malfunctioning ceiling fan in his room -- but it was all a ruse to bring Daddy to the table for cake and presents.

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Everyone had to take turns pretending to be a giant football fan, looming over the field.

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Fortunately, the Burbank fire marshal didn't approve of 40 candles.

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Cards & gifts!

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Daddy's gift from Deacon was his own drawing space on his card.

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Daddy's picture!

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Derek with his proud mama and papa.

Derek's Birthday Weekend - Part 1

Welcome to Part 1 of our full coverage of Derek's birthday weekend!
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Mmmmm... Red Lobster, Saturday, November 8th.
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Grammie re-enacts her famous Red Lobster Incident of a few years ago; thinking there was a glass top on the lobster tank, she set her purse down and watched it sink to the bottom of the tank while curious lobsters looked on.

She retrieved her purse and a lobster clinging to the strap, then dumped the soaked contents on the carpet.
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No such mishaps today -- Derek enjoyed an incident-free lunch of shrimp and lobster tail!

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Then Derek wanted to play Miniature Golf, so we went to Sherman Oaks Castle Park!

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The gallery wisely stayed quiet as Derek took his turn.

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Deacon lined up Grandpa's shot.

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Mini golf is hard work! Grandpa and Maren took a short break.

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Derek spent some time in the rough.

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Golf is a multi-faceted game. The serenity...

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...the frustration.

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The Winner!

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Another classic camera timer shot... I didn't even have to photoshop in the beautiful sunset!

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Coming soon: Derek's Birthday Weekend - Part 2!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEREK!

Derek is turning 40 today!

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The kids and I wish you a very happy birthday, and we love you very much!

Halloween Tour of Burbank - Part 3

Welcome to the final installment of Deacon and Maren's Excellent Halloween Adventure!
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We returned to the house after Deacon's golf class to get ready for the rest of the evening. In addition to our trio of carved pumpkins, Maren decided to decorate one with her own drawings.

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Shaken, not stirred: Derek, blond Bond.

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Finally, down to serious business. Stopping at Susie's house for treats!

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Maren tries to keep her bee from drooping

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The costume lasted exactly 30 seconds.

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Free from all that foam and terrycloth, Deacon led the way, followed by Jack, Natalie, Maren, and Indiana Jones.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIAS!

With 100% of Burbank precincts reporting in, it appears to be a landslide... for ELIAS!!
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We all wish Elias a very Happy 9th Birthday today!

Halloween Tour of Burbank - Part 2

After trick-or-treating in costume at Daddy's office on Friday, Deacon went to his golf class. Not surprisingly, he was the only student who showed up.

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So he received a private lesson from An Marie Ekfeldt, LPGA golf pro and former Swedish film producer!

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Streeeeetch...

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Plant your feet, Deacon...

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Practicing swing-through with a rubber ball!

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Deacon kept yelling, "Fore!"

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All done.

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Come back tomorrow for Part 3!

Halloween Tour of Burbank - Part 1

Deacon and Maren's Excellent Halloween Adventure began yesterday at Daddy's office! The good people at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Business & Legal Affairs hosted a really fun afternoon of trick-or-treating for the kids.
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Mary the Bee inspects the flower!

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In search of candy and DVDs

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Greg wore something truly scary for the occasion... a vintage 80s cardigan!
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Going door to door

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Un-masked pirate Sean enjoyed a yummy lAAAARRRGGHHlipop.
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Meanwhile, there was a Dolph Family Reunion! Terri had a blast catching up with Mary, Dolph, and Brent, who is making his long-awaited debut here on the AFB.
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Surprisingly proficient in Rights Clearances and SAP, Cinko took over at Derek's desk for awhile.

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I hope my kids thanked everyone for the treats at the office yesterday. If not, THANK YOU everyone at WDSHE Legal!

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Return tomorrow for the next exciting stop on the Halloween Tour of Burbank!

A First Grade Party!

Yesterday, Deacon's class had a party!

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Since Maren's ballet class was canceled, she got to come, too! She even got to sit next to Deacon, thanks to Vincent, who offered her his desk.

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Ready to play a game -- Pass the Pumpkin.

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Maren tries to pass the pumpkin to Deacon, who distracts himself with his own silliness.

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Not surprisingly, Deacon was "out" shortly thereafter.

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The group gets smaller...

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...and smaller...

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Vincent and Maren vie for the championship!

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Though it was technically too close to call, Vincent valiantly declared Maren the winner! So Maren shared her prize with him, and everyone was happy!

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Meanwhile... Deacon decorated a cookie and put stickers on his face.

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It seems like this month has been a non-stop party. Stay tuned for full coverage of today's festivities!