I’m not sure how this slipped through the cracks and didn’t get posted until now, but… After returning from Disney World a two weeks ago, I spent the better part of the next day finishing up the installation of our in-ground basketball hoop. As I noted previously, we set the post on Thanksgiving weekend, but ran into some complications that required a bit of shimming and some additional concrete. I was thus unable to finish the installation that weekend as I had originally planned, and had to put it off even longer due to our Disney trip. Anyway, I digress… [more]

“The important thing is the family.” -Walt Disney

In the runup to Christmas, I thought I’d point out a few of the more enjoyable Christmas-related websites that we’ve run across.

First and foremost, time is running short… If you forgot to write your letter to Santa, or if you have some last minute additions, why not e-mail Santa? You even get an instantaneous (and personalized) reply.

Second, everyone knows that Santa makes a list and checks it twice, right? Well, now’s your chance to check and see where you stand… Check the list here.

Finally, it wouldn’t be Christmas Eve if you couldn’t track Santa using NORAD’s radar system.

Q: What do elves learn in school?
A: The elf-abet!

Q: What’s the difference between the regular alphabet and the Christmas alphabet?
A: The Christmas alphabet has no L (Noel).

Raising4Boys participated in two carnivals this week. Here they are along with our posts that were included in each.

The Carnival of Personal Finance included “Roll Your Own Discount on Disney Tickets.” Also included was “How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft” from fivecentnickel.com.

The Best of Me Symphony included “Teaching Kids the Value of a Dollar.” Also included was “Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Discount” from fivecentnickel.com.

I just ran across an interesting article on gifts that teach kids about money by David Bach (the author of The Automatic Millionaire). Here’s the rundown… [more]

For those of you that might not be paying attention, Amazon.com periodically runs special promotions wherein their customers can vote on deals. It usually involves choosing an item (out of three) to be sold at a ridiculously low price (in limited quantities, of course). This week, however, they changed things up a bit… [more]

Just in time for Christmas, World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) has released their list of the ten worst toys of 2006. What follows is a quick rundown of the ten most dangerous toys of the year… [more]

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought I’d share a few possible gift ideas… And remember, it’s still not too late to order online and get your stuff well before Christmas.

(1) An inexpensive set of binoculars. These can be had for under $20 (like this one), and they’re great fun on hikes. They’re also a great way to get the kids out of the house.

(2) Any sort of spy gear — we’re going for the Spy Safe Cracker this year.

(3) A headlamp. Our kids all have them and absolutely love them. I’d avoid the kid versions and spend a tiny bit more on a ‘real’ headlamp like this one (it’s a two pack). Totally worth it.

After a whirlwind week at Disney World, we arrived home Friday night just in time to take our sick two year old to the pediatrician before they closed for the weekend. As it turns out, there’s been a nasty RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) making the rounds, and he came down with it about halfway through our vacation. Fever, coughing, gagging, a bit of vomiting, and some sleepless nights… Just what you want to experience in the midst of a vacation while living out of a suitcase in a hotel. The good news is that he hasn’t developed a secondary infection (yet) and he’s finally turned the corner and is feeling better. Anyway, things around here are now slowly returning to normal… The only remaining problem is that we now need a vacation to recover from our vacation!