English 8

My spelling test from 1974, St Alphonsus School, Seattle. It is important that every teen learn to spell "blackjack" correctly.

I love you

From my daughter Amanda to her younger sister, nothing says "I love you" like a freaky three-headed creature. Undated, but I'm guessing circa 1995.

What’s with the ghost?

My daughter Susanna drew this picture of herself, her brother and sister... and a ghost?? No date, but I'm guessing she was six or seven at the time.

The Mystery of the Missing Jewel

Circa 1997, then eight-year-old son Kevin was always very vocal about the fact that he did not like drawing. But not only did he create an elaborate coat rack in this illustration, the hat on that rack looks like it belongs to Sherlock Holmes.

Rescue 911

Drawn by my now-adult daughter Amanda around 1990.

Dear Santa

Letter to Santa from my daughter Susanna, age 7.

Please? Um...ok

One of my daughters drew this picture when she was 10, illustrating the time she broke her arm after succumbing to peer pressure. She rode her bike down a steep hill after being told the area was too dangerous.

Buy your damn self an iPod

No Figaro

After he retired in 1973, my dad became in charge of the family's groceries. When he wrote this list (sometime between 1973 and 1986), Figaro-brand cat food was on sale -- four cans for $1.00! But, sadly, there was no Figaro to be found. I sure hope he asked for a raincheck.