Yesterday my co-worker Erin gave my family an AWESOME gift -- a hockey helmet worn by one of the Portland Pirates players (#16 Simon Ferguson) and signed by each team member!

The kids - especially L - were THRILLED when I showed it to them at home.

Of course L. had to wear it around the house for a while, which forced G. to follow her so she could try to decipher the signatures.

Now we have to find place of honor in our house for this prized possession ... and count down the days until opening night of the 2007-08 season.

147 days, 7 hours, 51 minutes, and 35 seconds

Go Pirates!