Eagles Spirit

Today was Eagles Spirit day at Zach and Phoebe's elementary school, and we realized yesterday that Zach has outgrown his Eagles gear.

This meant that Phoebe was going to be in fine shape for Eagles Spirit day, as she was able to sport Zach's old Westbrook jersey. It also meant that we were compelled to go on a shopping trip for a new Eagles jersey for Zach last night.

Before we went, I had two suggestions for Zach.

First suggestion: Jerseys aren't cheap. And while the Eagles' veteran superstar players like McNabb, Westbrook, and Dawkins are terrific, they might only be around for another year, maybe two at best. Go with one of the young players, like DeSean Jackson (the promising rookie WR), Stewart Bradley (Peter King's pick for All-Pro at middle linebacker this season), or Trent Cole (who is probably the team's best defensive lineman).

Second suggestion: Go with the classic green or white jersey. Not that bizarre canary yellow and powder blue throwback jersey they wore for one game last year (in recognition of the Eagles 75th anniversary). And not that green-on-black "alternate" eyesore they've been dressing in once a season, ostensibly for the purpose of increasing jersey sales among the aesthetically challenged.

Ultimately, though, it was going to be Zach's jersey to wear, so I gave him complete autonomy over the decision.

He wore his new alternate green-on-black McNabb jersey to school today.

An independent thinker, this one is.

Football fever

We're all very excited about the NFL postseason, with the Eagles having found a highly improbable path into the playoffs.

So in an effort to introduce the kids to the joys of illicit gambling, I had everyone in the family fill out an NFL playoff bracket today. I'll keep score throughout the playoffs in order to determine which of us is the Master NFL Playoff Prognosticator of the family.

(Picks are in the comments. Feel free to add your own picks if you'd like to go head-to-head against Team Houserspawn.)

Houserspawn(tm) Super Bowl Predictions

Here at Houserspawn(tm), we know how difficult it can be to find analysis and opinion on the Super Bowl in the weeks leading up to the game.

Well, look no further. After extensive research and painstaking study, the Houserspawn(tm) panel of experts is ready provide this service to our readers, and to make our fearless predictions public.

Me: I am no fan of the Giants, but I also have no desire to see the Patriots go 19-0. So for me, the fact that the Giants knocked the Cowboys out of the playoffs tips my rooting interests slightly in favor of the Giants. I'm calling for Giants 31, Patriots 27.

Linda: Patriots 24, Giants 21

Ben: Patriots 5, Giants 3 ("And if the Patriots lose, I'm gonna scream.")

Zach: Patriots 37, Giants 22 ("Go Patriots!")

Phoebe: "I don't know. Who do you think will win?"
Dad: "I think the Giants will beat the Patriots."
Phoebe: "OK, I'll say... the Parakeets will win."
Dad: "What do you think the score will be?"
Phoebe (confused): "Huh? There is no squirrel!"
Dad: "Not the squirrel, the score. What will be the score to the game?"
Phoebe (more confused): "How would I know that?"

She has a point.

Fly, Eagles, Fly

I took Zach to his first NFL game yesterday. The cold, rain, and wind (along with the poor play of the Eagles in the first half) made it feel a little like an endurance test, but it was still a good time.

(It helped that the Eagles ultimately won the game.)

I'll leave the rest of the synopsis to Zach, who posted an excellent summary of our experience over on his blog.