New School, new year

First day of school

School started a little later than usual this year for our kids. It was an exciting time for all. The school has recently undergone some renovation, and the building looks great. Joseph begins 5th grade with his classes being held in the new middle school for the first time. So far he likes his teachers and is getting used to the new schedule. Mom likes having everyone in the same main building for one drop-off.

Jacob posing in full football gear

Jacob and the other 7th graders are enjoying the new "commons area" that looks like a chess board with lockers around the sides. He is adjusting well to being back in school and continuing his football practices. The little pork chop weighed in last week and ended up on the varsity team instead of the JV team which he had practiced with all month.
Mikaela attends the high school this year as a freshman. She seems to be pretty happy with her schedule with the exception of not being able to fit in an art course. She has been practicing for Madrigals and making new friends, including Beverly, the new foreign exchange student from Guangzhou, China.


Maimie misses all of the kids and asks about them several times each day. We have been taking time for picnic lunches, library books on a blanket, sand table play, and walks.

Learning to pedal the Dora bike

Pleased with herself for setting the table

Ten on the Tenth

Joseph turned 10 years old yesterday, the 10th. Grandpa and Grandma ate dinner with us outside on the picnic table, then we played yard games while our homemade ice cream churned on the porch. The weather was fantastic!

Jacob doing tricks with his Chinese yo-yo

Later we enjoyed cake and ice cream, and Joe opened presents.


What are the odds that both of my boys would celebrate their golden birthdays the same summer?!

Our week at a glance

My Girls

August opened with our 18th wedding anniversary on the 4th. We went out to dinner and to see a movie over the weekend. And, yes, like all good parents we left the kids home, but managed to discuss them most of the evening.

A rare photo of mom and dad taken by Joseph

Jacob also started football practice this week. Interesting he should choose a sport that I know absolutely nothing about. Basketball, soccer, baseball--I can get by. Not having attended a high school with a football team, I'm completely lost. I haven't even ever been to a football game in my life. I guess I'll be broadening my horizons!

Jacob (center) adjusting his mouthpiece

Thursday evening, we held an early celebration for Joseph's 10th birthday at the Speedway. A few of Joseph's friends joined him for car racing, mini golf, rock climbing, and water balloon fights. The weather was beautiful, and the kids had a great time.



We ended our week in front of the tv on Friday evening watching the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. What an amazing show!