Work Time

As you can imagine, there is a lot going on in a family with as many kids as we have. Nick has been working very hard with scouts and was able to get his First Class. He already has enough merit badges for his Star and just has to wait four months. We are excited to watch him progress. Lizzy is doing stock market and discovered that school also comes with homework this year. She has been busy. Ironically, Evan has less homework this year than last year but he also has glasses. We noticed that he couldn't read the hymn numbers at church and anything on the board at school. This completes the circle of poor eyesight started a long time ago by Grandpa. Oh well, at least we all look smart.




And forme, well, work is rough. I had to do a two week trip to Montenegro for the military. I think the hotel was only four stars and the complimentary breakfast didn't have the full array of fruits and cereals but I survived. They gave us a few down days where we went on trips to the coast and also played sports against the Montenegro military members. I think that they stacked the deck as few of the players did not seem to be in the military. Needless to say, they beat us in basketball, soccer, and volleyball. It was fun but we were not prepared for the competition.

It was really nice to get back after a two week vacation, er, I mean, working trip. The family didn't have any of the problems that happen like my last absence. I think that tires on the car popped and Nick got pneumonia. It's just still really busy when I go as the lone remaining parent does all the driving and homework help and still maintains a busy schedule. It can be harder work staying home.

Birthday Time!!!!

The leaves are turning brown and red, school is starting once more, and Evan and Katy are having their birthdays. We cheated once again this year and celebrated the little kids birthdays together. Their official birthday present was going to Paris Disneyland. For a gift, we have Evan and Katy amusement style rides along with candy. What more could a child want. We also asked if they could light a person on fire to make some kind of a symbolic birthday candle for our kids. They politely obliged as you can see. Boy, Disney is a great place.

Actually, we went to a stunt show at Disney Studios. They did a bunch of stunts, including this one. We really did like it. After getting back from France and sending away the family, we had quiet family only birthdays for Evan and then Katy. Each child got money from Grandma and Grandpa. Evan bought Harry Potter Lego Wii game, which he loves. And Katy bought Alice in Wonderland the movie (the old one) along with some coloring books and a googly worm. It's mostly because small kids don't really know what the value of twenty dollars is. We parents do and really appreciate it.

Each child had a really good time and didn't seem to mind having a birthday with family only. We then buckled down and sent our big kids back to school. We had some indecision trying to find the right teacher for Lizzy but seem to have a great match with way more field trips. Evan will get along well with any teacher. But she just happens to be the woman who accidently set off the fire alarm last year so the kids love her. Nick probably doesn't care who his teachers are as long as they don't give him homework. Seventh graders? Who knows. Katy is home with mommy and doing very well.