When last we left off, the kids and I were doing our last hoorah before school. Wow, it's seems like forever. But we had some nice days together, although the weather did not cooperate. We got our school shopping done, bought all supplies needed, and took Taylor's saxophone (borrowed from my sister Cindy) for repair. And did the roller skating thing, etc. Of course football practice was thrown in there, mini-golfing, and lots of miscellaneous stuff. I think the kids favorite was going through their dresser drawers to see what still fit, what could make it another year, etc. That's ALWAYS a good time.
And then school began. I, of course, got the traditional first day of school picture (through misty eyes) in front of one of the pine trees, and it always amazes how much they change from year to year. I'd show it to you, but Tay accidentatlly lost her copy on her digital, and I'm waiting for my film to get developed so I can put it on the website. (Don't worry, I've got a digital now so all will go smoother - I hope)
Taylor absolutely LOVES Middle School. She is feeling very grown up. She is still working on trying to remember to grab everything she needs for each class out of her locker, as she was always allowed to go into the hall before, but now she needs a ....hall pass. Yikes! She can't get over it. hee hee. She is also taking violin again this year, has picked up band (saxophone) and choir, as well as volleyball. She's quite good, although struggling with her serving but she is working hard on it and her first game is next Tuesday. She was lucky and got put on the black team with most of her friends.
Volleyball is everyday after school until 5:00 pm, so Nick and I play tennis everynight while we're waiting for her. The courts are right next to the school so it's convenient, and I'm kicking his butt! We've been having fun watching the US Open in the evenings and he thought it was going to be sooooo easy after watching the pros. But I must admit, his serving is getting better and the wins are getting harder. But - they're still happening. Watch out Maria Sharapova, here I come!
Nick is loving being the oldest at the Intermediate School, and he loves his class and teacher this year. He's with more of his buddies, and he and his friend Nick Anderson (who is always blond hair, blue eyes) are having fun confusing the teacher. She keeps getting them mixed up and after the Nick 1 and Nick 2 method failed to help, they are now going by their middle names in class. Since his middle name is hypenated, John-Howard, he picked Howard and he really likes it. He thinks it's a cool name, but wishes she would call him Howie instead, after Howie Long the football player/announcer. Plus, it hasn't helped matters that him and Nick A. have been purposely wearing the same colored shirts each day. They plan it out the day earlier. One day they wear Packer jerseys, the next day a tropical shirt, the next day orange, then camoflauge, etc. They are having such fun tormenting poor Mrs. Koos but she's good natured about it and I think it's good clean fun. I'm actually amazed that they are remembering each day to do it. All Nick ever thinks about it his next meal, what cartoons are on, and when is football?
Anyhow, this weekend is a sleepover for Nick, more football, running to Rice Lake for shopping and saxophone pickup and ..... Taylor's 12th birthday!!! Thank you to all who have already sent gifts or cards. A big package came from Uncle Tom and Aunt Bonnie and I thought she was going to come unglued! We let her pick one gift and she got the digital camera that Uncle Tom sent up for her. It was his old one that she forgot he said she could have when he got a new one. She was ecstatic! But we'll fill you in on all the birthday details next week.
To all who are participating in the Kevdogg/Lindsay Memorial Golf Outing, good luck! I'm looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing pictures. I'll be with you in spirit.
