It's Wild Here

Downtown Dayton Revival

December update

Earlier in the month, we attended the annual Santa/Pancake/Craft breakfast at the Methodist Church.  It's a sweet tradition.

I've spared you the alternative photo, in which Kellen makes his favorite new face (nostrils sucked in with power vacuum force --  he looks very odd).  

It was one of those years when Santa could make a long-time wish happen. Ryan has been asking to play violin for several years. I really love his expression in the very first seconds of the video.

The boys' school went roller skating during the week before break.  Kellen was quite daring on wheels, and had a great time with his pals (below the video).

 

Jeremiah's Christmas looked like this: 

Before the break, Jeremiah also joined the Mock Trial/Debate club at school, and has been enjoying that a lot. Some cruel fellow assigned homework over their vacation, so he'll be working on that soon, and these games will get a break.

Next quarter at Sinclair, I'll be teaching three sections of SOC 112, and Kellen will be switching to full day kindergarten twice/week.  I think he'll enjoy the extra time at school, as he'd been complaining of a lot of boredom in the mornings.

Christmas miracle: all 5 of them looking at the camera with smile-like expressions, probably earlier than 8am.

HEX BUGS with Uncle Troy!

Uncle Bill is a cruel, cruel ear-lifter.

Jamie has enjoyed a very long break from classes at Sinclair.  He's taken the time to write songs, bond with the cat, look for jobs, do a little work for a local builder, and play some shows.

W heels and S port F ishing USA (not really wanting fans of the bands to find this blog on google)

As it turns out, Ryan can play basketball very well. He's having a blast with it. Here is a very short clip of his awesome.

Happy 17th!

 

I have no idea. 

Kellen's newest talent. 

Painting

Jamie has just completed his second quarter of painting at Sincl4ir (among other classes), and this is some of his work.  His instructor asked to keep this to put on display in Building 13, in case you care to see it in person.

Jamie and his band practiced for many hours yesterday in our kitchen.  I decided to do more cooking than I usually would... I love to hear them play.  

 

Ryan began his first Monday of summer with a huge ear infection and a lot of vomiting and fever.  He had been hoping to try the swim team but that will have to wait.  Poor fella.

 

avett brothers

Took the kids to Avett Brothers in Columbus last night.  Incredible performers!

 

Jamie and Kellen

We covered Ryan and Jeremiah in the last post.  

Jamie has had a fantastic first year of high school. His grades are excellent; he played varsity soccer; he started a band with two fabulous boys (Wh66ls); he has a wonderful girlfriend.  This summer, he's going to attend Friends Music Camp with several local kids, including his band-mates.  It's 4 weeks long!  I'm told they come home having learned so much and completely happy. 

Kellen started attending Yellow Springs Montessori in January.  The school is still getting oriented and determining its philosophy and routine.  He's loved his teacher, but hasn't been separating easily.  We've visited Antioch, where he seems a lot more at home and engaged.  We're hoping to get a little financial aid and send him there for his last year before kindergarten, so that he will be able to attend 5 days, and possibly even a few full days toward the end of the year before full-day kindergarten.

jamie's 8th grade promotion

Jamie with his best friend, Soccer Ball, and sporting his new Class of 2013 button.

summer approaches

(photo by Kelly)

We're all looking forward to the new pace of summer, which begins next Wednesday, the first day school is out.  Of course, the older boys' school work has waned considerably already. 

(photo by Kelly)

The three older boys will attend british soccer camp, and Ryan will go to one week of Antioch school art and water play camp. 

(photo by Kelly)

Yesterday, Ryan started digging a hole in the back yard. We'll see how large he can make it.  If anyone can think of more "real" jobs for a strong and curious boy who doesn't seem to care about toys anymore, please comment.

He's dying to mow.  Followed Daddy all over the yard.

Our strawberries are ready now - we all go out and raid the garden periodically. I think these strawberries are kind of weird and lame - they are mostly small and oddly shaped. Our patch at the old house must have had better/different plants. They taste fine though.

Planted dahlias from Bruce also - time will tell if I actually drag myself out there in the fall to dig up the tubers. 

I got maximum enjoyment from the peonies - we went out to cut many of them before the big peony-crushing rain storm, and delivered some flowers to friends. 

Jamie seems to have found a job  - we'll see how it works out. He's very excited.  Chen's is our local chinese place and he has a friend with a family tie to the owner, so this connection seems to be working for him.  We need to have the talk about the money he earns and how much is saved/spent.

Jeremiah's about to play his final game - his team could come in 2nd if they tie or win - we'll see!  

Kelly is the toileting rock star, dry night and day.  He's also bicycle master, balancing well on his balance bike (and even riding a true two-wheeler alone, although his legs are too short to get on and off without help).  He's been going to Laurie's with Ryan for about 3 weeks, and seems to have no real trouble with the separation. yay!

recent art by jamie

The above isn't so recent but recently scanned in.

J's discovered Stephen King recently. 

Also been working on hands and feet.