It's Wild Here

Soliciting information via burrito

In case you were wondering, you can buy yourself approximately 3.6 minutes of discussion on the topic of How Was Jeremiah Scott's Day, for the very fair price of Chipotle for dinner. It was worth it. I got spelling in French, a teacher who started off obnoxious but is now actually nice, a preview of a satire advice column to be published in the first edition of the school paper. We packed a lot into those minutes.

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. 

Jeremiah and Edward

July

Fourth of July at Uncle Doug and Aunt Barb's house has been a tradition for several years. Before that, we had decades of Fourths at my grandma's.  Marshmallow topped brownies, balloon toss, cooking out. 

 

All summer, we've been attending the summer reading programs at the library. This one was really wonderful, engaging all the children completely.

Hanging out downtown at the first (annual?) Cirque Carnival

Ryan is finishing up a clay class - they are creating an under-the-sea scene.

 Ryan attended Bulldog Basketball Camp and had the best time.  They were long, hot days and he wanted to be there every minute. He says it's more fun than swimming or soccer.  I'm thinking, wait until he can get the ball into the net - how fun will it be then?

 

 

4-H Camp Clifton - Jeremiah's first week away from home. He did the high ropes course, a zip line at night, and a few activities that he described as "do it yourself..."  They weren't terribly prepared. Think ice cream eating contest with no bowls, spoons or cones.  Just kids and a tub of ice cream. 

Ryan was better just in time for soccer camp, although he was definitely not fully recovered until the second day. During the first day of camp, he came walking over looking incredibly pale and flopped down into the grass.  It took some peanut butter and rest in the shade, but he was back at it before long.

Next week, he wants to try out swim team. 

He seems to be making some strides in reading and writing - practicing a little each day through summer.  He has one lost tooth and another couple of loose teeth.

He wants to play violin.  We're looking into it.

 

Jeremiah is teaching himself ukulele. Thank you, youtube.  I imagine we'll get some real lessons after fall soccer.  Right now, he's busy with Brasilian Jiu-jitsu and summer. 

 

Uncle Doug, Uncle Gavin, Dad.  Memorial Day/Dad's birthday.

  

 

 

avett brothers

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

 

summertime!

It's been seven months since I've posted to this blog.  I'd like to get a little better, although I'll probably never be daily as I was for a while.

Ryan has had a fantastic year at school.  His class has visited Carillon Park, the Columbus Zoo, put on a beautiful kindergarten concert, and will soon be going to Shawnee Park for their end-of-year picnic.  He's learned a lot, is starting to read, and really seems to thrive in a traditional school classroom.  What a bizarre thing to hear myself say.  And a happy thing!

Jeremiah had a challenging start to middle school, spending half at McKinney at half enrolled in Ohio Virtual Academy.  He plans to return in 8th grade, next fall.  This year, he began training in Brazilian JiuJitsu and has won many medals in tournaments, even as a beginner.  He continues to improve in soccer and enjoys many good friendships with kids in town.  This summer, he has plans for soccer camp, swimming and socializing. 

Updates on the rest of us coming next...  (and pictures!)

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!

April

I hope this doesn't become a monthly-post type thing.  Between family crises and the effects of facebook and twitter, the blog has been neglected.

Last month, my grandmother passed away. I'm waiting on a CD with some nice photos from my father, and I'll make a post about her.

HAPPY 8th, Fynn!

Earlier this month, we went to see F's soccer game and had a birthday party for him at the playground. It was a beautiful day. Ryan and Kelly super-hero-ed around the track while F played his game.  The bigs kicked the soccer ball around.

Katie's friend's baby found her way into Jamie's arms - he looked very comfortable with her.