Another school year is well on its way!

Really cannot believe we have been in school almost a month.  In fact we have conferences Oct. 14-16.  Wow- I thought I was still getting to know my students- where does the time go?  I once again  coteach with a great friend.  We have up to 16 kids in the morning and another crew in the afternoon.  I love my job and the staff I work with, but wow are we going to busy this year!

Ellie started 6th grade at a brand new intermediate school called IJ Holten.  I think we are pretty lucky to have her there.  Even better is that her dad works there now so most mornings he picks her up for school.  Sam is back at Banfield in 3rd grade.  He loves school, but don't ask him about homework. 

Check out Sam's coat- this is a boy who doesn't care a lot about what he wears, but fell in love with this jacket.  Of course I had to buy it.

Love the smile and of course notice the purple shoes- ahh shopping for shoes with an 11 year old girl.  :) In the end we made a deal and it all worked out.

 

Brothers and Sisters

Although I may often comment on the fighting between the children in this house, a few pictures reminded me they really do love one another.   Check out the fun these 2 had at the fair this summer.

 

And then there was the first day of school

 

And finally just a little Austin Packer Homecoming Pride

 

Love these two!!

 

Baseball Fun

Sam decided to try baseball this year.  I really don't know who has more fun- him playing or me watching.  I love seeing how each week the team learns a little more about the game.  I am also impressed with the organization and hard work the coaches put in.   I'm sure there will be another baseball post but had to put a few on now. 

Birthday time

Next up for June was Ellie turning 11 on June 21 and Sam turning 8 on June 30th.  The kids had great birthday parties and enjoyed getting cards in the mail.  With any luck we will get some thank you's mailed out to a few of you before school starts again.  :)

Ellie celebrated her real birthday with a candle lit cookie

Silly girls- first we did a movie, then Applebee's, finally home for owl shaped cupcakes made by dad, and a sleepover

Yep- it was another Chuck E. Cheese birthday party for Sam.

Iron Man's shield even with a light in it, made by dad.  What a day: Chuck E. Cheese, cake, and a sleep over with friends

A little surgery

Next on Ellie's summer list of activities was getting a cyst removed off of a bone in her leg.  In May she had complained a bit about her leg hurting.  Dave and I kept saying it will get better, but then we learned she had cried during track and field day at school, her gym teacher even noticed she was in pain.  So that night we were off to urgent care thinking she had a sore calf muscle.  Hmm- 3 hours later after blood tests for blood clots and an x-ray we found out she had a cyst on her bone.  By the next day we know she was headed for Mayo to see a pediatric orthopedic doctor.  Yep- her parents felt like complete failures- dismissing her pain as nothing-oops it happens to the best of us.  From there we learned the cyst was common, likely caused her fibula bone to fracture, and with a simple surgical procedure by fall she would be back to her active self.  Well from the pictures below you can see she breezed through her very first surgery.  She had her parents a little nervous- ok her dad was crazy nervous- as parents are if there children are being put to sleep.   All went well and Ellie is back to riding bike and swimming.  By the time school starts she will be back to running, jumping, and dancing too!

 

Music and Drama Camp

Summer began with Ellie and Sam being a part of the music and drama camp at Faith Church in Austin.  Ellie was an amazing narrator and Sam enjoyed being a part of the songs and boys group dancing.  After the picture is a video with snap shots of the songs and Ellie's parts.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  I am one proud mom!!

 

Where has summer gone?

Wow- the summer is flying by and little is posted on our blog.  Look for some posts of our June/July excitement!