They work hard for the money

A couple weeks ago Dillon said that he wanted to be a mailman when he grew up. We thought we'd nip that right in the butt. We are pushing college for the kids big time! So I thought it would be a great idea to have Dill go and get a taste of what daddy does.
He loved it.
I thought he would be exhausted and whine that he wanted to quit. Instead, he was climbing up rock walls, jumping from high porches and finding the coolest fighting sticks.
If only Derek was that excited about work(though I'd probably get annoyed if he brought rocks and sticks home everyday). So I guess for now we will let him think Derek's job is super cool.

Fall in Review

Fall had come to and end and then returned:) The day of snow threw us off. I ran out and bought all our snow gear after Dill had to spend the snow day in sneakers. And then I haven't seen snow since.
I love fall. The changing colors and perfect temperatures make me smile. But I have to admit, I really love winter. I have the funnest memories of snow days as a kid. We don't get the snow we used to (snowed in days off school...hanging at Angie's:)) But my kids don't see the difference, even if it is a little skirmish my kids demand to go and play outside. I felt bad because Kasi had really wanted to play in the snow that day before school and I should have let her stay home for a bit because by the time she got home it was all but gone.
Don't you feel that way about winter? Being inside with a cup of hot cocoa watching the snow fall. Snuggled under warm blankets reading books. Listening to Christmas music. I started piano lessons again, so I will be serenading my family with Christmas music this year:)The glow of the Christmas lights. And baking treats!
I just got myself all stoked up...I'm ready to put up Christmas! (I know Brooke already has!)

Before I push us into winter...here's what's been going on this fall:

Another year at the State Fair






Which made me want to get domestic and put the garden to good use.





Dill played/ran through the motions of Flag football.






And had some Halloween fun.

Confirmed.Amazing.

I have proof! Derek took Kasi to Parent Teacher Conference while I worked last night. It was so cute to see him bursting with pride! All Excellent's and all top scores, of course!
I have to share what the teacher wrote:
"Kasidee is an outstanding student who consistently turns in high quality work. She is a very capable student and has great academic potential. She is outgoing and friendly to others and is willing to do whatever is asked of her."
I wished the "willing to do whatever is asked of her" would apply at home too, but, we hope they are better behaved outside of the home anyways:)
Proud mom and dad moment. It's always nice to hear that others like your kids too:)

So while I am already bragging about her...here is her piano recital video.

School 2010-11

I have been without a computer for so long! Now I'm back, baby.

Kasi started 4th grade



and Dill started kindergarten.


My baby is in kindergarten!! Both the kids love school and their teachers and I have a couple hours of alone time a day :) Don't blink because one day they are big and you wonder how it happened! I volunteer in the kid's classes a lot during my alone time because apparently it's too lonely. I hope Dillon never gets embarrassed by me...but one day he will get beat up if he continues to want me to scratch his back, sit on my lap and hold hands during school. But, for now, it makes us both happy. Kasi on the other hand doesn't need to be coddled consistently.
Can I brag? My girl is amazing! She is so self sufficient, she gets up gets ready and kisses me goodbye before she leaves while I never leave my bed. I never worry that something won't get turned in and she even takes care of the above and beyond projects like reflections without me having to nag or stress at 11:00 the night before something is due. And excels at all she does, she is amazing.
Dill will take more work:)