Life as Usual...

In school this past week, we were studying The Golden Age of China and decided to learn to use chopsticks for fun. We rigged up some "training wheels" for the sticks -- which helped some. Kate had so much soy sauce on her rice, she got frustrated with the chopsticks and begged to use a fork. Ryan kept saying, "You won't get an 'A' on your project if you use a fork." Kate loves to get A's, so she found an alternative.

Ryan does it like a pro...not a grain left! A+ for the day!

The evaluation of the Chopsticks 101 Class:

"I think I know why Chinese people are so small!"

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I was finally able to get a picture of Kate on her new birthday bicycle. She looks so cute on it and I love the white basket -- that was Dad's addition. I thought she still needed a little girl one -- you know the plastic ones with pink flowers all over!

Good Day, Sunshine!

We finally got outside on a nice day last week to capture a few shots of the kids before all of the flowers and leaves are gone. I've learned how important it is to make the opportunity to take pictures. Next spring they will look so different, esp. that pre-teen kid -- ahem, Ryan! Our camera is acting up a little bit, so these aren't the best. I told the kids we may have to try again this week -- they were not amused.

Birthday Girl!

Kate had her 9th birthday on the 9th of November! She got a real "big girl" bike -- one that should take her to college and beyond! (It was rainy today, so we'll try and post a picture on Monday.) We are so proud of this bright and sweet girl. HAPPY BIRTHDAY K-A-T-E!

Atomic Cookies

We are studying Chemistry this year in school -- and the kids had a chance to make "atomic cookies." We weren't quite sure what element Jeff created, but let's just say it was loaded with protons and electrons and it tasted REALLY great!