New Shoes

Boston got his first pair of Chucks over the weekend. We went to baby Footlocker Saturday since sandal season is quickly coming to an end. It took him a little while to get used to them, but he finally got the hang of it. Everything else is going great. School is running smoothly, and Cara may be getting a new job. Stay tuned for details...

Back to School

Get your pencils sharpened. It's back to school time again. We started Wednesday last week (8/12) and the kids came back on Thursday. Things are going pretty great so far. I felt like I got hit by a truck by the end of the day Friday, though. I'm not used to skipping my 1:30 nap. I need to get back in the routine of staying awake all day. I have a brand new room this year, which is pretty sweet considering I didn't have a room at all two years ago.

This was my first classroom. I had to use a different room nearly every period and push everything around on this sweet Rubbermaid cart.


Last year I had my own room, and it was pretty big compared to some of the other rooms. I also made a few of the more experienced teacher a little jealous because they I also had a window, which is apparently a high commodity in the teaching profession.


This year takes the prize, though. Not only do I have a brand new room, but I also have a computer for each kid in the class. I am able to look at whatever they are typing from my computer and comment on their screen, which they think is kind of creepy. I can also take any one of their screens and put it on the LCD projector to show student examples or to just embarrass them. There was a kid Friday playing solitaire and didn't think I knew. I put his screen on the projector and gave him the, "just so you know, I can see everything you're typing." That turned out to be the fastest game of solitaire to date.


Things otherwise are great. Boston is talking a lot more than he used to. We can't really make out what he is saying most of the time, but that doesn't stop him from giving us the details. He also thinks he is too big for two naps a day, which doesn't work out very well. If he talks through either one of his naps we pay for it about an hour before bath time. I have never seen someone so small get so angry. When he is in a super-grumpy mood when we put him to be we will usually hear a "thump" on the door just as we close it. That is the sound of Boston throwing his bear at us from his crib. All in all, he is more fun now than he ever has been. The pool is a blast, the park is fun, and just hanging out in the back yard is a good time.

We hope all is well everywhere. Drop us a line when you can, and we'll do the same.

Hangin' at the Fair

Mom and Robert took the three of us to the Elkhart County Fair over the weekend. We got to see some animals, ride some carny rides, and eat some deep fried fair food. Scroll down to take the photo tour...

Taking the tractor trolley to the fair grounds.


Checking out some animals.



Looks like it could rain...


Grammy says, "Let's try the duck pond!"


Hmmm...which one should I pick?


This looks like a good one.


Winner!


Cool prize! Boston loves balloons.


Wow. That looks fun!


My first carnival ride.



Grammy won some stuffed animals from the crane.


Boston and I went through the fun house. He thought the vibrating floor was pretty cool, but didn't like the air shooting at us. The slide at the end made up for it, though.


This was probably Boston's favorite part of the entire day. I was a little nervous putting him on the train by himself, but he sat still with his arm on the little arm rest the entire time.





When he got off the ride we asked him, "Boston, did you ride the train!?!" He was pretty proud of himself.


Look at the scary animals!






Time for lunch. Boston ate a bunch of our cheesy spiral potatoes and then stole some of Robert's pizza.


After lunch time comes nap time.


Maybe next year we will be brave enough for goat jerky or gator on a stick.

Having a Good Time

As we move on into July the three of us are still taking the summer one day at a time. It's pretty nice. The days Cara doesn't have to work we get up and say, "What should we do today?" and play it by ear. The days Cara does have to work Boston and I either hang in the backyard or see what Grandpa is doing. Boston got a couple more molars in last week, so he was a bit snotty and slobbery. We had lunch today with Grandma and Grandpa Kuhnle and Boston stunk up the joint and ruined his outfit with a monster poop. Other than an occasional bodily fluid mishap, this are running smoothly. Cara is still plugging away at her Masters, and I have been chipping away at some lesson plans. As of today, school is officially one month away. As great as the summer has been, I am looking forward to going back with the renovations that are going on at Carroll. I will have a brand new room with 32 student computers, LCD projector, and, probably the thing I am most excited about, a coat hanger. Last year I had to hang my coat on the key that stuck out of my filing cabinet. It feels great to move on up in the world. We hope all is well, and feel free to stop by any time. Boston sends his kisses!

Splash Park and Greek Fest

The three of us went to Memorial Park the other day to check out their splash park. It was pretty cool. Boston thought it was alright, but I think he likes being in control of when he gets wet. It didn't help that the sun was hiding, and the water was a bit chilly. Hopefully it will start to get warmer this summer so we can hit the pool.







We are also getting ready for Greek Fest, which is quickly approaching. I will be playing all three nights (Thursday June 25th - Saturday June 26th) from about 5-10 each night. Try the octopus if you're feeling especially brave. Opa!

Old MacDonald

He is not solely a dancing machine any more. Boston has broadened his horizons lately and has taken up singing. Check out his debut performance:

School Is Out!

I am officially on summer vacation, and I couldn't be more excited about it. Since graduation on Thursday we have just been hanging out, going to the park, and enjoying the summer weather. The three of us went to the zoo yesterday to see the new African exhibit, which was pretty awesome. We don't have many plans this summer and hope to keep it that way. Zach asked me last night if I was teaching summer school...good one, Zach. I am teaching three new courses next year, so I'll have to study up, but that will be the extent of my strenuous school work.

Here is a characature that a student drew for me this year. You can see she made a point to emphasize my shiny bald spot and massive caterpillar-like eye brows.



Don't forget to check out the photo page!