Slytherin

The girls and I decided to go shopping yesterday. We went out to the car in the garage and as I was getting in, I noticed a snake. Yes, you read that right. A snake. In the garage!!! AH!!! No wonder we haven't had any mice out there like we usually do during this time of year. Kristen chased it off and thought it escaped through a small hole by the door, but couldn't see it outside. We left and came home and there it was--sitting right in the middle of the garage. It slithered off to a corner and I thought I'd just leave it there for Jon to dispose of, since he wasn't at home. I went out to the garage a bit later and there it was AGAIN!! It acted scared of me--imagine that--we're scared of each other. Ha! It slithered off again and Jon got home right after that and of course, couldn't find it anywhere. I decided to name it Slytherin. But it better not get any ideas about becoming our pet....

Drum Recital

Kendall had a drum recital on Saturday, right after getting home from a leadership (scout) camp. He played Dani California and I was so busy recording it, that I didn't get any pictures of him behind the set. The teacher had it set up on his back patio outside, which borders a pond. It was pretty cool, but I wondered what the neighbors thought of all that noise. :)

Last Hurrah of Summer!

Last Sunday afternoon, we took a drive to the lake and just sat on the shore and enjoyed the nice, warm weather. It seems like the next day, cooler fall air moved in, so it was like a last summer outing. It was sooo pretty--a storm was moving in, so the clouds and sunset were just gorgeous!!

Jarren wanted Hooie (his raggedy blankie) to see the lake.

Jenna playing near the woods.

Kendall with the setting sun in the background.

Kristen walking through the sand/mud.

Chinese

I seriously have NO idea how these little kids learn Chinese, but they do. Jenna brought home this homework yesterday and did it. I said, "Oh, it looks like you have to practice some letters." She said, "No, Mom. Those are numbers and words." Hmmm...go figure.

1st Grade

Jenna is in the Chinese Immersion program at our school. She was so excited and I thought it was a great idea--until she actually started school. Ugh. She came home very frustrated because the first 3 hours of each day is strictly Chinese--NO English spoken at all. She said, "I have no idea what the teacher is saying!!" I asked her if she learned anything or knew any words and she rattled of about 10. O-k-a-y....She learns more and more every day. I think the transition from half a day (kindergarten) to all day (1st grade) is a really hard one and then to combine that with a foreign language. It was a rough first week of school. She was extremely moody and would melt down at the drop of a hat. This last week was much, much better. Phew!

They walk with my neighbor (6th grader) and didn't want me to come with them. :(

4th Grade

Jarren is not and never has been a big fan of school, but he seems to be enjoying it this year. He has a good teacher and she told them if they're good, they get easier homework. He is determined to be good!! He tries hard too. I wouldn't say he loves school, but he's tolerating it quite well so far.

7th Grade

This was a big year for Kristen because she got to start middle school!!! She was very nervous, yet excited. She came home the first day in a really good mood, which means she's liking it so far. Phew! She has changed a lot since school ended for the summer--she got contacts, got layers in her hair, and started wearing makeup. She acts more and more like a teenager every day.

They won't walk together....hmmm....