September Randoms

The start of the school year is racing along with all of the activities.  Each of the kids is involved in some sort of extracurricular activity: 

Samantha is doing marching band and still working at the local winery.  She also attended homecoming this month with friends.

She registered for a new class at the high school: art.  She has always been interested in it, but her previous schedule did not allow for it and with the teacher's permission, she was able to take it.  I have been so impressed with the projects that she has done already including this one done in paint:

Sophia is taking three dance classes (ballet, tap and hip hop) and began working as an assistant teacher for the first time this Fall.  This is a paid position and while she only assists with one class per week, she loves it.  She is also continuing in both concert and jazz band and has become a real leader in her trumpet section.

Another special thing: the girls and I went together to get our 'doubles' pierced.  I promised that I would go with them and we made a special evening of this by going to dinner and then getting our ears pierced together.

Jack is enjoying Middle School and the extra freedom that comes with choosing his 'flex classes' and having varied teachers.  

He is playing tackle football again this Fall and while it means tough practices, he loves being with his friends and perfecting his skills.

He also joined the Middle School band and chose to follow in the footsteps of his sisters by playing the trumpet.  Steve took him to pick one out and he has quickly learned to play a few songs already.

James is also playing tackle football this Fall for the first time.  Like his brother, he really seems to enjoy it and we have been fortunate enough to not have too many games that overlap this Fall for the boys where we have to 'divide and conquer.'

As he progresses through the Elementary School, I am savoring these last few years.  We have had kids in that school consistently for the last 11 years and I know that I am going to miss so many of the teachers and classrooms once our last little one enters Middle School.

In his spare time, he has mastered chipmunk hunting in the woods.  He is so patient and we are amazed at this tally for the summer and early Fall.