Spencer in the News!

Spencer appeared in a local newscast about an anti-bullying program at his elementary school. Check it out HERE!

Too cute...he appears at about one minute into it.

Cello

Spencer and I attended his "meet the instruments night" for the VT Strings Project. He had planned to play violin but after hearing each instrument, he settled on the cello. (I drew the line at the bass...no way we were hauling that thing around). I think it will suit him perfectly - you have to sit to play it!! We watched a video from last year's spring concert after just 6 months of instruction. When the director announced that by 5th or 6th grade, these kids could be playing with a full orchestra, Spencer just gasped. He described his commitment to learning and to practice so this will be a good experience. His friend Walter will also play cello and his friend Chris will learn violin. Another classmate, Cameron, was there too but I don't know what he settled on.

Fun book!

I just finished reading this and it was such a light and funny read of a British couple who move to Provence (France) and restore an old farmhouse. This passage about the hunting culture hits a little close to home:

"After a while, we came to realize that the gun mania was only part of a national fascination with outfits and accoutrements, a passion for looking like an expert. When a Frenchman takes up cycling or tennis or skiing, the last thing he wants is for the wold to mistake him for the novice that he is, and so he accessorizes himself up to professional standard. It's instant. A few thousand francs and there you are, indistinguishable from any other seasoned ace competing in the Tour de France or Wimbledon or the Winter Olympics." (p. 155)

The favorite chair

Who knew when we bought this rocking chair that it would become the family favorite - loved by humans and cats alike. The boys spend a lot of time sitting in it together. Whatever will we do when they no longer fit?! One or the other still tries to squish in it with me, which requires creativity and is met with varying levels of success.

Happy Labor Day all!

Backward/Mismatch Day

Friday was the first of the monthly "Spirit Days" at HAE. Last year, the kids did not participate, primarily because *I* never remembered! This year Spencer stepped up and decided he wanted to dress up and this is the outfit he fashioned for himself. Pretty creative and bold, I like that!

We've gotten more mileage out of that $2 thrift shop tie than I ever dreamed we would.

The next spirit day is "Fancy Day"...you don't suppose I'll be ordering a tux, do you?!!

First Day of School!

And...they're off! The morning went without a hitch. Yummy lunches packed. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Time left over for Wii. Bus driver picked them up in front of the house even though it's not an official stop! (We'll see how long we get away with that, hopefully the driver is cool about it.)

This is the first year we have a back-to-school picture with our own dog rather than Jessie, but we did see her this morning so it's OK.

Now to get my own school situation under control. We start on Monday!

Meet the Teachers!

The kids got their class assignments and met the teachers last night. I think they ended up with great matches. Spencer already had a conversation with Mrs. Lloyd about parallel universes, black holes, and string theory! She mentioned that she will give Spencer opportunities to teach others this year and step up his level of responsibility in the classroom. He's with his good friends John and Cassidy too. The nice thing is, with just two classes in his grade, he knows all of the kids really well having been in and out of classes with them now for three years. We love Harding Avenue Elementary! (The tie was completely Spencer's idea...he wanted to make a good first impression! And he just soaks up the positive feedback from all the adults.)

Grant has Mrs. Day, who Spencer had, and who we really liked. Grant was hoping to have her and we are so glad he does. I think her calm and kind ways will work well with him. Grant's good friend William is in class with him too.

The kids seem pretty excited for the school year and so am I. I've made no secret of that. They are ready for more structure in their lives, as am I!