Sequence of events, according to Jack and Lucy

In the car on the way home from school, we were talking about getting new teachers next year. Lucy got a little freaked out and thought that meant she would be going to a different school. This is how the conversation went down:

M:  You'll be at Hill for the next six years.
L:  Then where will I go?
M:  To the middle school, Murchison. After that you'll go to Anderson, where I work.
J:  After that, you'll go to college. After that, you'll get a job. After that, you'll retire. After that, you'll just do whatever you want. And then...
L: Then you die?
J:  Yep.

Pics from Bethie's Minnesota wedding

Pom Pom Words

On our drive home from school the other day, Lucy was writing in a notebook. She told me she had written "bird house." I asked her how she spelled it, and she said "BRDHOS." I thought that was pretty impressive for a four-year-old, then she told me, "It's a pom pom word." (aka "compound word")

Hula Hoopers

 Turns out Jack is quite good...click here for a video.

Lucy, on the other hand, might have to stick with Lady Gaga karaoke...click here for her hula video.

Violet and Olivia's Fancy Birthday Bash

A limo down to South Congress for lunch and a candy shop, followed by tie-dying and sleeping over (or "not" sleeping over, as indicated by Lucy passing out on the couch the next morning at 9:30)

Jack's first two comic books

I think they might be stolen ideas, but the creativity is the focus here...

San Antonio with Gramma and Papa

Wisconsin Pride

Parkour

Jack has started going to parkour classes with a friend from school once a week. He learns how to safely jump, climb, roll, etc.

A Bit of a Diva

She had to protect herself from the rays...

Click here for a video of Lucy singing Lady Gaga's "Telephone." She told me one of their babysitters showed them a video of Lady Gaga, and it was "inappropriate" because Lady G was only wearing "panties and boob coverings."

First Day of PreK at Hill

First Day of Second Grade

 Just last year they had their arms around each other...and now the awkwardness begins...

Bowling and "Bowling"

Big Girl Room!

Todd Turns Forty

Click here for a video...

Went on a girls' trip to Seattle...This is the note Jack had waiting for me when I got home

Lucy and Dodo (one of her many nicknames for Todd)

They found my old bag-o-costumes

Bike Rodeo

Taming of the Rat's Nest

Brotherly Love

Lucy came into the house crying this afternoon. I asked her what was wrong and she said that Jack told her he was going to get her a toilet for her birthday.

Relaxin

Jack created a "lounge area" in his room. He told me he's got everything he needs: toys, books, his music player, and a comfortable (homemade) couch.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

In my head, Jack and I were going to have a great time...instead, he got frustrated and wasn't really into it. We tried. I ended up eventually tying his board to mine, so at least I got a good work out (which is really what spending quality time with your children is all about). And he appears to be enjoying himself in the picture, right?

Madison

Milwaukee

Luckily the Tooth Fairy found him in Wauwatosa:

 Note: Aunt Kimmy just made "regular" pancakes...

Jack and Nanny built quite a Lego town:

Jack attempted the swim test seven times just so he could jump off the diving board: