Over the River and Through the Woods

The weather has been awesome around here so we have been spending a lot of time al fresco. The yard can get a little boring so when we need a change of scenery we head to the trails. We always find a new place to explore and the walk expends some of "our" undying energy.

And the Award Goes To....

CARSON MARKLAND!!!

Carson has been very busy collecting awards and certificates at school this fall. She is a very hard worker and her school work and success is VERY important to her. She does get a little too stressed at times and we try to get her to put things in perspective so she doesn't give herself an ulcer but we do appreciate her desire to succeed. So far she has been recognized for:

-a perfect score on her end of course exam in algebra (a high school class she took in 7th
grade)

-a perfect score on her PASS exam (an end of year exam they take to exit their current grade)

-Principle's Honor Roll (straight A's)

-DUKE TIP Scholar where she scored high enough on the ACT to be accepted to college now if she were 18.

-Silver Fox (school mascot) Student of the Month

I am not trying to BRAG but we are very proud of her and I realize that this has NOTHING to do with me! It is all her and I take none of the credit. And while she may have all these "perfect" scores she is still acts like a typical "teenager" from time to time!

"FAMOUS SMILE"

Carson took Whit on a nature walk and was taking some pictures of him. He kept giving her this "goofy" smile and when Carson asked him what he was doing he said:

"This is my FAMOUS SMILE"

Run and Jump (and wear your little butts out!)

We FINALLY have enough leaves to make a decent pile. The little kids had an early release day this week and it was nice and warm so we played outside and jumped in the leaves. It quickly became a full contact event (like everything around here) but no one got hurt so we'll call it a good day!

Commando

This is how Whit spends most of his day: COMMANDO meaning sans underwear! He just can't be bothered with putting them on- way too time consuming. I told him the other day that I was "tired of him being naked" and he quickly responded: "Well, I am tired of you being dressed". Maybe we should just move to a nudist colony!

Murphy @ 19 months

19 months:

likes: garbage truck

trampoline

hot wheels

making messes

going outside

music playing mini hummer truck

truck book

dislikes: getting his teeth brushed

having things taken away from him (knives,
scissors, paint, screwdrivers etc.)

wearing clothing

wearing shoes

going inside

Moonlight Madness

Let the games begin!

Basketball season is underway. Griffin's team has a new coach who is working their butt's off and bringing a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to the program (thank goodness). One thing he came up with to get the students excited was to have a "Moonlight Madness" preseason exhibition that incorporated a 3 point shooting contest, dunk contest, hot shot contest and some performances from the step team, dance team and cheerleaders. Griffin was in the 3 point contest and he WON! At one point he made 11 shots in a row. It was very fun and we are hoping that it is the start of a good season.