Life in South Texas

I had to publish this photo of Marty returning home from dove hunting. He bagged 10 doves and was given 2 to make 12. He is responsible for cooking and eating them. Last year he did well - grilling them on skewers and serving to family. I would have never believed my husband was a hunter had you told me this 5 years ago. Life is sure different here in Helotes than it was in Austin. I love our life but do miss Austin. I have to visit Austin a few times a year to keep me grounded.

San Antonio is all abuzz with hurricane Ike fear. People are lining up at Sam's and Costco buying cases of bottled water. I say, just fill up your jugs and coolers with tap water. It's all going to be just fine. We are praying for our neighbors along the Texas coast however. It's during these times that we're glad we just rent condos at the beach and don't own any!

Colin's First Day of School

Well, I took the camera like a good mom, got there early, pried Colin off my leg and got ready to take a picture when... waaa-laaa battery dead. Anyway, here is a photo of him afterschool (after I charged the battery) but he was very sleepy and not interested in the camera. He loves school and his teacher Ms. Kari (and so do I). His best friend Gabriel is in his class so that makes it all the better.

Nolan's 6th Birthday

Nolan turned 6 September 3rd. Happy Birthday Nolan! Here are some pictures of his party at Chuck E Cheese. We had the party on his birthday (Wednesday evening). It worked out great as we were the only birthday party there. We are in for another round of baseball starting in a week or so. I do think I'm crazy. Marty got roped in to coaching again so at least we'll have some control of the practice schedule. Nolan is doing great at school - he does seem a little overwhelmed when he gets home though. He is making new friends and singing new songs everyday.

August Rain

We are so excited to have rain in August!!!! The grass is green - can you believe it???

Astros Trip

We made our annual trek to Houson earlier this month to see an Astros game. Next year we will bring our own food - remind me of this. $4.50 lemonade, etc. We had a great time even though the Astros lost. A homerun ball went right over our heads! We stayed for the Friday night firew

orks which was a little crazy. I've never quite seen fireworks like this. It was kind of like the fireworks were on steroids (or something else for that matter). Either that or the fans were supposed to be... Anyway, I think the boys liked it - too much/loud for Colin.

First Day of School and other late August news

Nolan started kindergarten Monday. Matthew hit the big 3rd grade hall (yes

- hall not portable although there are 3rd graders in the portables this year). All the 2nd graders were in portables last year so that means some are out there for the 2nd year in a row. Anyway, Nolan was so excited, popped out of bed saying "I wasn't asleep, my eyes were just closed!" And yes, teacher requests still work in this day and age - eve with 11 kinder teachers! We got the teacher we wanted!! Matthew's teacher is a winner too. We are very happy. It has been an adjustment for all of us but we are doing well. I think I am the most upset - worrying that the school is too big, Nolan is too overwhelmed, should I have put him in private kinder?, etc. etc. Colin also met his teacher yesterday- he starts next Wednesday. He is going to love school just like last year. Tonight we hit Nolan's open house - Marty actually got a sitter because he wanted us both to go! I am excited to see my sisters Dale (from Michigan), and Jo (from Houston) tonight - they are in for a visit. That's all for now.

Last week of summer blues

Well - here we are with 3 weekdays left before the boys go back to school. It will just be Colin and me for another week and a half and then he'll be off 3 mornings a week too! I think Matthew and Nolan are ready - they both love school and actually seem happier when they come home from school than when home all day. We are trying to get them back on the school bedtime schedule but Nolan and Colin are fighting it with a vengence. The olympics doesn't help either since Matthew loves watching it with Marty and I. Tomorrow afternoon we'll head up to the school to see the class lists posted. We'll see if my subtle email to the Principal and VP helped at all with Nolan's placement (I requested a specific teacher even though they "don't take requests"). Us kinder parents just get a little anxious ourselves this time of year... Matthew is the veteran 3rd grader now so hopefully all will go well there as well. We are gearing up for another baseball season starting in September. Oh yeah, Marty is training for the San Antonio Marathon in November. Cara (my sister) is training to run half of the same marathon (13 miles)! Me? I have no desire to run a marathon - I have started running again myself for exercise thanks to their motivation though. I really enjoy running but 3 miles is good for me. Well that's it for now.