Mid-October

by Rob

Today is October 17. We've been at the school year routine long enough now that it's kind of hard to remember how the summer days felt. For the most part, all is going well. The kids are certainly busy enough, and whenever we're not carting them around, we're looking after the dogs.

Millie and Zeke are a wonderful addition to our family life. We feel like we hit doggie gold with these two. Sure they're puppies and needy at times, but mostly they are just a joy. I'm really enjoying our morning walks now, and they seem to have warmed up to them as well. By the time that I leave for work, they are settling down in the pen, seemingly unbothered by my departure. In the afternoon, we walk again, or go to one of Abbie's soccer games. In the evening we let them out of the pen for awhile. They play in the living room, or we spend time combing them -- which fortunately, they really enjoy. Each night at about 10:00, we get them into a crate for the night. They sleep next to one of our beds. We know that they get awake every now and then, but there has been no whining or barking for weeks, and they wait patiently for me to get up in the morning to take them out.

Abbie's soccer team has done well this fall. Only one loss so far, and that was a close game. They have two more games next week. It's surprising how quickly the season has gone. She has enjoyed it, and tells me that she plans to do it again next year. In addition to soccer, she's taking two dance classes and guitar lessons. Church activities and homework fill up what's left of her time.

Nate is in CDYC and Schalmont's marching band again. He doesn't seem to be nearly as busy as Abbie, but I think that suits him better. He pays a lot of attention to his social calendar now, and he gets a little annoyed if one of his activities gets in the way of a social event. He seems to like school again, and I know that he looks forward to seeing his friends there each day.

Kim is adjusting to her new work situation. She told me the other day that the honey moon is over. I think that means that the kids are now beginning to act out a little more. She only has two students, but from what she has been telling me, she has more than enough to do. She also is learning on the job, since the conditions of these two students are new to her. I think she's enjoying the challenges though, and I believe that the change in assignments has been good for her.