First week back

Henry snuck out of the house before I could take his picture. It's the first time since Kindergarten than I don't have a picture of him on the first day in front of the house but I guess when you are a Seventh Grader these things are not so important.
All in all its been a soggy first week - replete with the remnants of Hurricane Lee. The bands of rain finally cleared away on Saturday at 4PM and we got some relief.
Dave got his website up and running - check it out Little Green Men Toys at http://littlegreenmentoys.com/ and let all your friends know that they no longer have to buy their little green essentials through EBay! He had his first sale yesterday to the Netherlands. Now we just need to keep getting the word out!
Meg is now in Second Grade - I know it is a cliche to say that time is flying by but it is. This is a big year for her: a small class with the wonderful Ms. Wade in a new wing of Northside Elementary School.

Knowing Meg, its just a matter of time before she let's Dave know that it really isn't  necessary to walk her to school anymore - she can handle it just fine. Maybe Ellie will let Dave walk her to school so that he doesn't go into withdrawal. Although, to be honest, in his new position as PTO president, I don't think he could shake off Northside even if he wanted too. Its going to be a fabulous year without a doubt!
We ended our first week off with the traditional Friday Hockey and Bagel morning - we missed Mr. Dekeon this time but are hopeful for his speedy return! We had a scrum of anklebiters with sticks and more than a few good natured parents to keep everything moving. All bagels sold out within minutes of the first bell! Check out Meg seriously filling out her information sheet - I even think that Ellie's desk was close to Meg's (she had Ms. Wade too!).

School started for me as well and I am keeping up with my work with SmithGroup this Fall too. It is amazing how full a week can be!
It turns out that the last picture I have of Henry was him climbing a tree on Labor Day - I guess I wasn't inspired to take a picture of him tapping away on his new ITouch (which he worked for all summer). Hockey starts this week for both he and Meg. Ellie's soccer team started with a game last Saturday. I will close with a picture of Ellie and our horsesitting charges -  irrepressible Cody and stubborn Chuck.
All it all a good start - I hope that everyone else's was as full and happy as ours. More soon (I hope),
Liz

meg rides a bike

Meg has been working really hard at riding her bike with no training wheels. Check out her form and style (Ellie was providing some coaching as well!). We want to be able to head out for family bike rides this summer all together. Somehow, I think that I will be the weakest link!

Otherwise in April... Ellie started back up soccer (no pictures yet), Meg is finding her edge in hockey and Henry is rediscovering fishing (its still a little cold but he headed out anyway). Dave continues to build his 9-hole contribution to Northside Elementary. He and our PhysEd teacher have cooked up a benefit evening of putt-putt golf, snacks and a movie. Another school year at Michigan is wrapping up for me - its been a tough third year but I have a good plan for the summer and hope to have lots of progress to report come September. 

Tonight there is a chance of flurries BUT my irises, lilies and sorrel are all a couple of inches out of the ground AND my peonies and lilacs promise fragrant days ahead.

Henry's semi-final hockey game

Henry's hockey team made it to the League championship game after a 5-2 win today. These days he has been trying his hand on the offensive line. Championship is next Saturday ... after next week any hockey being played will be by Meg!

bill and ellie

meg plays hockey

Meg got to play a little hockey today with the girls high school hockey team. Check out her sweaty smile afterwards!

parting is sweet sorrow

We will miss you Lily! Next time bring your Mom and Dad so they can have some fun too!
A frosty cheers from the great white North!
Liz, Dave, Henry Ellie and Meg

la toilette des mesdemoiselles

We went to Matthei Botanical Gardens on Wednesday to thaw out from the cold. We gazed rapturously at Koi, marveled at the tiny pineapple growing in situ and generally appreciated a small taste of Lily's environmental context come Monday.

This shows the girls dressing for Friday morning at Northside Elementary. It was wacky hat morning. I don't have any pictures from hockey and movie night the previous evening but judging from the chitter chatter at (and beyond) bedtime a good time was had by all!
More at hemmac.

lily -in the house

Sunday and Monday! Snow and ice...

snowy mac

It is snowing in Michigan again.

with Henry its hockey with a little soul

Henry is coming to the end of the regular season and heading into the playoffs. We are all groupies (Dave more than the girls and I). It's fun to watch. Let us know if you want to come!
He continues to work hard at his trombone as well. This picture is on the occasion of his 6th grade concert! They sounded pretty good!

showing up for work

Henry, Ellie and Meg's construction for January - extracted from Dave's zombie-of-the-month calendar. A little tab and glue work for the kids before heading outside to sled and spend some time with Dave on the occasion of MLK day (no post office means no ebay). The only frustration was that his appendages (by design) kept falling off.
He kind of looks like I feel these days. Trying to keep everything together when your parts feel incompatible - with about as much energy.

Happy New Year 2011!