Catching Up - Random October and November Photos

I'm a little behind on my random photos, and sharing them on our blog so bear with me.

Last month all the 6th graders did a Parents Night presentation on MesoAmerica.

Thomas did his research, paper, and presentation on Quipus, which is knotting and the way that the Mayans and Aztecs counted by making knots in ropes. 

Thomas created a game for the kids coming through to try their hand at Quipus. 

He did a great job with absolutely no help from David and me.

Brennan is in his first serious play this week. 

I've been volunteering a lot at the school because this is a challenge for Brennan. 

He's doing well though. 

The first performance is today at the school and I'll be there, along with the other 4 performances this week!

He is Grandpa George in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

He's under the covers at the Buckett Home for much of the play.

Here he is in his "old man pajamas" and gray hair. 

This kid has soooo much homework. 

The advanced program that he's in has really been an eye-opener for him.

He's doing well but definitely staying challenged.

He's pretty quick with his homework so we can usually make it to swimming but the volume and what they're learning is pretty incredible.

This is my typical afternoon view - Brennan studying while I'm getting dinner ready so when we're back from sports I can pop it in the oven.

We are so excited that Gary and Melissa's little girl Adelynn Rae has arrived!

Addie was born on the 17th weighing in at 9 lbs 10 oz!

She is going to be in NICU for a few more days and I'm looking forward to seeing the family tomorrow!

A Scottish friend shared this on facebook recently - offering to confuse the rest of us even more than we already are about the British Isles.  I think I just call it all "Britain" and am done with it.  This is rather confusing!

My blog friend Anna recently became a U.S. Citizen! It's been fascinating to hear about the process. She shared this link to the Naturalization Self Test. It's really interesting! I've gone through it a few times. Congratulations Kiwi in Texas!

Hope you're having a great Thanksgiving week!

Happy 50th John!

OK, so technically our buddy John is still 49.

For a few more days, anyway.

Ginger threw an awesome party at one of our favorite local restaurants last night and 6 families got together to celebrate.

The Japanese food was fantastic!

Here's the adult table (minus a few).

There's John on the right next to David.

I didn't get a photo of the kids' table but the kids had a blast together.

And I don't want to say John is easy-to-read or predictable or anything, but 4 of the 5 gifts DID involve Maker's Mark :)

Happy Birthday, Old Man!

Thanks for making us a part of your celebration.

What I'm Reading

Well, Ricki Jill and I decided to stop hosting our What We're Reading blog parties each month on the 20th. We just didn't have many people linking up.

But that won't stop us from continuing to post about what we're reading on our blogs.

We love to hear what you've been reading too!

In looking at my Goodreads.com list since last month's posting, I'm shocked to see that I've only finished two books this month.  Then I realized - it's because I re-read two books (which I never, ever do).  So here are the two new books I've read this month.

Our book club, the Litwits, is reading Pride and Prejudice for November and I'm hosting.

I chose P&P because I've never, ever read it and knew I needed to.  I've had it and just kept putting off reading it.  I know the movies so well.  I guess I thought it was going to be more daunting than it actually was to read the book.  The original Chick Lit novel I think!  Fantastic and I can't wait for the discussion this week.

I love the detail that is in the book.  I was thrilled to read a lot of dialogue between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy - there's just not enough time for the dialogue in a movie or mini-series.  Loved Jane Austen's humor. 

And then the library sent me an email that this book that I've had on my waiting list forever was finally published and my copy was waiting for me at the front desk.  Joy!  I love Mindy Kaling who is one of my favorite cast members (and writers) of The Office on Thursday nights.  A funny book about her life growing up in Boston and the transition from Ivy League school to the poor life in New York City to full-time work in Los Angeles.  A fast read and the 3rd memoir I've read this year (along with Tina Fey's and Rob Lowe's).  I never, ever read memoirs so this was quite a switch for me.



And that's what I've been reading.

I have a whole stack of library books and new books next to my bed that I'm anxious to dive into.

So, what are YOU reading?



Veterans Day 2011

Veterans Day is an impressively important holiday where we live.

I honestly don't remember it being celebrated this much when I was younger.

Or even a few years ago.

Or maybe that's because the boys weren't in school at that time.

I don't know.  Is it just here or is Veterans Day really celebrated everywhere?

The boys' school had a couple of big Veterans Day programs last Friday.

Here are the front doors, decorated to welcome visitors.

Thomas and Brennan both were assigned to do interviews with a Veteran.

Thomas's 6th grade did papers, presentations, and posters for the Veterans they interviewed.

While at the school today I was really taken aback by the Veterans Wall they've created.

This is just one length of wall.

Brennan wrote a paper and presented to his class on Veterans Day.

60+ Veterans came to the school program.

The 6th graders then hosted the Veterans in a cookie/punch reception.

This is the wall with Thomas's poster.

The boys both did their Veterans Day assignments about their Grandpa Laroy.

It's awesome to see patriotism and true understanding of Veterans Day alive and well!

What to Take to Thanksgiving?

My friend Mary shared this on facebook.

I'm hosting Thanksgiving again this year for 2 other families.

That's 13 adults and kids.

I don't even have to make the turkey this year!

Luckily we won't need the Pilgrim-themed Taser or the Vegan Loaf :)

Wine Club - Merlots

It's been awhile since I've shared Wine Club photos!

We unfortunately missed the October get together because we were in Orlando for Fall Break that weekend. 

The club got together at Jeff and Karen's home and sampled Cabernet Sauvignons. 

I hear it was a fantastic evening and we hate to have missed it!

In November we got together at Jayne and Charlie's home to enjoy some Merlots.

I neglected to take my camera (what was I thinking??) so I apologize for the iPhone photos.

Jayne and Charlie are fantastic hosts!

The food was delicious - we've lucked into not only a great group of people, but some serious cooks as well! 

As always, my photos don't do the party justice. 

Mmmm, trifle!

The Merlots were OK but were not our favorites overall.

It didn't stop us from trying each one and declaring some winners.

#1 - Chateau Ste Michelle 2007 (Columbia Valley)

#2 - The Mission 2007 (Napa Valley)

#3 - Columbia Crest 2007 (Columbia Valley)

I can't say enough about this great group of people in our Wine Club this year. 

We're almost a year old and are about to shift our focus from Wine slightly.

We're hosting in December.

Looking forward to another fantastic year with our group!