Charlie Bit my Finger!

Smarty Pants

Jakob did really well in school this year. A big turn around from last year, due in no small part to an EXCELLENT teacher. Here he is with all the awards he got at the end of the year.
Outstanding Academic Achievement: Highest GPA in the 5th grade.

Outstanding Math Award: Top GPA in math in the 5th grade (98.86%).

Math Fact Wizard: Achievement of 95% or better on all four math fact tests.

Art Award: Will have his artwork published in next year's Ashland City Schools District calendar.

Excellent Attendance Award.

Guest Captain!

Cousin Nate came to visit today and got to spend a few hours on the boat with us.
Even though it was over 80 degrees outside, the water was COLD!!!!
Two cool dudes.

Bringing Charlie Home

Not only was Friday the last day of school, but after school we had a surprise for the kiddos... Charlie was finally coming home!

Our kids have been wanting a dog for quite some time, and we have been casually looking for a dog that was smaller (but not an ankle biter or girly), calm, quiet, etc. A friend of ours from church put us onto Charlie. He had been dropped off anonymously at the vet where she works with a broken leg. (Note the cast in this first picture when we went to meet him a few weeks ago.)Anyhow, his cast came off this week, and Friday night we finally went to pick him up. So far he is doing pretty good with the potty training part, and he is very calm and collected. No jumping on people or furniture, and hardly any barking (unless he sees a rabbit or when we first leave him alone). I think he is mostly beagle, but with a lab head, and he only weighs 33 pounds. I'm not sure why a 10 month old puppy would be so calm and collected, but thats exactly what we wanted!

Today he got his first bath, and he's laying on the floor in the family room as I type this. He is still favoring the leg, but the cast is off and it should heal ok if we don't overdo it with him. Here's a picture right after picked him up and put him in the car last night... Look at those proud little kiddos!

Last Day of School!

Today is the last day that Jakob will be a 5th grader, Ilona will be a 4th grader, and Jesslyn will be a 1st grader. Our babies are growing up!

Make a Joyful Noise

Fran & Marlo Cowan (married 62 years) playing impromptu recital together in the atrium of the Mayo Clinic. He turned 90 in February.



After the above video became an overnight sensation on YouTube, somebody interviewed the couple to get their story. I like the end of the below video the best, the reason WHY they do what they do.

Fare thee well, Betsy

You were a loyal friend, and I'll miss you. Hope you stop back to visit me someday.