Tiki Time

We met Jeanine and Michael for dinner at a new place for all of us called The Keeper.  It was all fresh seafood and cook Tiki drinks.  We sat outside and watched all the people walk by.  We shared oysters, mussels, lobster mac & cheese and spicy glazed Brussels sprouts!

When you look back laugh, don't cry

Ellie - 2009
age 3-ish

She's still our funny girl, making funny faces.  Today she knows what she likes, what she doesn't, what she stands for and who matters.  Sixth grade is a funny thing.  It allows all the layers of childhood to be shed in preparation for making decisions, being responsible and taking a stand.

When I look back I certainly do smile.  Her adorable face makes me laugh!

Draper Choir Girls

Grace, Sailor, Ellie and Nia

Everyone needs a tribe.  This is Ellie's tribe.

They are all part of the Draper Intermediate School 6th grade Choir.  We cannot wait to hear what they sound like!  How can these smiling faces make any more joyous a sound than when they are altogether for a common cause?

You all know how much Ellie loves to sing.  And she proves that everyday.  At home, in the car, on the field, and now at school too.  Surround her with friends that she loves and the sound will heavenly.

Couldn't be happier for her, and for the friends in her tribe.  They'll need each other in the days ahead.  As sixth grade turns to eighth and then high school.  These bonds are so important for these girls.  So glad they have one another!

Happy Birthday Papa!

Happy Birthday Papa from these familiar faces!

A flashback from 2014 when Ellie was in 3rd grade!

Just in case you're wondering, Watch DOGS is a group of Dads that spend a day at the school following around their student/child.  DOGS stands for Dads of Great Students!

Bill has had awesome experiences doing this.  Mostly when a student yells, "Watchdog! Watchdog! Can you open my milk/yogurt/cheese stick"  or "Watchdog!  Watchdog!  Can you tie my shoe?"

He comes home exhausted.  And I remind him this is why we have ONE child!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA!  We'll see you at Thanksgiving!

Just having fun

It takes several tries for Ellie and I to take a good selfie.  I'm pretty sure that happens on purpose.  We end up with more outtakes than good shots.  So here are a few that didn't make the cut!

2008 & 2017

1st Day of 6th Grade

Here she is on the first day of sixth grade.  This will be her second year at Draper Intermediate School where they house both fifth and sixth grades.  She met all her teachers on Meet the Teacher night and was surprised to find she had two MALE teachers!  For her Math teacher, Mr Keisler, this is his very first year teaching!

She has three Advanced Placement (AP) classes this year:  Math, Science and English/Language Arts.  That's up from two last year.  She's excited about her classes and eager to learn.  It's awesome to see her look forward to it!

For the record several of her teachers are young enough (mind you I didn't say we're old enough) for those teachers to be OUR children!  And it's hard to deny when their first names are Austin and Reagan!  Seriously!

She's off to a great start and looking forward to all the awesome things to come!