Ethan turned 8

Ethan celebrated his 8th birthday on August 1st. Since he had a big party last year, we celebrated as a family (not to mention that I was already back to school at this time). We went to Gatlinburg for the day and visited the upside down WonderWorks. It reminded me a lot of COSI in Columbus. The boys had a blast but it was very crowded. We stood in line for 30 minutes so the boys could pitch to a computer image of Barry Bonds. During our entire time in line, not a single person struck out Barry Bonds. It was funny to watch these hard core dads get up there and wind up like a real pitcher. Chris finally got up to bat after the boys and let it go. He actually struck out Barry Bonds. (Ok, the computer Barry Bonds.) The people standing in line started applauding him. I had to laugh. Seriously people, it is an oversized video game. Chris seemed pretty pleased with himself.

We came home and ate cake and played the Wii. Ethan asked for two new baseball games and he got both of them. (Thanks grandma and grandpa.) He just had to have the Biggs 2 because it has the updated rosters and his old Biggs 1 is not as good. Oh well!

I am still amazed that I have an 8 year old. He started 3rd grade. It's all going too fast.

Is My Head Still Attached?

I have been in school since July 30th. The students started back on August 5th. Where did the summer go? I got a promotion this year (feels like a demotion right now) to head of the math department or department chair. I came back to a set of new teaching standards and a shortage of textbooks for the entire math department. This is definitely not easy. I am forced to make decisions, so it is teaching me a great skill.

I have wonderful students so far. (Chris reminds me it has only been a week.) I have an honors class and I bask in the glow that is created by the desire to learn that emanates from each student. I hope I can stay on top of things and keep them challenged.

My own kids, Ethan and Tyler, love school so far. (Once again, only a week in...) Ethan is in third grade at N.Lee and loves his new teacher. He is playing football this fall and is super excited to start tackling next week. Tyler attends a new school this year. He is in PreK at First Baptist and loves that he has a real cafeteria and gym. He is also playing football but his involves flags and no tackling.

I promise to update pictures of Ethan's birthday and the end of summer once my school year falls into a routine and I get caught up with all the work. (Yeah right!)