Andrew’s First Track Meet

Andrew’s First Track Meet. Andrew is running track this year, and it turns out he is best at running distance. He has become one of the best milers in the 7th grade at MMS, and the mile was the race he ran in his first track meet. There were 8 schools competing and with events taking place for 7th grade girls, 7th grade boys, 8th grade girls, and 8th grade boys, the meet went well into the night. Andrew’s mile run was the next to the last event, not starting until around 10pm. Since he’d been standing around and goofing off since the meet’s start at around 3pm, he had had quite a wait. After some instructions from the judges, about nineteen 7th grade boys stepped up to the starting line. Andrew says he had butterflies the size of Thanksgiving turkeys in his stomach, but that didn’t last long once the starter’s gun went off. We think he did pretty well for his first race. He came in right in the middle of the pack, but expects to improve rapidly in coming races.

Getting instructions before the race. (Andrew is on the far left)

Lined up at the starting line and waiting for the gun.

Andrew streaks past during his third lap.

(Unfortunately, my camera battery went dead, so I didn’t get photos of the end of the race.)

New Member of the Family

New Member of the Family. I wanted to say “household”, but Holly insists that our new cat is a member of the family. “Simon” (he’s Siamese, get it?) had been hanging around outside for over a week, sometimes disappearing for a short time, but always turning back up on our doorstep. Well, it looks like we’re going to take him in for good. I would never have guessed that Michelle would accept a stray cat into the house, but this guy is so handsome and has such a fun personality that she just couldn’t resist.

At first, it seemed like Simon’s biggest personality trait would be how affectionate he is, but it soon became apparent that he loves to play. His favorite solo toys are Holly’s elastic ponytail holders. He can flip one of these things into the air with either his mouth or paws, and remain entertained by it for a surprisingly long time. He also likes to play hide and seek, with an emphasis on chasing and being chased. He used to enjoy staring at the mouse pointer moving around on the big movie screen as I would browse the web and read emails. That was until he actually jumped to grab the mouse pointer and tore a few holes in the fabric! He’s not allowed anywhere near the screen now.

Holly’s Website Finally Updated

Holly’s Website Finally Updated! After over a year of stagnation, Holly has finally updated HollysNotebook.com. Andrew has also done some work on AcesBase.com recently. Check ’em out.

Holly’s 10th Birthday Party

Christmas Lights Photos

Christmas Lights Photos. Our first holiday season in our new house is also the first time we’ve ever put up Christmas lights. I had visions of a Griswold-style spectacle, but I was able to restrain myself and keep the display fairly tasteful.

School Photos