An Update

First off, we are alive and well. Numerous family members have been in contact to confirm our safety amid the flooding and tornadoes. Amazing as it seems, we didn't have any of it. Mind you, it wasn't nice. It was so hot and sticky that we didn't want to venture outside for a dip in the pool. The word tropical comes to mind, but not in a good way. The only breeze we got was when a thunderstorm passed overhead.

One week of school down and so far no catastrophes. Drew is taking middle school in stride. Ellen isn't crazy about her teacher, but only needs to spend the afternoon with her. Megan loves everything about kindergarten. Her teacher was absent on Friday to take her son to college. She left Megan as the substitute's helper. She also reports that she is one of two in her class who can tie shoes. @@ And while they watched a movie about letters, Megan happily played with her shoelaces. Megan is also our first child to be invited to join a club. This is one of those child formed only-my-friends-can-play organizations. I hate these clubs, as someone always ends up in tears, and she has been warned.

We're slowly getting back online with our schedule. Every one's music lessons are a go beginning this week. Orchestra auditions are this week. We have one more week of swimming vacation before tryouts, but the team parent's meeting is tonight.

In breaking news, Timothy made it through the night without banging his head against the door last night! We've tried everything we could think of for 6 months and nothing has worked. After waking us 4 times but needing nothing on Saturday, we finally resorted to violence and the threat kept him quiet. We're really hopeful that this is a permanent change.

In case you were wondering, our second caterpillar emerged as a butterfly. We set them both free to enjoy their last two weeks of life.