First Day of School

There were a few 'firsts' today.....

Carson's first day of third grade. Hannah's first day of kindergarten (and first day at this school). Our first post in a really long time......let's forget about that last one. Here are a few photos of the morning:

Hannah and her friend walking into school together. Trust me, they didn't just meet. They've been terrorizing teachers for a few years now.

Hannah and her new teacher.

Hannah rocking her choice backpack. She picked it. Of course, it's pink....and sparkly.

Carson, Hannah, and a few neighborhood friends walking to school.

Final Ultrasound

Here is a video of the Ultrasound that was taken today of 'Baby #3'. Sorry folks, we didn't find out the sex and believe me, no one will be more disappointed than Carson. He has been working on us for a several weeks to find out.....he really isn't looking forward to being tormented by another sister so he has been reading the bible and praying that it's a boy. Go figure.

Qik App

The last video was my latest attempt to stay ahead of the 'old guy' curve. A new app on my phone allows me to sync videos that I take directly to Blogger. This may prove to be interesting.

The last video was something that I took of Carson and his friend this summer. They are riding a contraption known as a 'Rip Stick'--which is basically a skateboard with an articulating caster-type wheel on the front and back. It requires the kids to balance as they skate around and it's really amazing what they can do on them.

This specific device has just about killed me a few times when I thought 'This doesn't look too tough.' That would have made pretty good video as well....

Qik - Ripstick Wars by jstille1

It Can't Be Done

Carson has been obsessed lately with owning a BB gun. He talks about it constantly, wants his Mom and I to agree to get him one, wants a time line for when this purchase will happen, and on and on. He REALLY wants one.

So I drop the challenge on him yesterday....'I want to see you listen better than you have recently. You also need to help out around the house more than you have been.' It took him about about a day to marinate on those marching orders but today after school, he was ready to give it a shot.

He asks me again if he can get a BB gun; I again set the ground rules. Once we get home, he's off.....putting clothes away, letting the dogs out, feeding the animals, and pulling sheets out of the dryer to make his bed. He's literally gone for about 30 minutes doing things to help me out while I make dinner......and it's quiet around the house. Absolutely no fighting with his sister.

When Carson arrives downstairs for dinner, he has that look of accomplishment on his face and I make sure he knows that he's doing a great job meeting my expectations. Then he asks the question: 'Can I get a BB gun now?'

Well, that's a start but I expect you to continue on this path.....

This was apparently the wrong thing to say to an 8 year old. He put his head down and said, 'I just can't do this every day.'

Apparently being nice to his sister (and lending a hand around the house) is something that can't be done!

Filling in the Gaps

Here are a few photos of things past...

Hannah had a pie social around Thanksgiving where Carson and I came to visit. The kids decided that they wanted another piece of pie and forget about performing the skit they had rehearsed:

Hannah in her homemade Pilgrim hat:

I broke down and purchased a smart phone several months ago. When Hannah heard I was getting something different, she immediately had plans for mine and promptly called 'dibs.' She was so happy with her new phone, she fell asleep that night carrying on a conversation with some imaginary friend or relative:

Holiday Picture

Here is the current photo taken of the kids. This year (2010), the photographer we always use really did a great job of capturing Carson and Hannah's normal look.....none of those cheesy smiles or goofy poses inconsistent with the kids' normal actions:

As a New Year's resolution, I need to do a better job of putting content on the blog. Hopefully I can keep this 'promise' by following up this post with a few more.

Happy 2011!

~The Stilles