Family Fun, and then some

This past weekend was the annual Salmon Slam up in Glen Arbor.  Since we had plans on Saturday afternoon, Troy just went up for Friday.  Him and his friend Austin, left town at 2:30am Friday morning and got up there just in time for sunrise to start fishing.  Troy caught 2 that morning, before heading in for the afternoon.  The weather wasn't as cooperative in the afternoon, so he didn't get any more, but he was happy with his 2 that he got.  Then after a brief night's sleep, they headed home around 6:30am, to make it home by 11am.

After a quick shower for Troy, we were off to Brooklyn, Michigan to spend the afternoon celebrating Landyn's 1st birthday (our nephew/Logan and Ellis' cousin).  Unfortunately because of how far apart everyone lives, this is the first time we've met little Landyn as well as another cousin/niece Aaliyah.  The boys had lots of fun playing at the park that the party was held and we were even lucky enough to get some group photos.

The boys LOVE throwing rocks into rivers.

The kiddies with their daddies

Still impossible to get a picture where they are both looking at the camera, but I'll accept the fact that at least they are both looking forward (they were looking at a water fountain off to the side)

I'm also happy to say that Logan seems to be back to normal.  He was quite whiny all the way through Saturday, but as of yesterday, his appetite is completely back and he all of a sudden stopped his fussiness.  FINALLY!  Going on 2 weeks of this is more than enough!

Today the boys resumed their speech classes and had their first home visit of the school year today.  Logan showed off his skills by reading more than half the alphabet when Julie (the speech teacher) was here.  They both sat down with her to read some books and play cars, so it looks like they were off to a good start this school year.  It's always good to hear a good report when they can be a bit wishy-washy about all of it.

As for me, school is going well.  It's amazing how organized things are (no, its not perfect, but my anxiety levels are down quite a bit knowing that things get taken care of so quickly).  The range of abilities is about the same as at the last school, but behavior problems are quite an issue.  I had a 2nd year teacher today ask me to come watch her in her room to give her some pointers, but after today I feel like I need pointers myself.  Everyone agrees 7th grade is just one of those years that is challenging since it's one of those in-between years, but today was technically their first day with the normal schedule (last week we had a bunch of orientation activities), so I guess I should just take it one day at a time.  My homeroom class was a bit of a challenge the first day or two but I have a good handle on them already.  It just sucks being the "new" teacher at a school where none of the kids know you and you have to build that name for yourself again.  Let's just say that by Friday I'm sure I'll be ready for Beer Friday!  =)

Well enough for now.  Hope everyone has a great, crazy weather, week!