Jacob...has been feeling like a very big boy for the past month. He started preschool in early September and has been loving it. I think, because he's the youngest of five and has waved goodbye to sibling after sibling on school mornings for years, he has been extra excited to join the ranks of school-going kids in the household. His two best buddies, Micah and Elijah, are in his class, so that makes it even better. This is the preschool that all five of our kids have gone to - Betty's Preschool. Kind of fun.
Danny...had a rough start to 1st grade and for the first few weeks kept telling us that he "hated" it. The biggest problem was that his teacher was "SO MEAN!" She actually requires the kids to sit in their seats when she gives instructions - can you believe that?! The nerve of that woman! :) They can't just get up to get a drink or use the bathroom, either. They have to raise their hands and ask permission! Horrible. Thankfully, Danny has since come around and now really likes his teacher and first grade in general. His reading is coming along, he has some good friends and he comes home happy just about every day. Danny has also been busy with soccer for the past 6 weeks or so. He had a good season. Sports + Danny = TLA (that's True Love Always for those of you who can't access your 5th grade memories very easily). Basketball begins in a couple of weeks and he can't wait.
Alyssa...is really liking 3rd grade a lot. She enjoys her teacher and has a nice little group of friends. She is in a special program which requires a lot of extra homework, but has kept up on it pretty well so far. In addition to school, Lyssie has been busy with piano lessons and soccer and enjoys both. She has played for the same wonderful soccer coach the last 3 years - one of those people who keeps is all in perspective and is so supportive and encouraging of the girls on her team.
Haley...likes 7th grade (especially not being the youngest in the school - a lowly 6th grader) and is working on balancing her social life and love of athletics with her academics. She is just finishing up volleyball on her school team and has really enjoyed it. Haley is a hard worker and puts her all into the things she undertakes (minus room cleaning). She has continued with her piano lessons and is doing quite well. She is also still playing the Alto Sax in the school band.
Amber...LOVES high school (thank goodness!) She was more than a little bit nervous about starting up at Wa-Hi (Walla Walla High School) but now seems to have found her niche and is doing very well. Wa-Hi is the only public high school in town and is quite large (4A). She loves band - playing at the football games, marching in the town parade, etc. It was really nice for her to have that little network of friends from day one. She also loves seminary and is so glad to finally be going to school with so many other LDS kids. Her grades are off to a fantastic start - we are so proud of her! Wa-Hi's parent/teacher conferences were a couple of weeks back and Brad and I kept thinking, "Amber Nielson? You ARE talking about Amber NIELSON, right?" :) Lest you think we are horrible parents, we do know she's an awesome person. It's just funny when you hear attributes attached to your kids that you don't see a lot of at home - like "self starter", "motivated", etc. One teacher even told us that she nominated Amber for Student of the Month. We are really proud of Amber's hard work and happy for her that she is enjoying high school so much.
Amy...has been busy, busy, busy! It is definitely a full-time job to keep things running smoothly in this household! Each day is full and varied. I find myself employed as a chauffeur, personal assistant, hair stylist, nurse, chef, tutor, counselor, advocate, wardrobe consultant, judge... The nice thing about this middle stage of parenthood is that it's a bit easier to carve out time for myself. I have been hitting the gym regularly, which makes such a big difference in how I feel - my energy level, my confidence, even my ability to stay organized and get things done. I also continue to love to read, though I fear I have an addictive personality. I can't just casually read a book. I dive into it and everything else is drowned out until I finish.
Brad...has been busy with the usual. He had some Continuing Ed courses to take out of state and the office said they'd pay for spouses to tag along, so we enjoyed a 5-day get away while my parents came to tend kids. It was fantastic! Since then he's been back to juggling work, his calling and his family. He's a great juggler of those things :) He usually goes straight from work to someone's game (be it soccer or volleyball) and then off to meetings of one kind or another. We love him and appreciate how hard he works for us. Life is about to get a bit busier for him as basketball season is upon us and he plans to coach Danny's team and Asst. Coach Alyssa's.
That's about it from Walla Walla! The kids are anxiously looking forward to Halloween, though I have done very little in the way of costumes this year! Time to get creative, I guess!
