Has it REALLY been 5 months??

After the start of school, 2011 went in a blur! I always find a way to get back to our blog - usually in a month, but 5 months! That's insane!

So - in a quick blurb, I will update you...
School going great for both kids.
Nolan has found his groove! We still have emotional lows and shyness in new situations, but we also see so much improvement!
Jillian loves her 1/2 days... she's a creature of habit, though. So - she does not like going to school when her classmates are not there. (when I am helping at school)

New school year brought Boy Scouts. WoW! Talk about helping improve Nolan! Yes - more than often he acts shy...and will not make eye contact or speak... but, then he throws us a curve ball & walks the flag to the front of the Pack meeting. Big steps for the little man! And, he loves earning badges!
More adventures with Art Club and Boys Adventure Club!

New school year actually stopped Jillian's tumbling class... and she misses it!! Other then 2's and 3's time at the library, she has had no clubs or fun times!! Good thing she has lots of friends for play dates!

September brought Jillian’s 1^st field trip and 1^st ride in a school bus! Yah!

October brought travel! Us big kids went to the Big House for a Michigan blow out! Nolan and John for a 1^st ever Boy Scout camping overnight trip. Traveled to Detroit for fall break. Family wedding, then enjoyment of the Detroit Zoo. Real happiness for the kids was the Holiday Inn pool; Who am I fooling? Halloween - Nolan was a skeleton; Jillian was Olivia. The kids stayed out for almost all 2 hours of trick or treating. 1^st ever! Of course, mom doesn’t let them eat candy…. So it will take us a near miracle to finish before Easter!

November – hunting widow, as usual! This time, we have nothing to show for it. However, John only had 2 days to hunt, then a drive back home. 8.5 hour drive just to hunt? I will not pretend that I get it, but I enjoy it, when John returns happy & refreshed! This year… not the case!Thanksgiving was with the Canfield clan in Alpena! Best yet… we spent all but 1 evening out at camp. So, the kids got winter outdoor time!

And, then December…. Choir program (N), Jesus Birthday class program (J), Colts tickets (as usual… but, with the losing streak, John and I cheerfully argued that the other should go), field trips, Boy Scout outing to Lucas Oil Field, Christmas parties, a date night thrown in there – sushi (YAH!)…. Take a breath! Christmas with Buzie and Dzia Dzia, who came into town the week prior to Christmas. Christmas. And, then travel to St Louis for another Christmas and New Years eve. Whew! What a whirlwind!

Now you are caught up! I think!

I will post oodles of pics…. And also try not to stay away too long!