It's been a long time

Hi Family,

It's been a long time since I've sent an update. For that I apologize. Now for the rest of you.

What happened to the blog? Nothing since August. Thanks Kate for trying.

The winter weather just hit this week. It's been fairly beautiful most of the summer and fall, but this week turned to severe rain and wind. Let's hope we have a really wet one and start to refill the water supply. Need lots of rain and snow.

Ella started first grade this year. She loves it so far. She gets homework assigned once a week, and instead of spreading it out, she does it all in one day. She does have reading and writing that she needs to do daily as well - so she stays engaged all week long. She does a great job getting herself ready everyday, and rarely bums out because it's a school day.

Ella is playing soccer and loves it. She's been quite dominant the last few games, and a lot less timid then previous seasons.

For her sixth birthday we surprised her by repainting her room. She has asked for months for a yellow room. She was completely appreciative, which made us so proud. Both she and Jude spend a great deal of time playing with the neighbor kids. They have all become quite good friends.

Jude is a crazy man. He loves golf more than cartoons. In the mornings he asks if he can watch golf instead of cartoons. He's learned the Tiger fist pump as well. He and I and sometimes Ella go the driving range about once a week. I really think it's his favorite pasttime. He has a routine where he hits balls, chips and then putts. Of course when we get the putting green, he needs a gatorade, and sometimes a hot dog for lunch. I love this routine as well.

Jude is also very much into balls and trucks. We can't pass a truck, tractor, jeep, or other on the road without him screaming out "escavator, jeep, cherry picker, back hoe"! We now know all types of building equipment.

Trish has been looking on and off for job during the last couple of months. The activity is starting to heat up, and it looks like she has two really hot irons in the fire. We are keeping our fingers crossed. And, I'm sleeping with one eye open (she really needs to get back to work before something bad happens to me).

Seriously though, she's been great. The kids and me have had it great for a lot of months now. We'll definitely feel the pain when she goes back to work. Ok, maybe me more than the others.

We are planning on staying home this year for the holidays. Wish we could join you all for one or the other. Anyone wishing for a Northern California holiday should feel welcome to come.

Miss you all. Jon