MISSING in action

We've been missing on this blog-- We've been busy.
Doing things-- I'm sure there were things....
Lets check the photo evidence:


We visited Utah- Our Aunt Kelsey went to the temple to receive her endowment- It was so great to see so many extended family members and be there with Kels for such a special day.
AND we ate at a Brazillian Grill/Buffet in honor of our dad (he served his mission in Brazil, so it made us feel like he was there with us) Plus it was a DELIGHT to get some more family time together! (New Aunties, anyone?!?!)

Keeping the home flames burning

Our two oldest children have started school. Huzzah for modified year round schedules! (?)

Grapes is a 5th grader. (let your brain simmer in this one a minute--- I was TEACHING 5th grade when I had this monkey, 10+ years ago. Now she is that same shape of student at a new school and I am the Mom..... WEIRD!!)
She is in an 'advanced' class of sorts, because our district's budgets were cut and the Horizon's program eliminated. Their solution was to lump all the higher 5th graders into one class and let one teacher push them. (In all honesty, I was a little apprehensive about this 'solution', but in the first week those worries have been easily put to rest. This teacher appears to know exactly what she's doing and she is doing a great job. Call me a former 5th grader teacher impressed.) It doesn't hurt my girl's feeling that all her best buds are in this class with her, and they get to explore and express and learn together all day long.  It makes me miss teaching to think about it.

Socks is a 2nd grader

are we really that boring?

SO nearly a month has passed without a blog post from the Whitings.  What are we doing with our lives?? I know you are wondering. The thing is... I'm wondering too.
Time is sliding past us and we're just living through it. I don't know if the stories are thinner on the ground, or I'm getting worse at catching them.
The kids had parent/teacher conferences, and both teachers sang the praises of our brilliant children. (no actual singing, but that could have been cool) I'm proud of those kids of mine. They're pretty great.

Going back, back, BACK to SCHOOL

Pencil and I got to visit the elementary school the other day.
We were showing up to crash picture day and get pictures taken of the littlest monkey (this mom wants pictures match the bigger monkeys) Also because I realized that this little man has not had professional pictures taken. ever.

Sock was not really excited or humiliated by our being there, but Pencil was head-over-heels thrilled. He wanted to ride the bus that morning with Sock, but I made him wait and take the car with me.

It was such a surprise for me when we walked in. I have been to the elementary school many times in southern Arizona, but the outdoor hallways and desert feel never jolted my brain the way this school did.
As soon as we began down the hallway, all the smells and sounds immediately kicked my brain into teacher mode. It made me miss teaching. I haven't missed it in a long time.

Good morning

I know it is a grainy phone picture, but this is what made me happy this morning.

Getting bigger all the time

The school season is upon us. In fact, school started  three weeks ago, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around the weirdness that is two kids in school in JULY.

But now it is August, so my brain is adjusting.

My kids are growing up.