For Mom and anyone else that cruises by here.

Yep, it's been awhile. Much has happened in our lives, as I'm sure it has in yours. I will be honest and say that these past couple of months have been difficult for me. I haven't had much desire to get on and post about anything. It is difficult for me to feel a slump coming on. Usually Pete tries to hope for the best and give me a little space but then I can feel myself affecting everybody else's mood in the house. Finally, the bottom and back to the doctor for me. I have been on medication for depression and anxiety for 6 years now. It feels like a constant struggle to maintain and cope. I have done therapy as well for you pill naysayers. Since I have started my new duo I have felt a million times better and it is such a relief to feel excitement over things I thought would never hold my interest again. I think the best part though is letting go of the things that I felt were important and have now realized have no place in my life. I will say once again, I am so grateful for Pete and the kids, Spike too.
I have enjoyed Facebook in the past couple of months for the ease in catching up on everybody and maybe throwing up a picture or two but then I remembered that I have family and friends that don't Facebook. Yes there are really those people out there. So , here comes a barrage of photos to catch you up on us.
The kids have been outdoors for three months now. They watch TV maybe 2 hours in a week. Big improvement. They all have bunches of friends and have started several different clubs and a neighborhood patrol. Olive has learned to ride a two wheeler. Now that she has mastered that Hans has had to one up her by trick riding and once he gets a good start will ride his bike standing on the seat. I am sure Olive will attempt this soon.
We did do some camping this summer. We wen to Yellowstone with the Sculleys which was the highlight of my summer. I would love to share the photos but I am saving them for a special purpose. The boys did some whittling.
And there was some fishing at the Lindgren family campout.
Even Olive gets in on that.
We went to the zoo a lot. There were a great number of babies born this summer. Our last visit was the best. We met the Jeremy and Annisha and the kids and were able to catch the most anticipated baby of all.
Baby elephant!
School started early, in August and the boys have enjoyed it. Olive is eagerly anticipating Kindergarten (I'm not). Hans loves his class and his teacher and has done really well. He is in Chess club and we have been regularly playing on his Lord of the Rings chess set. Next stop? Dungeons and Dragons!
Oscar tested for the Extended Learning Program after his first couple of weeks in 6th grade. He made it in and has never been happier. He is also in the chess club as well as the Lego League.


Another big step for Oscar was this.....
Finally, a haircut. He is so handsome.
Siobhan started high school this year. Yeah, that's right, I am that old. She is doing very well....knock on wood.....the fact that I can check daily on her assignments and grades is a huge motivator.
She went to homecoming with a friend. She had been asked by several boys but turned them down since they were not "the" boy. Isn't she beautiful.

Spike has adjusted well. I absolutely adore him. He drives me insane when he runs off and won't come back or when he barks at everything that moves beyond our front door but I forgive him that for the joy he brings us. Well, five of the six of us.
.This weekend we lit our fire place for the first time. It is cold here and snow has fallen on the mountains and a little in the city. I am happy for the change in seasons and looking forwards to the holidays.