Democracy and Dress-up

Since Milah won the initial vote, we had to step up campaign efforts with additional propoganda for the primary election. We've been waiting for the lobbyist money to come our way, but we must be in the wrong party. Nana helped with buttons, and we finished the extra posters together. She has to give another speech tomorrow in front of the entire school (go go Milah), and they will vote on Tuesday.

UPDATE: Milah was the winner for the secretary position (just in case you were hovering around the computer this evening waiting for election results!)

These are called impromtu costumes. The girls dug through the dress-up bin and put these together in 4.3 minutes. Milah is a French chef and Maren is a bride.

UR Kidding Me!

Apparently Heidi and Crew are having a rough time exiting the US. They do not have the Swiss passports for the kids - so the airlines are making them buy 1 way tickets home(GULP!) That would definitely exceed my credit limit. They will be refunded - but what a mess.

We hate to see them leave for sure, but certainly don't wish them to be stuck at the airport forever.

Halloween Fun

Milah's class "mummified" a few people. They had a short race and the toilet paper flew everywhere.

In Maren's class, we had a relay - the kids dressed up and then rolled a pumpkin with a broom through a series of cones. We razzed them up, jazzed them up on sugar - and sent them home on the bus. Poor bus drivers.

Reading, writing, and Cuzins

Vote Milah for Secretary! (she won the primary)

Hannes and Dylan went to school with their American cousins. They were a hit! Everyone is begging for their return (including us).

Dylan hung with Maren, until the rain stopped (he must've been diligently watching the weather). Maren called to say he was tired of school and needed to be picked up. Turned out he had a motive - he wanted to ride 4 wheelers one last time.

Splish Splash!

KROC Center - Are we having fun yet?

Milah, making her way to the top.

Like Father, like son eh? Yes, that is Dylan on the board. It was a slow night and the lifeguards were eager to blow their whistle for the most miniscule infractions. When Dylan exited the slide crying and mentioned to the lifeguard that he'd hit his head up near the top, they "overreacted" (to say the least), by treating him as if he had a spinal chord injury. The entire pool had to be vacated while every lifeguard rushed to his aid. Heidi explained that this is a child who bumps his head 42 times/day, and called off the ambulance. Whew!

Heidi also determined that lifeguarding would be a perfect job for Hannes - Mr. Hard Core Rule Enforcer!

Before the "head banging" incident

Sten and Grandma - at least I think it's them.

Isn't it a good feeling to run out of deposit slips before you run out of checks? (I always secretly (or not so secretly) do a little cheer). Another unique event for me - I had to get the oil changed because I was past the date - NOT the miles. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Rhinestone Riders

We've embarked on a new adventure as Milah began 4H this Fall with a local equestrian group. We are a little leary as this requires quite a commitment and not only is it necessary to have the child suited up and ready to go, but you must get a four footed beast loaded and transported. Our set-up is a circa 2008 (cantankerous) pick up with a 1978 (does that make it "vintage"?!)horse trailer.

Milah was nervous, but Cricket performed like the seasoned 4H horse she is. After coming home, Milah was so excited that she had a difficult time going to sleep - I think we better get used to this routine.

Someone get this man a Hat

This is what a harried (not to be confused with "Hairy") father of 3 looks like after running from one kid's event to the next. This weekend was especially crazy - water polo, 2 soccer games, 4H Horse riding event, and (the most difficult) - dealing with a herd of VDB's. Poor guy hasn't even had time for a haircut, and claims he doesn't need one (argh)!

Go Fight Win!

Last week, we were soaked to the bone, thanks to a monsoon level downpour during Maren's game. In Colorado, we were subject to snow and sleet, and windchill factors in the teens during soccer season - but NEVER rain.

This week, the appearance of SUNSHINE made the game much more enjoyable for the players and the spectators.

Water Rat

Sten has found his "home" on the water polo team. When it's time for a goalie in the deep end - he's their man. He had a huge cheering section (thanks to the enthusiastic Swiss crew) for his best game ever.

Swiss Crew Arrives

Who's sporting the biggest smile?

Heidi, Ralph and crew arrived on Monday for a few weeks. Their battle with jet lag is nearly over, and we have been soaking up every second of "together" time. We used to have to break up horrendous fights between the cousins, (with hair pulling and screaming) but there's a lot of love these days - they are having a grand ole time.

Liam and Maren - not sure if she was trying to give him a cow kiss or what?

Hannes and Milah

Milah, Dylan and Alinya

Baby Alinya (or Nina as she calls herself). We had never met Alinya, so we are enjoying a baby in the house. Our girls are a little envious of that curly hair.


Off on a journey. They ran the wheels off the four wheelers and the legs off the horse.

Orphan Mare - hadn't done her hair - doesn't have a mother - and doesn't really care -

Renaissance Girl

The girls loathe it when I check the hair blogs as they are my guinea pigs. I guess it's similar to trying new recipes - there are more than a few "flops". Well . . . I have tried this 5 strand braid several times and only succeeded in making a big mess and muttering to myself (a lot). I FINALLY got it today with the help of a tutorial. It's not as difficult as it looks and perhaps I'll post a demonstration once I get a little quicker (I've given up on getting coordinated).

I'm Watch'n You

Ok, here's the upshot of the family meeting . . . the new regime must be enforced and reinforced (the unfun part). Grrrrr, that means I get on my broom and fly around the house. Scott and I are beginning to sound like drill instructors - barking orders and pointing out violations. Maren recently informed me that "I am the worst mother in this town, and in this state, and in this country, and the worst mother on all the planets." That's vicious.

The girls have started doing their own hair, which makes the mornings a little less hectic, but it also means that we have hair stuff EVERYWHERE! Assortments of rubberbands, headbands and clips litter our bathroom counter and beyond. The stuff is glued to the counter due to the gallons of hair spray that Maren uses. Wow! I am starting to sound a little naggy - maybe I am the meanest mom!

By the way, any suggestions for an absolutely adorable yellow lab that has taken to rolling in cow dung? He smells terribly rank and has a greenish tint.

Rah Rah Soccer!

And whose child would this be? The one who obviously can't find a matching soccer sock? Excuse me for being sexist, but Maren is struck with a syndrome that is rampant with the male species (sorry guys) - she can't find anything. This morning, we didn't have time to run to her room and assist her in "discovering" a mate to this sock, but it obviously didn't bother her a bit.


Pep talk at the half, Coach Dad lending support. Maren was fairly stoked as she scored 5 of the 7 goals. It is hilarious to watch her, as she is the teeniest one on the field but will take on an opponent twice her size, and she seems to have an innate sense (not from her mother) of ball handling. I love the look on Scott's face - obviously amused (and quite smitten) by player #2.

Go Goalie!

Milah had a game today as well, but it was a nail biter and I didn't get any photos.