You say Tomato, I say Tomaino

Rachel's first day of FIRST GRADE went great! Last week she got to meet her teacher and see her new classroom, which really helped her to get excited about first grade and put her mind at ease. She had no trouble going right into line and waving goodbye after flag ceremony. I was a little emotional knowing that she would be gone all day! Erick and I missed her but, we knew this day would come.




Mrs. Tomaino (aka Mrs. Tomato, or Mrs. Potatoe or whatever the kids think her name sounds like) made Rachel feel special right off the bat by asking her to help the other kids to say her name right! Rachel only knew because when I heard last year that there was a teacher named Mrs. Tomato I had
to find out if that was true. In my research I did find that one Mrs. Compose teaches music at Fay Galloway. (Get it ...... compose like write music ya know.)

A River Runs Through It

For those who haven't driven down Main Street in St. George in a while, you might not recognize it! The old library was torn down, and the city replaced it with some cool new water features for the kids! Complete with a water fountain that shoots up from the ground, waterfalls, and a river that the kids can actually play in. The kids and I had a brief stay at the 5 star HOTEL EVES last week to help my mom celebrate her 25th birthday (again!) Rachel and Erick had a blast! Erick was in Wii heaven, and Rachel had her not quite 2-year-old cousin Jayla follow her around obeying her every command. The girls had a blast playing dress-ups, dolls, and kitchen. Erick didn't join in however, he was busy earning his pro-bowler status so he could have the ball with diamonds and sparkles on it. Very important! Mom thanks for having a birthday, and dad thanks for buying the Wii.

It's Not a Graduation!

Rachel has officially moved on to first grade! To celebrate this occasion her class did a program showcasing some of the things they learned in kindergarten. There were songs about letters, numbers, money, and a song in sign language. The grand finale was,"Proud to be an American." In which you could see lots of flags, or at least arms flying around , (that's what they were told to do if they did drop their flag.) However, Rachel was the only one to neither wave her flag or her imaginary flag arm. She told us later, she just didn't feel like it! Those of you who know her, know that Rachel doesn't do public performances, only private engagements. (We'll have to talk to her manager about that.) Anyways, we enjoyed her brief non-graduation. Her teacher, Mrs. Kovacich was great with the kids, and very patient with 30 kindergartners. This was a big year for her, she learned so much and is ready to be a full timer!

Water on the Pond

This is Brian, since I am not above crude humor I decided to share two stories from our life here at the Pond. I have found that all good stories begin with, "While I was standing at the toilet the other day". So let me begin, while I was standing at the toilet the other day doing my business, I don't know why it sounds better to say I was doing my business instead of just saying I was standing there peeing but now you know what I was doing and I digress. Since I was in the bathroom in our bedroom, I had left the door open as I am prone to do. Even if you are getting grossed out, stick with it, the story gets better. While I was "taking care of business" I noted that instead of one golden stream there was now two golden streams entering the toilet bowl. You can imagine my distress. Had I sprung a leak? Was it an optical illusion? None of the above. Erick, using the skills of a master ninja had sneaked up behind be and was peeing between my legs. While I was somewhat upset about this whole incident, I did have to admire his skill as he was peeing blind and showing impeccable aim and control not to get any pee on me or the floor. Feeling so proud of himself, he told his mother about what had happened. Hers was a typical mother response of disapproval to which he replied, "But Mom, I didn't get any pee on me." Way to put a positive spin on it Erick.

Story number two. This one again involves the bathroom ninja, but in a different setting. Erick's primary lesson last Sunday was on the Good Samaritan. The teacher posed the question, "What would you do if you saw someone beating up someone else?" Erick's response with little to no hesitation and a tremendous amount of seriousness was, "I would punch them in the wiener." While this would be an effective solution, it was probably not the one his teacher was looking for.

So there you have it, proof positive that Natalie and I are doing a great job of parenting. We have raised a stealth peeing wiener puncher. Please Erick, only use you powers for good! I can't imagine the damage you would do on the darkside.

The Hafen Compound, err... I mean Ranch

In July we made our out to the Hafen Ranch in Barclay, NV for a family reunion. What you've never heard of Barclay? You can get there one of two ways: through Enterprise, UT or Caliente, NV. No you could never just come across the Ranch by accident. Even with excellent directions it's hard to find. But once you get there, you won't want to leave. The kids were able to experience things we don't get to do here in the city. Rachel rode horses with Brian's cousin Marin. She is great with kids! Marin and her slightly younger sister Jayna, took care of all the little ones. Chase and Dylan, 2 more of Brian's cousins, took care of Erick on the carriage ride. Usually Rachel and Erick shy away from the older kids, but after spending time with them, they can't wait to see them again because, "they're really nice." That's an understatement because these older kids are amazing!