Dear Joshua and Luke,

     Both boys showed off their basketball skills with their games this weekend.  Luke played Friday night and Joshua played Saturday morning.  Joshua has been using a trick play during basketball in which he does a trick pass.  He acts like he is going to pass the ball to one teammate.  Then, he quickly passes it to a different teammate.  His team is starting to get used to this pass, and he has come in very handy for the team.

   Sunday was a great day form us as we went on a day trip with one of our favorite families.  We began the day with a visit to Bucheits.  The boys wanted a chicken and a rooster complete with a hen cage.  Or maybe a cute bunny as a pet.  We ate a quick lunch at McDonald's, then off to Baldwin Lake to feed the geese.  The kids had a lot of fun feeding the geese bread and crackers.  Next, we went to Popeye's home and looked around a bit. The kids played at the playground for a while, too.   We ended the day by filling our tummies at a nice smorgasbord.  You were both almost asleep in the car by the time we got home! 

     We also met Miss Rachael, our new nanny and housekeeper.  You both liked her so much when you met her.   She is very nice.  She is going to be able to help us so much at our house  She is going to help get you ready in the morning and once in a while after school.  She is also going to help with housekeeping and meals a few days per week. Initially you both did not want to get anyone to replace Miss Sara.    But Miss Sara has not worked regularly with us for a while, and with our busy schedules, we really did need someone to help us.  Miss Rachael will certainly not replace Miss Sarah, but I do think you will find another Big Sister and friend to enrich your life.   Miss Rachael will be a nice young lady to work with.   We are very excited to add her to our family. 

I love you both more today than I did yesterday.

Love,
Mama

    

      

Sweetie Pies

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

     Sweetie Pie day is not just about sweetie pies, it is also about sweet pie. Yes, Daddy and Luke sampled several sweet pies in  town this last weekend.  After trying eight different pies, Luke's settled on his favorite  pie ~ a pizza pie ~ from his favorite thrift store. 

     It is also true that we have the two smartest boys in town ~ and we are not biased at all.  Joshua had all A's on his report card and Luke had too many E 's to even count!  Wow!  We are very proud parents, but even more we are proud of our boy's behavior and their love for learning at school.  I always loved school as well.  I liked playing the teacher and the student, too.  Maybe that is why I always wanted to be a teacher, and why I work in a school today! 

     Joshua and Luke both started basketball last week.  Joshua is happy to be practicing and spending time with new and old friends.  I have not figured out why Luke likes basketball yet, but he continues to play each week.  Sometimes he really wants to play and other times he tells us that he wants to quit.  But as long as he is signed up for this session, we will make sure that he plays.  And he does seem to enjoy himself once he is there.  One of the great things about this league is that it is an instructional league. The coaches have been totally awesome.  They focus on skills and teamwork. And there are about six to eight games all in the same place.   It is a perfect league for you two. 

     I love you both very much.

Love,
Mama