Where does the time go?!

I had the privelege (yes it was a privelege Laura) of sitting next to our friend Luara in class a couple weeks back (ok, so it was like a month ago). One of the first things out of Laura's mouth was "When are you going to update your blog?!". So yet again my motivation for updating is someone chewing me out for my delinquency. By the way it was one of the best classes ever and at least half of that was due to Laura being in class with me. Thanks for making it a great day!

We are good...actually phenomenal.

Alik turned 6 in July. We had a small celebration with friends and family. There was a water fight/sprinklers in the backyard. No one was hurt but several innocent bystanders ended up wet. We had cupcake ice cream cones (thanks for the idea Justin!). The kids (big and small) love them. I even saw one kid liking the cupcake like it was an actual ice cream cone. Alik received wonderful gifts. Many themed around Spiderman who he loves. Actually almost any super hereo is on the "amazing" list right now. Granny, he "lived" in his Spiderman costume the following day.

Alik is getting ready for school. He is super excited to start school and to ride the bus. We are hoping his excitement for school does not fade to quickly. Since all his school prep previously was in Russian, he is worked with a tutor 3 times a week to help ensure that he does not start kindergarten behind everyone else. Other then that he spends his days playing at Lindsey's. He likes the other kids there and enjoys playing with all her cool toys. We think he has some Grandma Van Hal in him (Marisa's grandma). Today he asked if he could wash the basement. I'll let your imagination run with how that would work (sprinkler and hose?). Since we were already working on the vehicles he got to vacuum the truck instead, which he loved.

Misha. Holy cow. The kid can eat. But he has not gained any weight! He's shot up an inch though....but his 2T shorts still are loose...they are just a little short (not quite 80's style). He insists that he is turning 6 next and will be going to school soon. We hope these two do not loose their enthusiasm for school....Marisa wishes that she had that level of enthusiasm for school.

Jason bought a bow this spring. He practices at least 2 or 3 times a week. Hopefully our freezer will be full of venison again this winter thanks to him. His new job (still with Deere) is going well and he is enjoying it. He's staying busy and seems to always have 2 shadows....which he loves! Wood working projects have slowed down, although there is a butcher block top that he's going to strip of it's finish so we can use it for meat processing.

Marisa is keeping all of her boys moving in the right direction. Menus, grocery lists, to do lists, food prep, laundry, doctor runs, etc.... Dont' get us wrong super hubby is doing a lot of that too. Marisa is back in school and has finished her first semester back. Looks like she'll pass her class. After a short break she'll start in on the next one. Work is going well for her. Sometimes on the hectic side but she still enjoys it.

It feels like we have been everywhere this summer. Both grandparents, Cananda, Iowa State Fair (where Misha just wanted to see the chickens...I couldn't make that up if I tried), library, tractor rides, inside semi cabs and trailers (thanks Ed!), Oma's, Grandma Van Hals', flying wooden planes with uncle Merlyn, Henry Doorly Zoo, Blank Park Zoo, Costco (we love the samples), doctors, dentists, Como Park Zoo....you name it we've probably been there.

We're busy little bees.....but we're loving every minute of it!!!