We are Bronco Nation

Lisa has changed employers. While she enjoyed her time at NNU, she got an amazing opportunity that she just couldn't pass up. She now works for the Center for School Improvement at BSU in cooperation with Idaho State Department of Education. A great move for her and our family. We have spent the weekend moving her professor stuff out of her office at NNU and into her new office at BSU. Her job as the School Improvement Coordinator will involve helping Title I schools to develop school improvement plans that will help increase achievement, based on the No Child Left Behind Act. She is working with a great group of people, and her dissertation studies will fold right into her work. More changes around here, but right now, this looks to be a great one! GO BRONCOS!

Interior Decorating

For those of you who may question the truth and validity of the Abby's Mischief column...here's proof. Purple markers are now contraband. Like I have said before, "we're never bored."

Dog days of summer

Seriously, the most exciting events since the closing ceremonies of cousin camp have involved turning in papers and writing still-more papers. I pledged to myself that I would try to post twice a week...so here I am, posting. It's been HOT here for the past three weeks, like 100 degrees-plus with little or no relief. I attend class in the morning, cruise over to the Library at NNU to do my homework until 12:30or 1:00. Then I b-line it to the gym to train fitness clients. Meanwhile, Lisa has been writing her "proposal" for her doc program, which is really just a fancy phrase for "the beginning of her disertation." Things will let up following next week and we'll rest easy and have some more fun at the beginning of August; then (I can't believe I'm already saying this) it's back-to-school.

Last weekend the "Mishler-ettes" dropped by for a quick visit. I mention this simply as an excuse to gratuitously drop in a pic for Kev. They lodged at casa-Kinnaman and, of course entertained the kids with gusto. In the event that you, the reader are unaware; Holly, on the right side of the car-seat texts Kevin daily. I'm not sure if we can technically call it "dating," or not. The girl on the left side is Abby's new best-friend Becca, who also happens to be Holly's identical twin sister.

The kids remain busy; we're never bored. Abby continues to find mischief, Will is concentrating on sports, and Ryan is reading everything in sight; he sure is growing...lost a top tooth just in time to really complicate his corn-on-the-cob consumption. Summer is fun because we have access to that beautiful pool ans the kids have so much fun playing outside when it's bearable.

By the way, readers. I have an idea of who you may be...but what I hear are only rumors. If you check out the blog, don't be afraid to leave a comment like Sam and Kev have. All you have to do is click the link that says "comments" that makes the blog more fun for everyone.

Hooray for Cousin Camp

Cousin Camp has come and gone, thanks to much effort from E-ma. Thank you Robbyn, the kids had a blast and are still trying to recover from all of the organized fun and excitement! They have cool shirts and great memories from sharing the better part of 9 days building volcanoes, hunting bugs, digging for dinos, playing at the park, fishing, going to Chuck-E-Cheese, special gym night, and sleeping over at E-ma's. Did I mention swimming?....lots of swimming! Good times, good times.

School Rules!

NOT! Blogging a little bit less now that my class has started. It never really sank in that once I started this admin. program, I would be committed to actually attending class, completing homework, and fulfilling a year-long internship -- sheesh!
So, fun stuff. There is a pool in our sub division that really sweetens our living situation in the summertime. No kidding, the kids are there every single day. It's great for wearing them out so they'll sleep well at night and great for us to have a little low-level-everyone-is-happy-together family time. And... the kids are becoming sooooo comfortable in the water. It's such a blessing now that the temperatures have crested 100 degrees for the last week.

July 4th in Crouch

That's Crouch...rhymes with "couch," not "watch"...
We camped with E-ma and E-pa up in the mountains about 50 min. from home (See map). That's the benefit of living in Idaho, outdoors paradise. Our location was perfect for little kids. Only ten minutes from town, we had a site right on the water, complete with a little wading pool at the beach, and the campground pretty much all to ourselves. The family fished a bit and we all spent much time in the river. This water way is far from the mighty Willamette. It was no deeper than 3 feet in the deepest hole and it moved swiftly...a cool mountain stream of water. It was a good thing the water was so cool, the temperature broke 100 degrees. The boys caught fish with their E-pa, the great outdoorsman, caught bugs, and saw deer. Abby played in the water and kept us all on our toes. We ventured into town on the 4th to see the parade; it was soooo hot the water from the Firemen and rafters toolin' by was welcome. The kids scored a ton of candy -- everyone was pleased. It was a nice break for our summertime before things get hoppin' again. I'll begin classes for my admin. credential Mon. the 9th and Lisa will dive into writing her doctoral thesis...gee, it's nice being teachers and having the summers off.