Pics from Kath’s Facebook

I scoured some pictures from Kathi’s facebook for safe keeping… (I don’t trust facebook)

Here is a pic of Rockwell on the beach on a really windy day.

And Melinda is on a volleyball team now. She likes it, and is evidently a really good server. Good thing we have volleyball teams at the park district here.

Just an “aww” pic of Rockwell and his friend magic.

Rockwell was in another triathlon recently. I don’t know where he placed, but since he is in the older crowd now, I think he placed in the middle of the pack. Good Job Rockwell!

And Kath was able to take the kids to see sea turtles laying eggs.. wow, that had to be a memorable experience! Look at the size of that thing.

Melinda and Rockwell on mothers day at the beach… Just having a good time playing with friends.

Melinda Riding on the beach in St Croix.

She is the one in blue. She sure looks confident…

Hannah Awards Night

It was senior awards night at Fox Creek High school. But Hannah did quite well for a freshman! She received the following awards:

Recognized for placing third out of all the local schools in a (previously mentioned in October) writing contest.

To be honest, I was most impressed by this award.. simply because after the teacher mentioned that the tutors are selected from the NHS students, she singled out Hannah as always being available for her, and being extra helpful. No one else got an award like this.

Hannah was one of 24 students (out of 70 that attempted) that where actually published in a book of student poetry. Ill have to get a copy of it and scan it! Ill also get a link in case a grandparent or godparent feels like buying it ..

And the official Beta club certificate. I always thought the initial photocopied job was sort of hokey.. this is the real thing.. “suitable for framing”!

Garage cam is back up

You can click here to see it

Looks like my provider changes my IP address often.. I will fix that… It should work again.. and Im in the garage welding ifn you want to see…

Bike Riding, and other things.

I took the pledge at “30 days of biking” to ride my bike every day this month. Some times its around the block, other times its farther. This morning, I took a ride around North Augusta!

It was a really nice ride! I did the hills in fine fashion. Good start to the day.

Last night We went to the clubhou.se and participated in the “minisumo” competition. What a great time! We did not win, but we will next time! During this, I talked to Rockwell.. Turns out the 8th graders where doing minisumo that day at school!!

See more here: http://www.youtube.com/user/amandaattheclubhouse/videos

When we were not minisumo-ing.. Hannah and her friend Amber where playing on an old school Video Game in the back…. Early Sega, I believe?

Visitors!

We love visitors. Greg, Julia, AnneMarie, and Charlie came by for a couple days on their way back from visiting Charleston. We are really glad they stopped by! We went out for dinner, and went to church together on Easter morning, and Julia and I even got a chance to run 3 miles. (I think Julia will be looking for some hills in the future.)
It was a really good visit. Looking forward to that visit from Steph and Mauro and fam…

I also think that Charlie should get some Chickens. Those birds got a lot of attention (and food) from Charlie. It’s almost like (my) Melinda was back in town! Oh, and I think the waffle in charlies hand in the picture got licked by gigi about .5 seconds after this picture was taken!

Feedback

I sent a note to the teacher that oversees the afterschool tutoring.

How is Hannah doing with the tutoring? Is she being helpful? She has already said she has learned things herself doing it.
Regards, Ed

Here is the teachers reply:

I really appreciate her giving up her time to help. YES, she has been really helpful! So many of my NHS kids won’t take the time to stay, and it leaves me with a dilemna. I know I can count on Hannah.

Weekend activites

This picture is from last weekend. This was the oyster knife I spoke of in that last post.

I think I liked how it turned out.. Fits my hand perfectly!

Hannah asked to go shooting again.. I asked her what she was interested in, and she said I want to learn to shoot a shotgun. I’m interested in her learning how to handle and respect weapons, (since they are not going away) so it sounds like a good plan to me. Arthur said she could shoot his 20 guage, so we went and got some supplies!

The prices where surprising. 100 round box of 20 gauge shells is only 20$, and the skeet and thrower were less than 10. I think I paid 30$ total, including tax! I dont have a picture of her shooting, but I have a little video! She catches on quick.

Updates

Just a couple of pictures from the last few weeks.
Here is one of Hannah being silly in the local K-mart.

We had a blacksmith “Hammer-in”, a gathering of blacksmiths, where we all make a item. This time we made a oyster knife. I’ll have to take a picture of it.. it turned out really nice! FYI, this location we are at is located less than a mile from my house! It’s called “the living history park” in north Augusta. very nice.

Here I am at the anvil with some hot iron. Yes, that is a wooden forge I am using!

Hannah and I almost always ride our bikes to the grocery now. Here we are on our way out. Groceries loaded up!

Here is my fixie pretty much complete. I’m still trying to get used to riding fixed gear… Not being able to coast takes getting used to!

Here is a good one of me working on a live truck. Gotta love our 500 foot SST (self supported tower) in the background.. FYI, it’s 60 feet wide at the base.

More pictures from St Croix

Kathi walking on the beach.

Rockwell making Melinda eat sand. I am sure he will pay for this.

Another non picture of Melinda. Whats up with that? Good picture of Rockwell though.