gone shoeless

Heidi's class earned another 100 points. Each time they do they get a reward. Their reward this time was a Super Sock Day. (This was Gerrit's idea.) So on Friday when they got to school they took their shoes off before they started the day. Heidi had no idea what she was in for.

The kids went crazy. Who knew the effect shoes had on eight year olds. I personally would never want to wear them but I think from now on second graders should. A regular routine like leaving their desks to come and sit on the floor turned into an escapade of turning, sliding, and jumping.

After about 5 minutes of this craziness Heidi told the class that the rules were still the rules even if they didn't have shoes on. She told them that if they couldn't follow the rules, then they would have to put their shoes back on. That idea seemed dreadful and they started behaving better. It was still a struggle to stay calm--but they made it through the day.

Maybe they were also hyped up because of the McTeacher night from the night before. All the North Star teachers worked at McDonald's to raise money for the school. So many families came. It could have possibly been just as crazy as Super Sock Day.

my favorites

Second grade has been in session for 19 days. Although Heidi wouldn't admit to any favorites--there are some that I would like to claim. (Please note that the names have been altered.)

Let's start with Patrick. He sits in the back row when everyone is on the floor. The other day, to Heidi's surprise he was turned around and licking a silver leg to one of the desks. Now that boy knows how to sniff out a flavor and go for it.

This same Patrick also caught a fly that had been buzzing around the room. It was distracting everyone. After a little time--Patrick raised his hand with a triumphant look. "Yes Patrick," Mrs. Boogert said. "I caught the fly!!!!". Everyone cheers!! He was the hero for the day. Well done!

Onto another favorite--Mike. Sometimes Heidi uses scented white board markers. Whenever she does--she constantly finds Mike out of his seat or center with his nose glued to the white boards taking in huge breaths. I know how it is Mike--those scents just call out your name.

The last is anonymous, but this kid packs a punch (the SBD kind). It will be a great and normal day when suddenly everyone is taking cover for fresh air. Way to go--that will get them every time!!

So these are my favorites so far.

Two Years in the Making!!!

All great dogs have a wide repertoire of tricks and rolling over is always one of them. For me, this has been a very tough trick to learn but Gerrit and Heidi never gave up on me. Thanks to their dedication, patience, delicious motivation, and sometimes even example--I can. . .ROLL OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe I was so pumped up to finally get this trick right because I spent a couple of days with Heidi's awesome brother Luke James. He stopped to visit us on his way to college at Montana State. I even got to go for a ride in his BRONCO.

Maybe, I finally mastered the skill because Heidi and Gerrit have started back at school. On a Friday afternoon when they were putting their best face forward for me, I put my best trick forward for them.

This is where Heidi has been spending most of her time. Gerrit is always zooming around between classes at the U, drawing blood at the hospital, restocking the oxygen tanks and taking care of Heidi and I. (we haven't got a good picture of him in action yet)So even though I might be considered an older dog now (2+ years), I'm proof that it's never too late to learn new tricks. I might start training for the Olympic doggy paddle next.

tomatoes and sunflowers

A summer full of watering, weeding, and cat chasing is starting to pay off. We've got lots of sunflowers and tomatoes to show for it.

I just love to sit out here and get my feet dirty (sometimes more).

Back here is where I do my best cat chasing. Those cats run in fear when they see my massive body tumbling after them. I wonder why they keep coming back?

Of course lots of tomatoes means lots of delicious fresh food.
I'd love to get my chompers on that. . . .ummmmm.

Here's to a great summer and lots of BLTs, fresh tomato soup, awesome sandwiches, and maybe even some canning.

lucky dogs

Life jackets, sunscreen, towels, water bottles . . . while Gerrit and Heidi were loading up the car I could hardly contain myself. I just knew it was going to be a dream day. It was all shaping up for me until I was watching them drive away. They were the lucky dogs. . .not me this time.

It was the Pulmonary Lab (that's where Gerrit works) day at the lake. They had all sorts of fun on the boat and being with friends.

This was a new toy that Gerrit tried. He said it was like doing a slow motion jump. It was pretty fun but it made his upper body soooooo sore.

Heidi had fun on the wake board for a little while.Gerrit makes wake boarding look so easy.The boys young and old tried to conquer the water weenie. Lucky dogs!!!!

all over the place

It has been a very busy week for all of us here on Ouray Avenue. It started frantically on Wednesday when Gerrit was driving all over our neighborhood trying to do all that last minute stuff before the boys left for camp.

Heidi was also preparing her last minute stuff to get her girls ready to go to camp.

Finally, Heidi and the girls were on their way up to Bear Lake. Me and the boys were waiting in the church parking lot to head off to Schofield Reservoir.

Heidi was headed off to a beautiful cabin right on the lake. The boys and I were headed to real camping. I had a great time swimming the entire day. I'm still recuperating from all the swimming I did.

Gerrit and I left camp early because Gerrit had a plane to catch to New York City to see the Radiohead concert. Here is the beautifully green Central Park. I would love to chase a tennis ball there.

After he left, Heidi came home a few hours later in lala land about how well girls' camp went.

This week we'll try to catch our breath before Heidi goes back to school next week.

Breaking News

Gerrit has been growing and growing and growing a very burly beard. I know it best as a food trap. This food trap has some positives and some negatives. The obvious positive is that I get to taste some good leftovers. The negative is that licking Gerrit has been a little rough and uncomfortable.
So he took the razor and started shaving the hair away. Heidi and I both hoped that he wouldn't stop here. . .and he didn't.
Tadaaaaaaa. . .lookin' good G-ride!