Fan Day at Falcon Stadium

Football season is an exciting time of the year for Husker fans, but this year we are going to share some love with the Air Force Academy.  Go Falcons!!!

Back to School Feast

This year, just for fun, we decided to try a Back to School Feast to mark the beginning of school.  I took my cue from other mommy bloggers and added a "family theme" because it is my personal feeling that one can never "overdo" attempts at character training.  Our family theme, albeit a last minute pick, was a quote from C.S. Lewis about integrity.  Unfortunately, with my last minute party planning our family theme had a glaring typo!  Shane, in classic "Dieckman" style, led a theatrical discussion on Integrity turning my blunder into a hysterical family moment.  

Integrity 

is doing the

right thing

even when

no one is watching

-C.S. Lewis

Before the party each kiddo created a crown showcasing a new grade for a new school year.  Surprisingly it became a very tangible way of making their new grade being entered abundantly real with an added touch of excitement.   This proved to be an exceedingly satisfying and pleasurable task. 

For dinner we had a "make your own pizza party" and even though every pizza was different in shape, style, and taste all pizzas ended up being quite delicious.  Dinner was a hit with the kids and may end up being a more routine affair.  

After dinner we ended the night with "family movie night" and took in a showing of Maleficent.  All in all it was fun!

  

Back to School 2015

In preparation for "first day" of school pics we loaded up and headed to Target so each kiddo could pick out a special outfit.  The whole process was much more cumbersome than expected, but everyone walked away happy.  Avery refused to select a rather handsome outfit configured by yours truly, rather he chose something with his favorite color, red.  Amelia tried on numerous outfits with varying combinations but in the end felt like this outfit most resembled a cowgirl, her desired look.  Audrey searched for something that was either bright pink or purple and was especially excited to find hot pink pants with stars all over them.

For breakfast we made muesli pancakes, hard boiled eggs (one of Audrey's favorites), and topped it off with "baby oranges."  All tummies were full before we headed out the door.

This year we will continue with homeschooling, but on Fridays everyone has a special enrichment activity.  Avery and Amelia will be attending "homeschool in the woods" for 3rd and 4th graders, a special program run by District 20.  The classroom is actually located in the black forest and the kids get to spend all day surrounded by nature.  They both raved about their first day and are super excited for future Fridays.  Audrey will be attending a Montessori school on Thursday and Friday.  She came home excited as well and gave the school lunch of vegetable soup two thumbs up.   

4th grader age 9

wants to work for Lego and create lego sets when he grows up

3rd grader age 8

wants to be a farmers wife when she grows up

Kindergarten age 5

wants to make stuffed animals, or maybe draw pictures, how about become a dancer when she grows up….decisions are hard for this child.

1st Sleep Over & Missing Friends

The hardest part about moving is leaving friends!!! San Antonio is an especially fond place for myself because as a family we met so many amazing people in this friendly town.  The Ottmers Family is no exception.  I would characterize this family as selfless, thoughtful,  and extremely generous.  They always carved time out for our transient tribe reminding us that friendships are worth maintaining beyond state and city borders.  This past June we left San Antonio with a bang by experiencing a first with the Ottmers, a highly anticipated sleep over.  It was a great bonding experience for the kids, a fun girls night for the moms, and an awesome way to say goodbye!  Ottmers Family we love you and hope to see you in the future.  

My Birthday!

My birthday was filled with memorable little surprises from my special trio and thoughtful hubs.  Yes, 40 is just one more year away, as I was often reminded.   However I plan on enjoying the here and now…at 39.  

Jumping for Joy: A new house with a view!

Shane and I have dreamed of being stationed at the Air Force Academy for years!  Truly it is hard to believe that we are really here, which keeps us waking up each morning with smiles on our faces.  The kids are equally excited about their new house and surroundings knowing that our little pipe dream is now their reality.  The mountain view from our back deck is glorious and as hard as we have tried our pictures just don't do it justice(mountains behind my head).