Into the swing of things...

We are keeping busy this week with school and soccer. Austin has had already a spelling test and a vocab test, as well as the results of his reading test. His reading level is at fourth grade, month 2, so he is supposed to find books for his reading tests at late 3rd grade through 4th grade levels. Here at home we are reading Pippi Longstocking together. So far he thinks the most hilarious part is when she shouts weird songs while making pancakes. He has had two soccer practices with his wonderful coach Tim, and loves that Tim's son Logan, as well as his best friends Drew and Andrew, are on his team. Austin has done a fantastic job concentrating on his game despite the social distractions. He has not had to run laps for not paying attention (Tim's favorite punishment, which has been used quite a few times already this season).

Karsen is getting into kindergarten, too. This week was five senses week. The homework was to bring in an object used for smells, touch, sight, and sound. Miss Beth provided the "tastes." She has also been asserting herself on the playground, which has provided the teachers with a little peek into Karsen's personality. Apparently today a little girl was not taking turns on the slide. Karsen said this girl was kicking others and pushing them out of the way, and then going down when others hadn't emerged from the end of the slide yet. Karsen took charge, telling (bossing) Graham to go get Mrs. Grieser (poor unsuspecting Mrs Grieser, the playground teacher today) while instructing the others to wait for Mrs Grieser to come mete out the punishment. Mrs Grieser explained the slide rules, and the offending party had to run laps, much to the delight of Karsen and Graham. (It is always helpful to have Graham over for playdates, as you get a more complete view of what has happened in school that day. His mother feels the same way about Karsen.)
Austin is at a get-together at Andrew and Collin's church this evening with a movie, popcorn, and then playing the Wii on the projector screen, so Karsen is learning checkers. When she gets down to 2 or 3 checkers left, she adds a few of hers back to the board, so the games do tend to go on for awhile. Karsen has also had two soccer practices this week and is enjoying her role as one of the experienced members of the team. Her coach Tyrone is her coach from last spring, and his adorable little Ashton is on the team, so as long as she can refrain herself from picking up and carrying Ashton around the field, she usually does a fine job.