First Day of School

First Day of School

Alexander (10th) and Noah (6th)

August 17, 2011

Eager to begin his sophomore year

Ready for 6th grade and the start of middle school

Noah and Alexander--hard to believe summer ends and schools begins today

Hee, hee--he has NO CLUE that I snapped a quick picture as he walked to the bus stop for his first day of 6th grade!

I'm happy to report that both boys had a GREAT first day of school.  I thought about Noah ALL day wondering if he'd be able to easily open his locker, make it to class without being tardy and find friends in his new classes.  He returned home with stories to share and a HUGE smile on his face--what a comfort knowing that he's really going to be OK.  Meanwhile, we didn't see Alexander until 6pm, but when he returned home, he had lots of stories to share too.  As a Mom, it's a HUGE relief knowing your children are happy at school.  Praying the happiness continues and that both have an amazing year! 

Love you both to the moon and back!

Beginning a New School

Middle School Schedule Pick-Up

August 10, 2011

Hard to believe that "our baby" begins 6th grade!  For the first time, he will be attending a school Alexander once attended and has the possiblity of having some of Alexander's former teachers.  It's an exciting time and aside from some locker struggles, Noah seems ready to begin his newest adventure.  Since I can't take my annual "first day of school" at the bus stop picture, the boys humored me and allowed me to take a picture at school since no one was around to notice. 

Wishing both of you a fun-filled, happy and successful first year in middle school!

Rock Climbing

The day before school began (8/17/2011), Alexander had afternoon/evening football practice and Noah and I were left to an afternoon alone.  Noah decided to invite Eli to join us for a walk around the neighborhood with Sophie and then an adventure in rock climbing at the Westerville Community Center. 

Both boys came SO close to reaching the top, so I told them that ONE of them MUST reach the top before we could return home.  They both looked at me like I was crazy, surely you must be kidding they both responded.  Nope, I assured them I wasn't.  Thank heavens Noah reached the top because I was beginning to think I might be residing at the Community Center rock climbing wall!

Risch Reunion 2011

Risch Reunion

Logan, Ohio

August 14, 2011

Back Row:  Syl, Ken, Sue, John, Noah, Alexander, Wendy, Trey
Front Row: Linda, Uncle Marion, Aunt Ruth, Dad

Uncle Marion & Aunt Ruth (both 92) with the boys

Impressive tractor collection

Learning to drive the Gator and having lots of fun on the farm

Driving Trey's car for the first time at Walker Farm.  Down the lane and across the fields--never seen a bigger smile!  Thanks Karen for being brave enough to ride with him!

Alexander's turn to enjoy the Gator and explore the fields.  Both are happy to try something new.

Dad, we had a wonderful time with you!  Miss you and see you again soon!!

Spending Time With My Dad

Noah and I recently returned to Ohio with my Dad.  We enjoyed our visit in South Carolina and began the trek home with Dad so we could attend his family reunion together.  The first day home we spent running between the high school and middle school--football practice, doctor appointment, more football practice, middle school schedule pick-up and high school schedule pick-up.  Friday we dined with Dad's aunt and uncle (both 92 years old) as well as his cousin and her husband.

After the Central HS football scrimmage Saturday morning, we took Dad to Schmidt's in German Village.

We thoroughly enjoyed our German dining experience in historic German Village.  Good food, good beer (according to Trey and Dad) and good times!

The Crazy Crab

Our last night in South Carolina--thoroughly enjoying seafood at The Crazy Crab!

Hunting Island, SC

Hunting Island, SC

August 2011

We had a beautiful day on Hunting Island.  We enjoyed a picnic lunch beside the lighthouse and then took a long, leisurely walk on the beach, toes in the sand and surf.  The ocean has caused much beach erosion to the island.  As a result of the erosion, many fallen palm trees line the edge of the beach and the lighthouse had to be relocated farther inland to protect it from the seas.  Protected turtle nests dot the beach and the number of shells to collect was endless.  Thanks Mom and Dad for a special day at the beach. 

Spending time with Family

There's a bonus to visiting my parents--my aunts and uncle live in Sun City too.  Upon retiring, they agreed they would all reside in the same location.  After so many years of living far apart from one another they desired to finally be near each other during retirement.  I love that their dream became a reality!