Kayla's New Look

Today was a hair cut day for the family. We thought it was just going to be Phil and Logan getting some much needed trims but Kayla decided she was going to cut hers as well. She found one she liked and cut it off. It looks almost like when she did the Locks of Love in the past. She's not sure she likes it but we did some fun styling. What do you think?

It's Only The Third Week

We suspected at least once in the first year of Kindergarten Logan might get in trouble at school. I never suspected it would be in the third week of school. This morning I received phone calls from the bus driver, the clinic, and the Assistant Principal of the elementary school. It turns out Logan was punched in the nose (causing blood to go every where) and in the stomach. Of course they can't tell us what other students were involved but we know. It's not one that I would ever picture doing that.

Before you have too much sympathy for Logan keep in my mind he was not innocent in this whole ordeal. He and another little kid were teasing the one that punched him. They wouldn't stop and the little kid punched him. The little kid that punched him is his friend and one I'd never thought would do that. Sadly that little boy had to spend the day in the APs office and nothing has happened to Logan for his part in the ordeal. Tonight we will be talking with Logan how it was wrong that he was punched but how it is also wrong that he teased another little boy and didn't stop.

I hope I don't get anymore phone calls like this.

Speed Racer Frenzy

In our trip to Michigan last week to go to my Grandpa's Celebration of Life I made everyone we saw (or just about) take a photo with the $3 Speedracer helmet. (Hey Robert if you read this send me your photo and I'll add it in :)). So enjoy the slide show.

Excitement for Logan and Alex

It's that time of year again for us - time for Fall Baseball. Translated - we're never home most nights. That's at least true when the games start. Alex only has practice and games once a week but Logan has more. Phil is coaching Alex's team again this season and has a few more 3 year olds on his team. Their team is the Cubs. Of course I'm not biased but I'm sure they'll "win" every game.

Logan is in the next league up and is playing for the Twins. His coach is the Dad of a girl Phil coached when she played rookie ball. We're really excited about that. But we're most excited that he'll actually be playing in the in field this season! He's excited too. He's been playing third base and shortstop. We can't wait to see him play - win or lose we'll enjoy it.

The Mouse Rescuer

What trip to Michigan isn't complete without at least one rescue story? On Sunday Logan (with all his cousins and some friends) was outside playing in the yard. His Uncle John has an outdoor cat that was accompanying them as well. Logan looked over and saw that the cat had a baby mouse in its mouth. He removed the mouse from its mouth and told him he was a bad cat. He gave the mouse to his sister that brought it inside. Phil set the mouse free.

Meanwhile Logan returns to school on Thursday and draws a photo in his writing journal of the mouse. He told the story to his teacher but added something to the story of how Phil removed the mouse's skin (which of course he did not do). Lucky for the mouse he or she will live another day.

Parlour Photos Part 2

Just a few more photos.

A Trip to the Parlour

No trip to Michigan is complete without the Parlour. With all the fun that we had I know my Grandpa was there in spirit. Of course the servings are not small. :) There were 20 of us in total at the Parlour and we took up an entire section of the restaurant. Uncle Mike ordered his usual Dare to Be Great (21 scoops of ice cream) but wasn't able to finish it in the one hour time limit. (Maybe next time he'll be on the Wall of Fame.) Everyone had some large dishes - the best was Kevin (the Vortherms family's exchange student) ordering a banana split (6 scoops of ice cream).

It definitely was a fun time. Here's some of the photos. I of course have more adventures to share tomorrow.

Michigan Fun

While we were in Michigan we were able to visit with some other family members on Sunday. It resulted in some fun photos. Take for instance the photo of Phil's Dad in the alien glasses on the way back from ice cream or the boys with their friend Seth enjoying a ride on the quad.

Fun Photos

Earlier this week my mom shared some photos with my kids. One of the photos was of my first day of kindergarten. My mom (just like me) used to take first day of school photos. I thought I'd share.

Ben C. Fairman - UM fan extraordinaire

This is a loving tribute to my Grandpa that truly shows how big a fan he was of the University of Michigan. This was filmed by my mom earlier this year. He and my grandma attend just about all the sporting events at the University of Michigan. He truly was a big fan.

Change In Musical Interest

Kayla has decided that instead of taking Chorus this year at the middle school she wants to learn to play a musical instrument. This morning she met with the band director at OMS to determine which type of instrument would be best for her. Kayla's instrument will be - the flute.

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

I decided I'd join in the fun from some other blogs that I read and do the Friday Foto Finish Fiesta. The idea is to post one your favorite photos and say why. It's hard to decide which photo is my favorite because I have so many favorite photos. But this is one of my favorites and I actually have it on my desk at work. This is Logan in a tuxedo photo taking last year in Pre-K. He looks so handsome and like a cute little man.

First Day Of School Report

It's now day 3 for the kids being back to school. Where did the summer go? The kids all reported that they had great first days of school.

Logan talked most about the fact that Kindergartners weren't allowed to play on the monkey bars because they fall and break their arms but in first grade they can play on them. He also talked about puzzles.

Alex talked about doing centers and is favorite center was the music center. He also really enjoyed playing outside and sleeping.

Kayla said she loved all of her teachers and loved being back in school. She tells us she wants to join band so that she can learn to play an instrument.

I'm pretty sure they'll all remain excited about school at least for the rest of this school year.

Logan Heads Off to Kindergarten

After dropping off Alex at his first day of school I drove over to meet Phil and Logan at his school. I opted for the it's better for him to ride the bus then for me to drive him to school option. I figured I'd be less likely to cry. I didn't cry at all - I was proud of myself. I did start to tear up once but I held it in. Here's Logan waiting in the hallway for the bus along with some of his friends. He waved goodbye to us as he got on the bus and didn't look back.

I can't wait to hear how everyone's day went.

Drive to School

Alex said I had to be the one that dropped him off to school on his first day. In fact, he said that we were going to race outside and beat Dad so I could take him. Here he is in the van all excited about his first day. I walked him and he waved goodbye and neither one of us shed a tear.

Solo Photos

Of course each one needed a photo of themself for the first day of school.

First Day of School

Today is the first day of school for Kayla, Logan and Alex. Kayla starts 6th grade this year! Where did the time go? She's not supposed to be in middle school already. She's probably now only an inch shorter then me and can wear my shoes!

Logan, the old soul in a child's body, is now in Kindergarten! He told us today that he had to wear a tie so that he looked good for his first day of Kindergarten. He originally picked an Incredible Hulk tie but I convinced him one that has school stuff on it was a better choice.

Alex was ready to go to school almost the minute after he got up. He was so excited but he didn't want me to take any pictures of him. But he finally gave in when I said we weren't leaving until I did. I take pictures every year.

Here's their group photos.

The Passing of A Wonderful Man

It is with deep sadness that I have to say today Grandpa Fairman passed away. We will miss him so much. There are so many stories I could include here but it would probably take up pages and pages of my blog. I am greatful that he has been alive for all these years (almost 36 years of my life for me) and that I've gotten to experience and have so many wonderful memories of him. I'll never ever watch another Michigan football or any Michigan sporting event without thinking of him and feeling his spirit present. I was lucky to be able to spend several years of college living with him and Grandma that has made me appreciate and love both of them even more. I'm lucky that he got to know my children and they got to know him. Right now I'm sure he's smiling down from heaven as he sits and talks football with Bo Schembechler. Grandpa we love you and miss you. Go Blue!

Congratulations Teri!

Congrats Grandma Teri. Teri became a grandma for the first time this morning at 9:13 a.m. when Ronald L. Dion, IV entered this world. Congrats to mom and dad too but we know it's all about the grandma now.

School Really Is Almost Here

It's official - school really is about to start. Today we took Logan to meet his Kindergarten teacher. I thought he'd be a little more excited than he was but he was just all matter of fact. I do think he wanted to start school today. He didn't have any desire to look around the classroom. We did a little tour of the buildng to show him where the lunchroom was and the library. When we got to the library he says to me, "Mom I don't need to go in there I've already been that's where I got my Duncan Creek pencil from."

Tonight Kayla goes to meet her teachers - although she does know most of them because of her dad. We still have to fill out the paperwork and purchase her PE shirt. Sunday is Alex's meet the teacher day - he's ready and doesn't understand why he doesn't get to meet his teacher today.

Kayla is Growing Up Too Fast

Last weekend we did some school clothes shopping since it was a tax free weekend here in Georgia. As we did that Kayla has moved up into the Junior sizes! Of course that gives you more fashion choices but even we're still picky. She tried on a few shirts that while they looked cute on the hanger they were a bit too revealing when she tried them on! I anticipate this is going to be a year of change for Kayla especially when it comes to clothes. I'm pretty sure she'll tell me I can't pick out clothes for anymore. That will be a sad day.

On a positive note she's been babysitting the boys this week and is doing a wonderful job! You know she's doing a good job when Alex just rambles on and on about the fun things she did with them. If you need a sitter Kayla is definitely a good one!

Some Fun Friday Night Photos

Of course I also took some fun photos of everyone as well. What's a Monday morning without some silly pictures to start your day?

Friday Night Lights

On Friday night we got to watch the Atlanta Falcons football team scrimmage at Mill Creek Highschool. There was quite a large crowd at the event given the fact that it was free. This was the first time we'd been to the stadium even though it's right next to the middle school. I think the stadium looks nicer than our college (EMU) football stadium looked. We enjoyed some free activites before the start of the game in the walkway (including some football tosses) and watching some Frisbee catching dogs (quite a talent).

After watching some warmups it was time for the Star Spangled Banner. Some members of the U.S. Army presented the colors both in a traditional manner and a non traditional manner. We watched them sky dive in using colored smoke and then carrying the flag. A wonderful way to start the scrimmage.



During the game they wired (so we could all hear) the coaches and some of the players so we heard what the plays were. That was quite interesting since you never hear that while watching games on tv. Of course Freddie the Falcon was there along with the cheerleaders (we only really got to see their backside). At the end of the game all the players signed autographs while we got to enjoy a wonderful fireworks display.

How To Make Money To Spend On Your Kids

The scenario - Alex has been sent to clean up his room. Alex returns to the kitchen and says to Phil:

"Dad, if you help me clean my room I'll give you a $1 to spend on my birthday."

Funny thing is I guess he holds on to that $1 until July 2009. :)