Pumpkin Creation by TJ Mann

Trick-R-Treat 2010

Again this year, we invited ourselves to trick-r-treat with the Eckstein family. They reside just off Meridian Street near the Governor's Mansion and the homes in their area give out full size candy bars!

Top to Bottom and Left to Right:

Alex, Will, Griffin, TJ, Ann Marie, Amanda, Jack, Abby, Annie and Elise!

Fall Break

Fall Break started with the installation of a new furnace and a/c unit. The furnace decided it worked too hard last winter and called it quits. Since the a/c unit is just as old as the furnace and the tax benefits will probably expire January 1st, we decided to take advantage of a bundle discount and will have 95% efficient temperature control year round. I sure hope we save a lot in energy bills.

Following a successful install, TJ, his friend, Jacob, my dad and I headed south to Cave City to visit Mammoth Cave. We did the New Entrance Tour. Nothing really new about it as it was discovered in 1921. But none-the-less we descended 280 steps down 14 shafts to enter the cave. Our Tour Guide was very funny and informative. We were relieved to learn we did not have to climb 280 steps to exit the cave. It was a fun day trip and we had a great time.

Honor Roll

We are very proud to announce that TJ earned all As first quarter! Out of 1,623 points available in his core classes, he only missed 42 points with an overall average of 97%

I think the parent/teacher conference will be very boring tomorrow :)

Amazing Costume Race 2010

Top Left toRight: Sanju; Julie; Traci & Scott;

Larry & Ginger; Mark & Susan;

Amanda; Lauren; Sandy & John;

Jeremy & Beth; Laura & Jen; Kirstine & Pat

Jim & Melissa; George & Vicki;

Heather & Dave; and Todd

It was a fabulous Fall evening for a Costume Party! The Amazing Costume Scavenger Hunt/Race was a success. After nine races, Todd and his team of Julie, Sanju, Aaron & Tricia won. Teams raced up and down Keystone Ave. decifiering clues and seeking tokens/tickets worth varying points. Everyone had a great time and arrived at the pit stop (our house) to enjoy food, beverage and laughs.

Chess Match

First Chess Match of the 2010 Season was today at St. Christophers. TJ is Captain of the 6th grade and under team. He won his first game today. The second ended in a stalemate. TJ explained that he moved his Bishop incorrectly or he could have ended the game with a win. In any event, I am proud of him. I can no longer challenge him as he wins every time.

Second Half Better Than First Half

St. Barnabas took control of the football game early today. The Tigers did not give up and scored a couple touchdowns but not enough for the win. TJ caught a pass for an extra point and another pass for a touchdown late in the game.

Date night

Todd and I dined at Harry & Izzys last night before attending the ISO with guest Wayne Brady. Dinner was great, the maritinis were fabulous (Apple) and the show was entertaining.

Basic Training

Justin will be leaving for basic training on Sunday. There is a family/friends dinner for him at the Beaver's home on Saturday. I am taking an entire box of kleenex for his mother & I. Justin was just 18 months old when I met his mom and dad. Now he is 18 years old and leaving the nest. Sniffle!!!!!!!!!!

Tigers Win

TJ #11 helped his team with a Fumble Recovery, an Interception, and a Pass Received in Endzone for a Touchdown for Tigers to Win in OT. Great Game TJ!

Covered Bridge Festival

Yesterday, Melissa, Lauren and I ventured to Mansfield, Indiana to shop til we dropped. It was opening day of the shopping extravaganza and it was a gorgeous Fall day. We elbowed our way through the crowds from one merchant tent to another to find trinkets and holiday gifts at fabulous prices. Tired, sweaty and exhausted we returned to Indy cashless. It was fun!

Tigers Need A Win

However, it did not happen today. Tigers were challenged by a very good St. Michaels team on this beautiful Fall day.