Preschool Information Night

Jay and I had a new experience last week as we attended Preschool Information Night at Timothy Christian Schools. It felt pretty weird to think Jenny will be old enough for preschool next year. We've signed her up for Tuesday/Thursday preschool. We're not sure if she is going to attend yet, it depends on my schedule for next year. Assuming I teach two periods a day again next year, and assuming those periods correspond with the preschool times, Jenny will go to preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays instead of the babysitters house. If it works out I think it will be pretty nice. I could walk her over to the preschool room, go teach my two periods, and then walk over and pick her up. I think Jenny would love it. She knows the teacher real well (she happends to be a good friend of mine), and it seems like Jenny would enjoy it. We should find out within the next two weeks if Jenny is eligible. They take 20 children per session and if more than twenty sign up then there is a lottery pick. Unfortunately, teachers kids are not given priority. We're not too worried. If she doesn't get picked then she will go back to the sitter's house, and she thoroughly enjoys it there too.

We actually made it over 50 degrees yesterday. It was great to be outside again. During the entire month of January it never made it over 32 degrees. Jenny and I are getting tired of staying inside!

We have a few exciting things coming up. Jay won a radio contest and won two tickets to see Blue Man Group next Thursday. We've both seen a Blue Man performance (and enjoyed it), but it's been awhile and we're looking forward to seeing the show again. I think we'll make a night of it and try to eat at a Chicago Steakhouse somewhere. We're also making plans to attend the Chicago Auto Show again. We go every year with a group of friends and it's always a good time. Over spring break we are heading south to warmer weather. We've rented a condo in Gulf Shores Alabama with some friends and we're looking forward to sitting on the beach for a week. Of course, I'll be eight months pregnant, but I can sit on a chair and read while Jay chases Jenny around and builds sand castles. Regardless, we will see the sun and hopefully feel it's warmth. I'm really looking forward to spring time!

Winter

Jay asked me why my elderly mother's blog is 8000 times better than mine (okay, I inserted the "elderly" part). I've attempted to add a background, but I'll have to get the background site you all use for your sites.

We took very few pictures of Christmas. It's a good thing you took some, otherwise we would have no documentation that we celebrated Christmas this year.

Below are a few random pictures.





Some of the Cousins



Jenny and Daddy playing Wii



Jenny and Daddy

Jenny thinks Sunday and "pretty dress" are the same thing. But when it's -3 degrees outside we make her wear pants under her dress.

Koolhaas Thanksgiving - East

Steve and Alyona came about 10:30pm on Wednesday evening, and on Thursday we all went to church. During the first song the pastor stopped the singing, asked us to start again, but to clap with the beat. Our row was not too excited, and I believe Steve let out an audible moan, but to their credit, Jay and Alyona gamely clapped along. Steve and I did not. After church we headed back home. Steve and Alyon took a walk outside (it was in the low 40's) and took a tour of downtown Naperville while we got lunch together. We had a lovely meal together, and after some tasty dessert provided by Steve and Alyona they took off back to WI.

I am addicted to the Twilight series, and stayed up way too late reading because I had to know how it ended.

This morning Jay was up by 4am to go and battle the morning shoppers looking for good deals. To his credit, he actually found some. This afternoon he is running a colleague and his family to the airport, but I think he would much rather be taking a nap.

We're looking forward to a quiet weekend!

September

Jenny typing on her computer.

Jay and Jenny taking a Sunday afternoon nap.

We joined Jay's sister and her family and some friends at a pool party last weekend. The water was very warm and there was a variety of things to do. Unfortunately I did not get a picture of Jay going down the water slide.

Walworth County Fair

When Jay was growing up, the Lumkes family spent every Labor Day Weekend at the Walworth County Fair: eating junk food, checking out the farm animals, riding the carnival rides, viewing the horse pulls, and watching the demolition derby. I think Jenny will probably grow up doing the same thing with her cousins. I think I prefer to sit by the lake reading a book.

Jenny did enjoy the carousel, to my amazement. Jay always enjoys playing skeeball. I like the ice cream.

The school year has gotten off to a good start. I teach the last two periods of the day. The volleyball season has gone okay. My team is nice, but very young, and we make a lot of young mistakes. I'll be glad when the season is done and I can drop Jenny off at 1pm and pick her up at 3:30pm. Fortunately, Jay's schedule has enabled him to pick up Jenny on the days when I cannot, although it has made his days pretty hectic. Jenny loves coming to the volleyball games because she knows she gets to run around the gym throwing the volleyball around as soon as the match is done. She'll be way more disappointed than I am when the season is done!

Carpinteria 2008

Here are a few pictures. The one of Mom, Steve, and Dylan is dark, but still cute.

Thanks for a great vacation everyone!

summer

After a busy June with VBS and volleyball camps, we're looking forward to a more laid back July. We recently purchased a membership to the local arboretum which has the most incredible playground for kids. It is quickly becoming one of Jenny's favorite places to go. (Dave & Shelly - when you guys make it out here sometime we'll have to take the kids.) Between the Arboretum and the local parks and pool, we should be able to keep ourselves busy. Jenny still prefers to run around the pool rather than swim in the pool, but hopefully when she sees her cousins swimming in Grandpa and Grandma's pool she'll get he idea.
We're hoping to make a trip to Milwaukee to see Steve's new crib this weekend. I have a feeling I'll be depressed when I return from his hardwood floors to my somewhat stained carpet.
Jay and I continue to play on the co-ed Naperville City League Softball team with friends. I have been promoted from catcher to right/center field. I wasn't too pleased. I stand out there and pray nobody hits the ball to me. Jay usually plays right and he can cover my mistakes.
The pictures are from Jenny's birthday.