Alex playing with his new birthday legos. 

Alex and Tate playing in the backyard. 

Chess is one of the major new programs at Greenbay this year. Our principal has had great success incorporating chess into the curriculum in other schools. 

"Who you lookin' at?" 

Tate and I spent quality time in the backyard after work. 

Books, Lots of Pie, and drinks make a great evening with Book Club. 

Tonight was the first meeting of Jane's book club. Jane, Amanda, Britt, Maya, and Sophia founded a female book club that discussed Life of Pi by Yann Martel this month. 

He's getting so big. His coat started to change this week to a thicker, rougher texture. He's an admixture of big paws, lumpy legs, and ferocious appetite.  

I turned 27 this year! 

Tate loves sleeping on his back in the middle of the kitchen. He feels so at home! 

My little first graders are cute and goofy. This was supposed to be the "normal" picture, not the goofy one that would come later. 

Jane and Tate: See his little puppy belly! 

Tate has got his cute head nod down. 

Tate loves playing in the backyard.  

We really like it's updated interior with clear visibility and sharp instrumentation. We hope it gets good gas mileage as well. 

Here's our new honda! 

Tate hates getting cleaned up, but loves playing with his blanket. 

Tate and his new dad. 

I am the cutest puppy ever!  

Yes, I already know how to chew on stuff. 

Tate "Tater" Pedretti.  

Wicked Musical Soundtrack Lyrics

Jane and I are going to see the new Chicago cast for Wicked, the prelog to The Wizard of Oz on August 22. I haven't heard such a good musical since Les Miserables. Here is a link to the clever lyrics: Wicked Musical Soundtrack Lyrics.

Curt, seen here wearing his brightest shirt for the family picture, didn't cool off from the day's heat, until somewhere near the Dells. It was a festive, but hot family picnic.  

After the canoe trip, we met back at the farm and enjoyed the evening air. Grandma and grandpa loved hearing the stories from the day. Meanwhile, Ethan, Evan, and Alex were busy riding bikes, playing basketball, and generally, getting dirty! 

We all stood around until Mom jumped in and started ordering people into vehicles. From left to right stands Brandon, Jess, Kimberly, Curt, Lynette, Mona, and Julie (seated). There was nearly 22 of us on the river. 

Before canoeing, we all ate a big lunch around the kitchen table and tried to help Curt understand how we all get to the river. This seems to confuse him every year.