K-town Ortons

School is back in FULL swing and all I can say is...I miss summer!  No really, it's been a crazy year so far.  I was asked to have a student teacher in my class this fall and I agreed.  She came the first day of school and although it's been nice having another adult in the class, it's also been a little stressful.  I didn't realize how hard it would be to hand over control of my classroom, especially at the beginning of the year when teaching procedures and routines is SO vital.  I feel like my class is a little out-of-control.  She is trying hard, but there is something to be said for experience in the teaching profession and natural ability.  She has two more weeks in my class, and then I can finally become the teacher again.  I've REALLY missed it!  I've always had a big mouth and had a hard time keeping my mouth shut when I feel something needs to be said, so it's been a REAL struggle to control myself when I can clearly see a better way to teach something.  Hahaha!

We are adjusting well to our new ward.  Kevin and I are both in Young Men/Young Women.  It makes for a crazy Wednesday night, but it's always fun to be with the youth.  Abby seems to be fitting in with the girls in our ward.  It was very hard for her to leave our old ward, so I'm happy she's found some friends.  Trent and Claire never complain about primary so I think they are happy too.

Abby is surviving high school so far.  She is BUSY BUSY!  Between dance, school, and friends we don't see much of the girl.  She's handling it all like a champ!  She had her eyes checked last week because she's been complaining about not being able to see the board.  Sure enough, she needed glasses!  Looks like she was blessed with my acne and her dad's eyes.  Poor thing!  Good thing she's got so many other GREAT traits.

Speaking of eyes, Trent will be going under the knife again next month to attempt to straighten those suckers. His surgery is scheduled for Oct. 17th.  We are confident in his doctor and optimistic that everything will turn out great.  I'll give you more details as we get closer as I'm sure we will need a family fast on his behalf.

Claire has started piano lessons (finally) and is in full swing with dance and gym.  I've sure missed having her in my class this year, but she loves her new teacher and has had a great year so far.

Kevin and I are excited to fly to New York City next month and also visit Boston.  We haven't been back to NYC since 2001 and we've never been to Boston.  I'm really looking forward to seeing the East Coast in the Fall.

Life is GOOD!  We love you dear family and hope you are all well!

Nicki