Open Enrollment Cover

A couple of weeks ago a coworker (Michael) approached me about taking some pictures for this year's open enrollment newsletter. He told me that Internal Communications was looking for some shots of people being active...like running and working out at the Compassion West gym. Apparently I'm the go-to-guy when it comes to exercising. Actually, I just sit a few desk away...so...

On a Friday morning we met behind the building and Michael had me run back and forth at various places along the trail.  A few nights prior to the shoot I had to run out and buy some new clothes to look the part. I realized all my clothes either had paint stains or were really old. Not exactly photo shoot material.

The money shot finally came under a beautiful blue sky...well, sort of.  Not really. It took me awhile to realize it, but compare the first and second pictures below.  Study them carefully.  I was photo shopped!  I am not sure if the final version that went on the cover of the newsletter is from two or three photos. It's the same shot of me running and the buildings, but the blue sky was definitely an after the fact add.  What I don't know is if the picture of the ground behind me is part of the original picture or if it was added.  I'm guessing it's the same picture.

There were a few other good shots that were taken that Friday morning.  As you would expect we took a bunch of pictures and only used one...or two made into one.  This newsletter was mailed out to every employee and the cover picture is currently posted all around the building in the usual announcement locations.  I've had several people mention it...but told not to quit my day job...
 

Student of the Month

Congratulations Julia!  She was the October student of the month for exhibiting "responsibility". This is quite cute for those of us in the family that get to witness this in Julia every day at home. I think she's more responsible than many adults, let alone the other second graders in her class. In case your wondering, this is the second medal of her elementary school career.  

Julia was very happy about it when I got home.  She talked about how the entire class and teacher surprised her with a "Julia is awesome" cheer, how she got her picture taken with the principal, her picture being added to the bulletin board in the hallway at school, etc.

She is a pretty amazing little girl and we are so thankful to have her as our daughter.

Fritzler Farms

Today we piled in the 4Runner and drove up to a small town just south of Greeley for some fall fun. This was our first time at Fritzler Farms. The kids had a great time.

The first thing we tackled was phase 1 of 2 of the corn maze. The original plan was to let Jonathan and Julia lead the family through a phase on their own, but after a little while we realized that it was going to be too difficult for them.  We wandered around phase 1 for a little over 45 minutes until we found our way to the finish. We didn't attempt phase 2 since we ran out of time.

We all went down the big slides, raced around a small dirt track on pedal go-carts, jumped on the giant pillow and rode the mini barrel train twice.  It was a little pricey and outside of the corn maze felt a little like a carnival, but it was still a lot of fun. We got back home around bedtime, but it was a fun fall destination for the family.

The Godfather...

...made me an offer I couldn't refuse - after buying a new car of his own.

Welcome 4Runner to the mob family. Now don't you all worry, this doesn't mean I'm getting rid of my truck.  It was more like I had a three car garage and needed to fill each stall.  It's been great to drive the past week or so. We even took our first mini road trip as a family last weekend and all sat in the back with the tailgate open for a picnic lunch.

It's a 2005 Limited with about 88k miles on it. Based on the number of miles I put on a car each year, this vehicle may be the perfect fit for two future high school students I know.  We will see.  This will also allow me to really work on (possibly "restore") my truck with no interruption to daily transportation needs.

Kids Say the Funniest Things

"Style, fashion and cuteness are sorta my thing" - Julia, age 7

Ready, Set, Go Jonathan!

This is one cool kid.  Check out his report card and some pictures from his class' trip to a local pumpkin patch. I heard all about the black tube slide on top of hay bales and the mini-bowling. He had a great time!

Random Julia Pictures

Julia's reading and match scores (off the chart, of course).
Julia's second grade school picture.
A great family photo with Umpa and Oma after Julia's first XC meet. 
Pictures of Daddy-Daughter time at Color Me Mine. $50 for two coffee mugs (and memories)!

First Cross Country Meet

We signed Julia up for Cross Country this year. It's nothing official, just a running group through her elementary school that meets twice a week before school starts. Stacey and I have been taking turns running with her at practice. It's been really fun to do this with her, not too mention the physical benefits for Julia.  She usually puts in about 2 miles at each practice, so afterwards I get in another mile or so before heading off to work.  I don't remember her grand total, but it's probably somewhere in the 20 mile range.

This is a video of her first "meet".  Her age group ran all the way around the school property once. There was a lot of family support for all runners.  Go Jules, Go!

More Vacation Pictures

Before we left Aaron and Brenda's house we took a bunch of family pictures for all of us to share. These are the best shots of the cousins and the entire family.  It's a good looking group!

Family Pictures