Lisa Kay Knits... and Quilts!

We went to see Star Wars Episode VII on opening night. We were going to wait until after the weekend, but I got antsy on Friday and checked for tickets. There were still seats available, so we went. I think there is a fun symmetry in the fact that I saw Star Wars when it came out, just after my tenth birthday, and now it is just after Mitchell's tenth birthday, and he is seeing the next generation of Star Wars. He said it was the best movie he ever saw. (I wouldn't go that far, but I thought it was fun that he said so.) He has been anticipating it for months. He has been taken in by the merchandising. I have to agree that the stormtrooper jacket is pretty cool. He's really beginning to change into a young man. Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

Well, it is long past time to post, but here is what Mitchell did for Halloween. The back of his shirt says, "Steve_Duncan," his username on the multi-player server where he plays Minecraft online. Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

I got Mitchell's quilt back from machine quilting (yes, yes, I paid someone to quilt it), and I got the binding and label done. His daddy modeled it for me. Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

Mitchell started 4th grade this week. Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

We spent a few days in Branson, MO, including most of two days at Silver Dollar City. It rained a lot, which kept the crowds down. Mitchell panned for gemstones. In one of the few dry moments: Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

Mitchell's school had them dress up as their favorite movie stars, today. It was sort of a funny task; we found it difficult to define notable characteristics of any stars he liked without picking a character (rather than an actor out of character). So... he dressed up as Daniel Radcliffe, in character. Mitchell reported that many of the little blond girls went as Taylor Swift. Apparently, it is widely accepted that her distinguishing characteristic is red lipstick. Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

We started the day with an egg hunt. I'm not sure he'll humor me in this for very many more Easters... So we enjoy it while it lasts! Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

Mitchell played winter basketball, and he just played his last game this past weekend. They had one practice and one game per week. It is fun to see how quickly the kids improve when they are just starting out. Onward to Spring! Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

Mitchell has been working on a semester project called, "The Wax Museum." They had to pick a historical figure and write a paper... with bibliography using at least three references. (I don't remember doing that until about fifth grade...). They also had an oral presentation where they had to dress as their character and recite their speech whenever anyone pushed the red button. At least they let them use note cards! Mitchell was Abraham Lincoln. Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

I'm going to miss Halloween this year, for the first time, due to work travel. Mitchell is pretty laid back about it, but I am awfully disappointed. I got him into his costume, today, to take some pictures, ahead of the event. Trick or treat! Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

Mitchell has gone back to school. He's in the third grade. On the first day of school, he didn't really want his picture taken... ... but Chris did manage to catch a bit of a crooked smile. A couple weeks earlier, we were at my folks' house, and he caught a stink bug in the back yard. And last week, we caught a wooly worm. Last night, then, we finally gave in and let him get a pet. It is a Russian hamster. Her name is pancake, because she was sleeping in a weird, flat position when we first saw her... Critters! Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

We had Mitchell out and about this weekend. He likes to draw when we're at a restaurant. Here he is at Llewelyn's . Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

For the third year in a row, I chaperoned the Spring Field Trip. The second graders go to the zoo. Jack was in my group for the second year in the row... They look like trouble, don't they? Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

We have been taking golf lessons as a family. We're about four weeks (one lesson per week), and we went onto the course for the first time on Saturday. We just played one hole! We're still trying to hit it straight... The guys look like they know what they're doing... :) Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

Mitchell gave his approval for the Easter basket. The Easter bunny didn't hide the eggs very well this year. They made a heart shape. Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

Mitchell is getting along fine without his tonsils. He's starting to spike up his hair: Playing with balloons at the family reunion: Winning the pig race at the PTO carnival: Looking at a pottery shard at the science fair: Playing a "red snapper" in the school fish musical: Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

I've been a bit quiet lately... Mitchell had his tonsils out on the 18th. Here he is, right after the surgery. I snapped a shot with my cell. And here are a couple shots of him enjoying the spring weather, today. Back to school, tomorrow! Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

I thought I'd document some "normalcy" at our house. It looks like a Lego store had some sort of regurgitation... ...and Sponge Bob is on in the background. Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

Chris put up a basketball goal just before Christmas, and it has been too cold to really use it. Yesterday, we had a bit of a warm-up, and Mitchell shot a few on the driveway. He seems to have the "celebrating" part down! Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay

We signed Mitchell up for some youth basketball. We had done this once before, but he wasn't quite ready for it. It is going much better this time. He was particularly interested in trying to steal the ball when the other team had it. He looked happy after it all, so I take that as a good sign! Happy Knitting, Lisa Kay