The haps, so far.

Allyson would like to report that third grade is pretty awesome, for the most part. She is handling not having her bestie Jadealynn in her class. Having her other bestie Ashlyn in with her is helping, for the most part. She likes reading and learning vocab. She hates the fact that THEY HAVE HOMEWORK NOW.  I MEAN REALLY, MOM, WHY?

Her teacher last year did not give homework. I am torn on this. I liked it at the time - it gave her time to decompress and just be a kid, for crying out loud. But this year? This year, I feel like last year's "no homework" policy was kind of a disservice. Allyson sort of forgot how to do her homework. Her nightly work basically consists of copying her spelling words five times each. (Despite the fact that they have to copy them, she manages to misspell at least one every time.) We're getting there, but it's definitely a work in progress.

She also continues to see an occupational therapist twice a week at school for her fine motors. Her handwriting is really improving, but she has a long way to go still.

She is also in her third year of Girl Scouts (and her last year as a Brownie; next year she becomes a Junior). She is going to try soccer through the Boys and Girls Club, where she attends their awesome after-school program. And she is trying out Bible Quizzing at our church (which is pretty neat, so far, she says).

Whew!

Ben says his classes are going pretty well, too. He's one of the oldest students by far in them, but he's totally digging the subject matter and really likes his professor. Yep, singular. One class is online; the two classes he actually goes on campus for (Java on Mondays, Visual Basic on Thursdays) are both taught by the same professor.

Monday was Labor Day so, as per custom, we went to my dad and stepmom's for the big cookout they have every year. My brother Dan brought his new girlfriend and her kids. She seems really nice and Allyson got along with her kids (although Allyson tries to get along with everyone, so). Oh, and Ben got stung by a wasp. He's allergic, too. Not like $Texas-priced Epi-Pen allergic, more like "get me some Benadryl or I'll well up like a balloon" allergic. Fortunately my stepbrother's wife (my stepsister-in-law?) had some on her. Gonna have to start carrying some in my purse, I guess.

Tomorrow: Allyson's class is doing a cute little Grandparents Day program (which I am not invited to because, um, I'm not a grandparent). But Ben's mom is going - and taking her to her house after. All night! So it's DATE NIGHT!!!

... after my complimentary personal training session, that is. I recently joined the Gold's Gym Express in town (very cheap but very nice) and new members get one free training session. I go tomorrow afternoon with a guy named Ace.  Both Ben and my co-worker Brilee made the same terrible joke: "Gee, hope you Ace it."

Thanks, morons.

In all seriousness, I'll let you know how it goes.