We had a wonderful light rain today with the rainbows shown above this evening courtesy of the sun setting in the west. If you look closely you will see that the rainbow rests on the cross on the top of the hill.

This was a fitting climax to the wonderful visit of Robin and Burke. We both feel so very blessed.

Happy Birthday David Wee

Okay....I am sensing a lull in the bday posting....but I'm not ready to let it die just yet....I hate to cover up great posts....Anna's about her comps and Gramma D's new hairdo....so after posting a birthday note to David...you can head below for some great reading!

Exams!

I hate to cover up the fantastic post about Grandma's new haircut--it looks great and I love it. Scroll down to see the great pics. But, I did want to share that I finally took my comprehensive exam!! Hurrah! This is how it worked:

Over the last year or so I put together my dissertation committee (one director and two readers) and in company with them I compiled reading lists for a primary and a secondary area (for me, 19C British lit and 18C British lit). The lists covered works both from the time periods (so, novels, poetry, essays) as well as scholarship written about it. All-in-all I had probably 300 or so texts. Once every semester the department offers a chance to take the comprehensive exam and I decided to go for it this time around. My committee was then notified and they made up a list of 6-8 essay questions for each area (my director had the final say, though, on what questions went to me). The exam stretched over three days. So, on Wednesday morning I showed up at my department office and the graduate secretary gave those of us taking the exam our list questions for the primary area. I then had five and half hours to choose and answer two of them. By 2:30 sharp I had to turn in my answers to the grad secretary. Thursday was a break. And then Friday I did the same routine for my secondary area. I wrote my answers in our office and my fantastic office mates had put up little signs cheering me on and had put a diet coke for me in the office fridge. And Brooke, my roomie, made me a bag of treats to get me through. I was super, super nervous both days. However, I felt like I had answers for the questions that I chose and that I learned some things as I thought about how to synthesize the stuff I had studied. On Friday it took about five hours to come down off the adrenaline. I felt like Amy's description of Soren when he had shots of adrenaline in the hospital to help him with his asthma: he just went from toy to toy to toy--couldn't pick them up and put them down fast enough. I couldn't focus for very long on any one thing, my heart was racing, I was jittery. It felt so weird. But, I feel great to be done. I should know by the Oct. 11th if I passed (happy bday John!). Three professors (presumably my committee members) will read my answers and I need to get at least 2 passes out of 3 on each of my questions to pass. So, big step. And hopefully I move forward to the dissertation!

Grandma's New Hairdo

Grandma is ready to go to the beauty parlor here at Casa after being convinced by Robin and Burke that she would look terrific with a new hairdo. Burke and Robin first order of business was to convince the hair dresser to even begin. She was most uncooperative, but Robin and Burke never gave up and the rest is history.
Burke and Robin are wheeling Grandma from the beauty parlor back to her room. In the background you can see the wicked witch of the beauty parlor. She tried to convince everyone what a terrific handler of people she was. Unfortunately we were afraid that if she got water on her that she would melt.
Happy to be comfy in the bed at last! Burke and Robin kept her up and enthused for several hours.

Katie and Dad Camping

Katie and I went camping near Mount Hood with other dads and daughters from church. The river below really made me wish for a fly rod and reel.

A picture of Katie and two friends. We played hide and seek with them near the campsite. I thought she looked great (especially considering this is the morning after a night in the tent).

The Wills

I think this is a photo from the last day in Laguna.

William's First Drive

This was taking off for Pat and Carolyn MaGee's. William wanted to ride with Grandma and Grandpa, so this was the compromise: He could steer the car down the driveway.

As a side note, when he saw these photos tonight, he asked why his face was like that. I told him that was how he was smiling.

Saddle Rock Family Hike

Wendy, Grandma, Grandpa, and I took the kids up and over Saddle Rock. We started at the RAC and went to Appleatchee. The kids were superb. Henry rode in style in the jogging stroller, and the rest of us walked. This is a view from one of the high points near the saddle.

William's First Day of School

A belgian waffle breakfast...William gets the "You are Special Today" plate.

Riding their scooters to the school. Burke has to have his backpack on, also. The school is about a 6 minute walk away. A big plus.

Will chose his Hot Wheels shirt to wear the first day.

William with his teacher, Mrs. Jarman.

William had a fantastic day. He said he got to color, paint and play with playdough. He also made an ABC book. I think he talked most about recess and the play structure there. He's very excited to go back tomorrow. For my part, I am glad Utah still mostly does half day kindergarten. I was very very glad to pick William up at noon and have him with me the rest of the day. At the same time, I am thrilled for the experience he is having and that he is so excited about it. Here we go!