Dog Heaven

This week we said goodbye to our four-legged pal, Basie. He was such an awesome family dog and will be greatly missed, but it was time to let him go. He outlived his original prognosis (he was diagnosed with mouth cancer last fall) by a year so we feel fortunate for that extra time we had with him.

Miles said to a family friend just this morning that "Basie is in dog heaven playing with Boots."

Well said, Miles.

Visiting the Big Guy

Miles loved seeing Santa and filling him in on his wish list.



Jilly did not share his enthusiasm.

National Boards

I am happy to report that we now have two National Board certified teachers in the Caruso household. After two+ years, I found out yesterday that I passed! More than it being a reflection on my teaching abilities, I am proud of the fact that I saw it through to completion. Believe me, there were MANY times along the way I thought about just giving up.

Thank you to all our friends and family who have supported me through this long, crazy process. I couldn't have done it without you!

Boys and their toys

Vince is pretty excited that Miles is finally big enough to have toys that are fun for both of them to play with. A couple days ago they were out exploring the neighborhood with remote control cars. This morning they built (well, Vince built while Miles watched) some sort of Star Wars lego vehicle. (You can see how technical I get on that one!)

It's really fun to see them have this guy time together.



Starting the process



The finished product.


Happy, happy boy!

Five Years Old

Miles turned 5 on the 5th of November. He enjoyed several days of celebrations--birthday festivities at Barb's on Friday, his official birthday party on Saturday, and treats with his classmates on Monday. It was the birthday that just kept going!










It's hard to believe that we have a five year old now. Miles amazes us daily with his memory for details and his enjoyment of learning. He loves being a big brother (most of the time) and his favorite things these days include watching "How to Train your Dragon," anything Star Wars, legos, and GeoTrax. He's really blossoming socially in pre-K and we're glad we elected to give him another year before starting kindergarten. We feel very lucky to be the parents of such a great little guy!

Halloween!

A spider and a bumblebee for the celebration at Barb's.







Our bumblebee turned into Nemo for trick-or-treating because it was a lot warmer. Both kids had a great time and Miles is already planning on being spider again next year.

Halloween preparations

Miles was really into decorating for Halloween this year. He made the Frankenstein pumpkin at Barb's (daycare) and the spider here at home. He was also pretty adamant that we should have Halloween lights up...thankfully Grandma Louise had a few extra strings of orange lights to send our way!

Overdue update

I can't believe that it's been over a month since we last posted anything, but we'll chalk it up to the craziness of a new school year.

Vince is off and running at Shorecrest. The commute in the morning takes him about 35 minutes (not too shabby!) but the drive home lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours (YUCK!). He has three football games down and two to go. And, for the first time in 9 years, will probably not have to take the band to football playoffs. The students, families, and staff have all been very welcoming. Overall, it's been a good change and he's enjoying himself.

My teaching assignment changed a little this year too. I now have two extra preps and am teaching 8th grade again for the first time in 10 years. The trade-off is that four of my 5 classes are gifted students. They are highly motivated and bright and definitely keep me on my toes. I'm enjoying the challenge a lot!

Miles is going to preschool 5 days a week. His teacher is Mrs. Garl. They work on a new letter of the alphabet each week and show and tell has to start with that letter. So far he's taken an alligator, Bepo (his stuffed dog), his Cars computer, and a Diego memory game. He can't wait until "S" week so he can bring his spider and starship. He's also very excited about turning 5 early next month. Cool!

Jillian (aka Godjilla) "wreck things" according to Miles. "And she also likes to chew on bath toys." She's working on climbing up and down stairs and she never, ever sits still for too long.

Basie is hanging in there. A year ago he was diagnosed with mouth cancer and they gave him about 2 months to live. Here we are a year later, glad to have had the extra time with him but secretly wondering if this was all a ploy to keep our vet in business with prescriptions for pain pills and antibiotics every 3 weeks. He still seems happy, but has definitely slowed down. We'll keep you posted when his status changes.

Our family tree is growing!

Ara's adoption was finalized last week! Congratulations to Jerry, Alicia, and Ara. It was a long journey and we couldn't be happier for you.




Congrats also go out to Vince's brother Phil and his wife Tiffany. They are expecting their first baby in early May. Here's to a smooth couple months as you prepare for baby!

Welcome to Shorecrest, Mr. Caruso!

The band students and families hosted a "meet and greet" at the Lake Forest Park Civic Club this evening. It was great to meet so many members of the Shorecrest Band. Everyone has been so welcoming to Vince and our whole family. Thank you for a great evening and here's to a successful inaugural year for Vince at SCHS!



Students donned Vince with "spirit gear."


Nice hat!


All decked out in Shorecrest gear!




Vince with Alec Wilmart (his new teammate)

Happy First Birthday, Jillian Ryan!

Jillian turned one last week. We marked the event with general "Caruso Celebration" at the park near us. (We were also celebrating Vince's new job at Shorecrest and that he's finished up his masters degree.)

Silly Jilly

She definitely keeps us on our toes...

From Wolverine to Scot.....Vince changes gigs.

After 12 years in the Bellevue School District, nine of which were at Bellevue High School, Vince has decided to make a change. Starting in the fall, he will be the director of bands at Shorecrest High School in the Shoreline School District. Shoreline is just north of Seattle, so the commute will be a chore for a while. However, the plan is to look at moving further north next year. He is sad to be leaving behind so many fond memories, great students, skilled colleagues, and supportive parents, but the opportunity was too good to pass up. Shorecrest has a long history of excellent bands and Vince is eager to carry on the tradition.

This cake was made by one of Vince's wonderful students



This Mr. Caruso bobble-head doll was a gift from the Bellevue HS 2010 band seniors. Creepy, isn't it?!