happy easter!

kids have both been off of school the past couple of days, emma beginning her spring break (which continues into next week) and ben at the end of his. the timing couldn't be/have been better with the warm, spring weather.

emma happy to get a break from softball and wrap up a big school report and presentation on Posedion. (her oversized trident spear was especially imposing, and the whole thing has prompted us to eat Gyros after church last sunday and her to be surprisingly interested in Clash of the Titans.)

ben pretty active over the period, reorganizing the basement for his band and workout equipment, helping Hannah's family do some spring cleaning, and (the big news) starting his first job at Connie's Creamy Cone. He worked three shifts this week. First day he was nervous and said the cones he made were messy but he came home satisfied. Each subsequent day has gotten easier--last night he came home with some mistakes (chocolate ice cream, and a crunch cone in a cup) as well as four or five bucks in tips! He can't wait to get his first check.

doug was in chicago the past couple of days for the midwest sociology meetings, talking about proposals for new book projects with editors and meeting with former graduate students of his now in positions and careers of their own. everyone, it seems, had trouble believing we've now got a high schooler in the house. terri putting together an easter menu for tomorrow, getting ready to dye easter eggs today, and wondering what kinds of easter baskets are appropriate for our now not-so-little kids. (the rest of us, btw, thinking about birthday presents for her for next week.)