The Dynamic Dugans: May 2010

Last Day of School... Part II

Carlos entertains Colin during the presentation of student certificates.

Carlos and the boys at the end of the evening. They're holding all of the toys he made for them out of whatever he could find. They were completely enthralled... and the fact that Carlos gave them full strength Coke didn't hurt either!

Here are a few students with me and my co-teacher Katherine!

I have taught all year at a family literacy program here in Whitewater. I've spent my Wednesday evenings teaching English, but more importantly, getting to know some wonderful Whitewater families. This group is very strong and is the essence of community. When faced with tragedy a month ago when one of my students' sons died suddenly from a heart condition at the age of 13, our group and others in town rallied. Carlos and Carlos Jr. were especially important to Mike and I. Carlos took a few weeks off from our class, but recently had begun to come again. He needed the normalcy and we needed his contagious silly jokes and laughter. Last Wednesday, we celebrated the end of our year with a huge fiesta. I had Mongolian food, Antonia's grandmother's pollo con mole, and the freshest empanadas ever. The boys loved every minute and I love that I work in a program that understands that for adults to be successful learners their families must be respected and included. A few photos from the evening!

Mom, this is MY yoga!

I found Ethan in one of his favorite spots last Tuesday, and he said, "Mom, this is MY yoga! It's MY P90X!"

A Special Day

I love my flexible work schedule... I was able to chaperone Colin's field trip to the Madison Zoo. A perfect day with sunny skies, great conversation on the drive (parents get to carpool and don't ride the bus), and plenty of time to talk about the giraffes and exciting words like "spar" and "mating". Here's a picture of Colin riding the huge carousel--something I wasn't sure he'd enjoy--but check out the smile!

Syttende Mai

What a glorious Saturday morning in late May. We celebrated Syttende Mai with Eric and Teresa and their family, the Weigels, Aunt Dee Dee, Marilee and Keith, and our new friend Jackie. We did a family walk in the morning, had cream puffs the size of soft balls, and then had brunch back at E & Ts house. The afternoon was complete after watching cousin Cire in the parade! The kids were in heaven.

Last Day of School

Below are photos with me and a small handful of my students on our last day of class. I worked with a hard-working, determined, fun-loving, and adventurous group of men and women this year. They regularly remind me of what really matters and are always so grateful for my teaching. I'm so blessed!

Meeting Friends

As many of you know, while I was on bedrest with Ethan I formed friendships with a group of fantastic women online. Being able to connect in that way helped to keep me sane both during those long difficult weeks of expecting, and then in the weeks once Ethan was home. I have continued to maintain several of those friendships... now for over four years! A few weeks ago, Ethan and I were able to "meet" one of these fabulous women, Sharon, and two of her three kiddos. We spent the morning together in Milwaukee at the Children's Museum. It was a great time and I only wish we lived closer because we had such fun.

But Mom...

...this IS my favorite place to play!

What happens after an amazing week with Grammie and Pop

The Picture Says It All

Apparently, now annual school photographs just aren't enough--they get to don the cheesy smile twice. Here is Colin's official spring school portrait. Yes, he picked out his own shirt. Yes, he is growing out his crazy curly hair. Don't you just love this kid?

Crazy Legs 2010

The day before I watched Eric and Kim in the pool, on the bike, and running the trails, I hit the pavement in Madison for the annual Crazy Legs event. But nope, wasn't running. I was doing the leisurely walk with my mom and her two sisters, my sister and more crazy family! (That's you Sarah and Cola!) We laughed and giggled the whole time. We cheered on the runners and there was some discussion about perhaps, that's a big perhaps, trying to run it next year!

Whitewater Fun!

The Whitewater Tri was such fun... despite the cold damp weather we all had a blast. Eric and Kim were amazing, and the whole family came out to support and cheer them on (complete with cowbell provided by UWW of course)!