Add up the ages of the three Aney kids.

Jessie’s first impression of her kindergarten teacher:

A. “I don’t think she likes me very much”

B. “She’s really nice - almost as nice as God”

C. “She is the smartest person in the world”

D. “I don’t know why she always has a grumpy face”

In the dubious achievement category, match the feat with the kid:

Feat 1: Got a frown face sticker in gymnastics

Feat 2: Climbed to top of 20 foot street light

Feat 3: Teacher compared personality to Pippi Longstocking

All of the following were vacation destinations for the Aneys, EXCEPT

A. Sanibel Island, FL

B. Echo Bay, Canada

C. Branson, MO

D. Tikrit, IRAQ

E. Brainerd, MN

Which Aney caught the biggest fish in 2003? (hint – walleye)

Who said, “This is too much homework for such a little person.”?

Name the latest company that Tom works for.

Which kid learned to ride a “two wheeler” this summer?

Who is our personal nomination for hardest working stroke rehab patient?
Related Q: Another reason you shouldn’t play golf…

Answer: 3 (Nick) + 5 (Jessie) + 7 (Katie) = Mayhem…oops, I mean 15 (3 pts)

It is truly amazing how time flies and the kids are growing up too fast. I’m currently trying to talk Nick into skipping his next birthday so he can stay three, but he’s not biting.

Answer: B. “She’s really nice - almost as nice as God” (3 pts)

Jessie started kindergarten this fall and LOVES her teacher, Ms. Schnieder. Jessie’s teacher was delighted with being compared to God. She said that she has enough kindergarten stories to fill a book but this one would go in chapter one. Ms. Schnieder is well known for her singing and guitar playing, and has turned Jessie into a walking jukebox.

Answer: (4 pts)

Nick got a frown face sticker in his preschool gymnastics class . We were sitting around at supper giving Jessie kudos for getting a reward sticker when Nick piped up that he got a sticker too. Well, it turned out to be a frown face, and lets just say it wasn’t a “reward” sticker. Katie was howling with laughter, which caused Nick to swell with pride. It didn’t help much in trying to discuss the “situation” that earned him the sticker.

Jessie, who is turning out to be half monkey, climbed to the top of a 20-foot street light three times before we caught her! Of course we told her never to do that again; but we were, nonetheless, quite impressed.

Katie’s teacher compared her personality to Pippi Longstocking, and not because of any physical resemblance. Pippi of course is quite creative, independent, and likes to buck the system.

Answer: D. Tikrit, IRAQ (1 pt….did you expect more?!?!)

We had some great family trips again this year. As the kids get older, these trips get more and more fun: lizard hunting in Sanibel; fishing, swimming, and waterskiing in Canada. We went to Branson, MO and the kids loved the shows, which included a magic show and dinner showboat. We had a very special “Newcomer Brainerd Bash” this summer with Karen’s family. The kids had a great time with their cousins, Brady and Kylie. Also, Karen’s brother Andy and his wife Jill made it from Zurich and we got to meet baby Nate for the first time.

Speaking of Iraq, please take a minute to reflect on the courage and sacrifices made by the men and women in our military so that we can have the life we do. I feel grateful, honored, and also guilty as these men and women fight and even die to preserve what we take so much for granted.

Answer: Jessie (3 pts)

Jessie caught a beautiful 24-inch walleye during another GREAT week at Aunt Janet and Uncle Ken’s cottage in Canada. Her catch was no fluke, either. Her patience and persistence was an inspiration to all fishermen! Our annual week in Canada has created so many wonderful memories and we are so fortunate to visit each year. It is always one of the summer highlights. Thank you, thank you Janet and Ken!!!

Answer: Katie (3 pts)

Katie actually does get quite a bit of homework. She has an ‘old-school’ teacher who is excellent and also doesn’t mind dishing out homework. Katie can now run circles around me when the topics turn to such things as cloud types, islands of Japan, War of 1812, and all past US Presidents.

Answer: Benefit Technology Resources, Inc. (2 pts)

Tom started this venture a few years ago, and it has really taken off. He develops web sites that model pension benefits and his systems are being well received by large actuarial firms and their equally large clients. He also still does some consulting with Mayo on pension related matters.

Answer: Jessie (1 pt) AND Nick (2 pts)!

Tom thought he’d teach Nick a little lesson by taking off his training wheels and letting him see that he couldn’t ride a two-wheeler, but, (ahem) he did! Well, Jessie got home and saw Nick tooling around and had to have her training wheels taken off immediately. It’s actually been quite fun taking family biking trips to parks and picnics. (Note we aren’t setting any speed records!)

Answer: Karen’s dad Al Newcomer (5 pts)

As it often does, misfortune gives the opportunity for inspiration. In November, Al had a stroke while golfing and lost the ability to verbally communicate. Well, you will never meet someone more dedicated to task than Al and he has attacked his rehab program with truly inspirational vigor. It is beyond words our amazement and gratitude as we see him recover. The first time we heard him call Nick “Rookie” again was a particularly special moment to us.