Reuben is into his school work. He's an excellent student, but is in no way a bookworm. He has played clarinet in the high school marching band the last two seasons, but it takes alot of his time so he may not be able to do it again. Too bad, he enjoys the music and comradery but he can't do it all...read on. Reuben decided to go out for the track team and made Junior Varsity (makes no sense to me...he quit soccer 'cause he didn't like to run laps!)! Reuben is also very into Roller Hockey (in-line skates, not quads as the four wheeler's are called today). He's currently on an adult league's team and is coaching a kid's team. It's neat to watch the games because they really play hockey, not fight...too much!! Reuben has lots of friends, many of whom seem to live at our house. Actually we don't mind them coming over all the time. My wife & I are really flattered that he and his friends feel comfortable and welcome enough to want to hang out in our home.

Joseph is also very into his school work. His 1996 science fair project, a strength test of 2-ply tissues, made it all the way to the state science fair (Reuben was jealous, since he had only made it to regionals afew years earlier..."all Joseph did was play with tissues" Reuben said.). Although his project appeared simple, what probably got Joseph his awards was his knowledge of it. He got the idea from his teacher, and my wife & I assisted him. However, he was ultimately responsible for the work. Joseph scored extremely well on the oral interviews at each of the fairs, it was obviously his project. Attending the state science fair was definately a learning experience and an enjoyable experience for both Joseph & myself, one we will not soon forget. Joseph is in the school band too, mid-school though. He plays trombone in both the Symphonic, and Jazz Bands...and what bands they are. They've scored well against high-school bands in competitions!! Joseph's friends also hang out at our house. We've even had sleep overs with 11 kids, not counting our 3. Of course if Reuben has friends over, then Joseph wants to have his friends over, so Aaron.... Never a dull moment at our house!

	As the animation implies, Joseph is into soccer and is pretty good, especially in defense. He's usually very much in the face of the other team's players, stealing the ball, and trying not to let them by.

Aaron, being the last child, is the baby of the family (we've already warned him that no matter how old he is, "he'll always be our baby"). He's very well liked by all his teachers and classmates, and is an organizer and a leader. At recess (he's in elementary school), he takes charge of setting up teams, games,...anything to make everyone happy. It's amazing to see him work his magic with the other kids...definately a gift we hope he'll use as he gets older. He too enjoys soccer, but has not yet developed the skills necessary to excell in the game as Joseph has. Give him time, you never know. He enjoys school, but would rather play on the computer than read a book (Reuben is a voracious reader!). Unfortunately, the games he likes to play aren't exactly the educational ones, but we're working on that. Aaron is one who cannot be pushed into anything, but when he's ready...watch out! He was late to walk, late to talk, and even late at learning to ride a 2 wheeler (Based on his small size you'd think he's also late to dinner...NOT)...but as I said, Aaron does things when he's ready to and not before. My wife & I used to joked about our failing in teaching 'potty training' 101 (Reuben), and 102 (Joseph), but we really gave up on 103 (Aaron)...but remember, when Aaron is ready....

Even though I've labeled this the KIDS page, I still need to say a few things about my wife, Verrity. We've been married (happily?...yes very) for almost 23 years...how time flies!! As soon as we were introduced by a mutual friend we were inseparable. We arranged to have classes at the University together (a challenge since she was originally a Geology Major, and I Computer Science!), and I even got her a job with me at the Computing Center at the University. Ultimately we both dropped out of the University (as students) to persue full time careers therein (I finally got my degree ~10years ago and Verrity is persuing her's now.). I moved around within the University system (3 more years to be eligible for retirement!!), while my wife remained at the Computing Center. Eventually we decided to start a family and Verrity's job went to 1/2 time after Reuben was born. We were fortunate enough to be able to allow Verrity to change careers when Joseph was born...she became a full time mother (this is also when I added the paper route to my schedule). Although there were times I wish I could have stayed home instead of Verrity, I know I would not have been able to do as good a job as she did with the children. I do help, but much of the credit (blame???) should go to Verrity. We're both very proud of the children and can't wait to see what the future holds.

...Not much more for now, but I'm working on it, have patience.. Hopefully I'll get some photos up soon (especially with the SNAPPY and the new scanner).