Rollerskating (again), an Ice Storm and Silent Gene

Last night, we went rollerskating (again). I wanted to try a new pair of inline-skates I bought at a sports store in Manitowoc, and I thought Pat's brother, Petch, might enjoy a chance to try skating too. So Pat and I sent an email around to the host families to see if they would like to join and a few of the Thai students showed up: Bangpan, Jinny, In, Pokpong, and Gene. Pat and I had to pick up Gene from the Larson house because his host parents were busy with a class they were taking. 

In has improved a lot since the first time she skated. She can go around the rink by herself without falling down and she's getting a bit faster too. Pat and I also talked to Andrea Stier about In's blog. We suggested that she make the blog In's "homework" and help her create better content. We're not so concerned about spelling and grammar on this trip, but we do want the kids to try to improve the content of their writing. Andrea said that she will make all her kids do it, because it's a good writing lesson for her kids as well. In looked very happy with the Stier family. We saw her playing around with the Stier kids in a very natural and familiar way, it was so cute to see her act like that!

Pokpong had a big smile on his face all night. He really likes joking around with the Stier boys and they seem to have a lot of experiences and stories to share. They talk over each other and finish each other's sentences just like real brothers. The story of Pokpong's four-minute math quiz was very popular. We're going to have to talk to his math teacher about giving him more challenging tests! Haha!

Bangpan, Jinny and Gene seemed to do more sitting and talking than actual skating, I wonder why? Haha ;). Connor Walsh and his dad put on skates too, and even though it was Connor's first time he did not fall down, but his dad did! I hope Mr. Walsh's arm is OK today. I'm just sorry I didn't have the video camera running when he fell, I think Connor would have paid me good money for that video. :)

This morning, we went to Manitowoc Lutheran High to see Gene in class. When we arrived, Gene's class was in the middle of taking a test, so we just stepped in, took a few pictures & video, and then left so we would not disturb the other students. Gene was keeping busy reading something, but I saw him peeking shyly at us when we came in the room. I don't think Gene enjoys being the center of attention, but the Larson's tell me he's getting along well with Arnold and Joey, so that's good news.

After visiting Gene, we headed over to Hilbert to see May. Along the way, we stopped at Cato Falls park to see the aftermath of the ice storm we had last night. It was very beautiful! The trees were coated with a layer of ice and all the branches were weighted down by the ice.

It was so cold too! Where is spring!?!?!

When we arrived at Hilbert Middle School, guess what? May was at home! She felt sick that day and stayed home, so we didn't get to see her! Ack! Guess I should have called ahead! Pat was shaking her head and looking at me while rolling her eyes. I wonder if she regrets marrying such a stupid husband?

Oh well, we will stop back at Hilbert tomorrow because it is close to New Holstein and we have plans to visit In and Pokpong in the morning.

After we got back to the apartment, Pat and I finished watching Season Three of Breaking Bad. Exciting! Then I went out to Jenn's Java so I could use the internet to update my blog. But my wife sent me a message saying she thought I went to the Magic shop to play cards! How disappointing! I am working hard and she accuses me of goofing-off! I'm so sad that my wife thinks something negative about me.  I know I goofed off over Easter weekend and fell behind on my blogging, but this week I have been very diligent about updating my blog, so she should not assume that I am being lazy or procrastinating.

Besides, I when I went to the Magic shop, nobody was there to play cards with me, so I left early... :P

Hahah!