Yes, people in North Carolina are particular about how you say the names of their towns. For example, Topsail beach is not pronounced, "top sail". No, it's "topsil". And even though in South Carolina the town of Beaufort is prounounce "BYU-fert", here in NC, it's "BO-fort". There are also many y'alls and ain'ts thrown around on a daily basis. At least in my third grade classroom there are.
I have 21 wonderful 8 year olds who keep me on my toes. Today I asked them to write in their journals. They got out their journals and started drawing pictures. I said, "No, I wanted you to write words". So one smart-alec little boy wrote words. His name, cat, dog, girl. Just words. Despite the cleverness and sarcasm my students possess, common sense and maturity seem to lack. They are a little younger and less mature than the third graders I am used to, but they are definitely smart. I really have to keep them busy. I'm pretty sure they're the smartest third grade class. That's what I tell them anyway.
In other news, Adam has already started some training and will "chop" to the MEU on October 3. Which means he will switch over to an Osprey squadron and begin excercises to prepare for deployment on the Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment which has already been moved back to April/May. He will be gone quite often for the next few months though and will have a busy schedule since he will be working in Operations. That's basically schedule writing and it just includes a lot of long hours. Adam is excited though because this is the deployment he wanted to get on and he is going to learn a lot. He will have to start studying a lot more since they are really hard on Cobra and Huey pilots, but will get a lot more flight time in. This deployment is also exciting because some close friends are also going on it, including an old friend from college assigned to a different unit.
This weekend we are venturing up to VA for cousin Kristen's wedding and we will get to see my brother and his girlfriend! Also looking forward to seeing my whole side of the family for the second time this year. (That never happens!)
I'll post pictures of fun, weddings, and our fixed up yard soon!