A really BIG move for the Olsen's!!

A really BIG opportunity came to our family in May of 2008. We interviewed and were offered a job in Coos Bay, Oregon. By August 15th, our family was packed up and headed west. Thankfully not in covered wagons. (Although, Mardine, Deanna, Emma, and Lora did not have AC like Olen and McKay.) After leaving temperatures of over 100 degrees, we arrived in Coos Bay to a cool 55 degrees. That will definitely be an adjustment for us. However, finding fun beaches and dunes is no hardship at all!

The job that brought us to the Pacific Ocean was for Jared. He is currently the Vice-Principal for Blossom Gulch Elementary School and Millicoma Intermediate School. That is 1,000 students kindergarten through

sixth grade. As crazy as his schedule is, he seems to really love it. We have grown to love the teachers, administrators, and staff in the Coos Bay School District.

School started Tuesday after Labor Day and I'm not sure who was more excited--Dad or the kids! Lora was a bit sad because she just got to stay home with

mom, but has since gotten used to it!

McKay, Jared, and Emma in the Library--BG. Lora, McKay, and Emma say LET'S GO!!!!

1st Grade Emma in Nicole Ault's class. 3rd Grade McKay in Karla Delgado's class.

We are now well into the school year and Jared and the kids are loving it. McKay and Emma have both done over 50 miles in laps for their walking program. In October McKay got to run on the Marshfield High Track and wave to Steve Prefontaine's mom. Prefontaine went to Blossom Gulch and he is honored there quite often. Both kids have started Marine Biology units with Grad Students from the University. They love them. Each of them always come home with amazingly interesting facts to tell me. We've had one Parent/Teacher conference and both kids are doing well. They scored higher than the standard on their state assessment tests and are in the top of their classes. McKay, however, talks a bit too much. . . . .Grandpa Wilson what have you been teaching him??? Well, for my first attempt at blogging, I'll leave you with this. I will try to continue on and catch everyone up with our goings on. We love you.

The Olsen's by the Bay!