The Bartholomews: Taco Dip

I have a new recipe for a delicious looking taco dip (of the 7 layer type variety) that I am trying for the first time today to bring to a gathering with my co-workers. It sounds so good, I can't wait to try it, and I can't get it off my mind. Hence, the title of my post.

This post....my first since Thanksgiving!! *sigh* It has been busy in the Bartholomew household. I must make an effort to post more frequently to avoid the "Christmas letter" type updates.

December found us busy with swim meets and Christmas. Ben had a couple of meets in December, one here in Rapids and on in Superior. After the Superior meet we visited with Kyle's grandparents, enjoyed A&W, took in all the beauty and craziness that is Bentleyville, and stopped in to see my Dad and his trains. Ben has had a very good swim season, dropping a lot of time from his events with lots of top finishes. Most importantly, he is having a lot of fun this year. We are gearing up for the big Sections meet and then hopefully will be making another appearance at the state meet in February. Kyle will be making an appearance as a coach at the state meet, as he is one of only a couple that qualify to coach at the state meet. Luckily it is a weekend he doesn't have school, but it is the last weekend before he leaves to Europe for 2 weeks. Ben continues with Orchestra, and even though he is a 2nd year student was moved up to violin 1 instead of violin 2. We are proud because violin 1 is typically for 3rd year students.

I have been encouraging Nate to become involved in something, but he has so far resisted and insists he wants to stay home and read about history. He is also resisting a hair cut, and his curls are wild and crazy. Hmmm....I sense a pattern, and given he is turning 11 in a month, perhaps a sign of things to come. Maybe I should tell him I want him to stay home and read, ignore the world a bit....maybe then he would do the opposite. Probably not thought, he'd probably just think I am a very intuitive and understanding person. He is a Peer Mediator at school, which he had to fill out an application to be in. He enjoys it, but I think it is just because taking charge of the school feels very presidential to him.

Christmas was fun, and surrounded by a lot of family. Kyle had almost a full two weeks off. There were parties at school, and a Christmas program and violin concert for Ben. We even got a visit to the Edge in Duluth squeezed in there with Ryan and his family. The stomach flu was all around us in all our various school, work, and sporting environments. We managed to avoid it though and had a healthy December.

January has been a little bit quieter (so far, except for that pesky ear infection....and no it wasn't one of the younger generation in our household), as we have settled into our routine again. Until that Section meet anyway. Then February will bring The State Meet, the boys birthday's, and Kyle's trip to Europe. All leading up to that ultimate event in April....Kyle's graduation. So, I will end with a proclamation (other than photos, because I can't forget them after not updating for 2 months) of NO MORE SCHOOL FOR US! Two masters degrees are enough for us old folks.