The Last Half of 2007

As fall began in lovely Las Vegas, the Weidenfelds settled into their new routines. Hannah was officially a sixth grade student at Bob Miller Middle School. This meant early mornings, her own cell phone, keys to the house, and basically, more freedom.

Hannah also began her percussion career as a beginning band student. She practiced regularly each night without much prodding. She had several school auditions in September, one for a play and the other for "Miller Idol." Although she didn't make into either of those, she was chosen to participate in a play outside of school.

One of her friends had written a play about the women's suffrage movement. (Yes, voting rights for women.) Hannah was selected as a narrator. She attended practices each week, memorized her lines, and had a performance at the Las Vegas Country Club in mid-December.

Patti and Eva continued their commute to Doris French Elementary School each day. Eva was excited to finally be in fifth grade. She decided to join instrument ensemble again, but chose not to run for student council this year.

Eva's love of reading, drawing, and solving puzzles, continued to fill her free time. She wrote several short stories and even illustrated a comic book.

September saw the sale of the Cooper's house. It was an emotional end to this chapter in Patti's life. Thankfully, Rob brought along the video camera and was able to film some final shots as they turned their keys over to the new owners.

October was quite a busy moth for the entire family....The girls celebrated their birthdays with a bowling party at Sunset Station. It was a great chance for the kids and the adults to let loose and have some fun. Patti was busy performing at the annual Renaissance Festival with The Desert Stars, her bellydance troupe. She spent three days shaking her hips for the crowds. They also had a recital later in the month. In addition to all of this, Rob and Patti went to New York for four days to see Patti's dad roasted by the infamous Friar's Club (see link under photos). Halloween was celebrated, in usual Weidenfeld-style, with lots of trick-or-treating and scary movies. However, this year, Hannah and Eva ventured off with some friends for a little bit on their own, while Rob and family friend Cliff, had a jam session in the driveway.

There were several "movie nights" thrown into the crazy fall months, as well. Then, Thanksgiving was spent with Cousin Cindy. The Weidenfelds had their first real taste of playing the Wii that night, and they were hooked! However, finding a Wii in this town just before the holidays proved to be too challenging for Rob. (More can be read about this subject under "Rob's Blog.")

Patti made the decision to explore a new career for her future, as an SEIF or Special Education Instructional Facilitator. The process began with a weekend class and project, followed by referrals and finally, an interview. Just before leaving work for winter break, the good news was received...she had made the cut! She was now eligible to look for facilitator positions. Her principal and staff celebrated with a cake. She will have to wait until transfer season starts in April, however, to find a position.

As the end of the year loomed, and the holidays were upon them, the Weidenfelds decided to have a few, final celebrations. In the early part of December, there was a Christmas party for the movie night crowd. Families came and rocked out to Guitar Hero (one of Rob's new obsessions). For New Year's Eve, the Allens and the Joneses spent the night again, (making this a tradition?), and everyone partied responsibly.