Boy Genius *Brag Alert*

This is the email from the school director at the Y. If she can't wait to boast just imagine how we feel!!
Disclaimer: We don't know EXACTLY what the Peabody Picture Test is...but we're convinced it's equivalent to being a baby Einstein.

I can't wait to boast about this....Caden broke the record on his recent Peabody Picture Test this past week....he scored up to the age 19 level!!!!!

Peggy, the tester, was surprised how many musical instruments he recognized! I also notice his social skills are starting to soar. He was fooling around with Fernando during my morning read aloud in quiet area Thursday morning. I winked at Jackie and we were both so happy to see him kabitzzing with his buddy!

The new baby will be a definite Baby Genius thanks to her big brother's role modeling!

MaryEllen

We're so proud of him and got just as much excitement from the fact that he is kabitzzing (??) with his new found friends and buddies. This baby sister certainly will have a great role model!

Christmas 2009

Picking out our treeBickel Family 2009

Playing with Nutcrackers...we saw a performance at the Boston Opera House...He loved it!

How sweet is this face?

SO far behind

I figure since I've let this go so long I might just sum up the last 1/2 a year in pictures.

Our Birthday Boy-July

First Day of Pre-School

Lookin' Crazy Handsome!! Fall 2009

Lessons from Uncle Brad

Last week we got to have Uncle Brad come and stay with us. We did a little touring around Boston, dodged some raindrops, went bowling, learned about Bank of America and got to join in the excitement of the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup. Caden loved having an uncle/playmate at the house...as you can tell by the video he soaked up everything Uncle Brad taught him.

We love you Uncle Brad!

Edinboro Trip

Bickel kids minus one sister

Bickel boy picnic

Scott (Class of '09) and David

This past week we spent some time in Edinboro, PA. The 9 hour road trip went well, but we might not have to do it again if everyone moves out of the Boro to Arizona before summer's over.
We went for Uncle Scott's graduation and combined graduation party with Aunt Brittany. Lots of Bickels and food in one place made for a fun time. Caden had a blast rotating playmates and David and I got off easy.

Always Something

Well, as most of you know, the Bickels can't go a few months without some news to tell. We're not pregnant, we're not moving again but I (Mandi) will be getting a new job.

It's been almost a month long process (which I really can't complain about considering some people are losing jobs). David found the posting on a Berklee job search site and encouraged me to send my resume and give it a shot. The position is Technical Arts Producer for a local church. It's not the church we currently attend but we've visited it and David has, in the past, worked with my future boss. Crazy right?? Only God could hook up stuff this bizarre.

So I sent my resume, got a call and an interview within a week. I was very early on in the process so the interviewing committee took the time to process more applications and interview several others. And on Memorial Day I finally got word that I was the candidate of choice (!!!!) for this position which will include: audio engineering, stage managing, video editing, overseeing the tech volunteers and working directly with the Music Ministry team.

I get to use my degree and the knowledge I've gained in the past 10 years from volunteering on tech teams and doing anything I could get my hands on for this job-plus learn A LOT in the process and keep up with tech gear. Not only is that part GREAT but I get paid-yay and get to work mostly from home. Can't beat that. Or in my case I'm going to work on the "at home" stuff at my current job because I already have 20 hours a week set aside when I'm up and away from the Cado-mass-distraction. My hours will also include Thursday meeting/rehearsal and Sunday worship times.

I'm sad to be leaving my current church family on Sunday mornings but so grateful for their encouragement and support during this process. And I'm really looking forward to this opportunity. It really couldn't get any better.

Jeremiah 29:11 - 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

Pop Pop Visit

We had a great time when Pop Pop came to visit recently. Caden could hardly contain himself and needed Pop Pop to play everything with him. We found our first carnival of the year, really low key with lots of things Caden could do. Had a trip to the playground and went out to eat. Boy, did we make the best of naptimes too.