Congratulations, Mr. Sattelmeyer!

My Dad retired this year after 39 years of teaching.  One: only saints are able to teach bratty kids (that are not their own) for such an extended period of time; and, two: teachers are WAY underpaid for what they have to do on daily basis.  Growing up as "Mr. Sattelmeyer's daughter" definitely had it's perks: I met a lot of kids my age who had my dad as a third grade teacher and spoke so highly of him; I couldn't go to the library without feeling like a rockstar, as everyone there seemed to know my dad; and we always had the latest and greatest computer programs, workbooks, and lots of esteemed awards during science fairs (let me clarify: David and Jonathan received lots of medals for their projects; I might have been too busy reading or something equally uncool to care about making a difference in the world of science).  Having a well-known father in the same education system as you has it's downside as well, such as the time I "got caught" switching seats on the bus while it was moving so I could sit next to my boyfriend; the bus had a camera recently installed on it and my dad was on the safety committee (or something like that) and caught me on tape.  Whoops.

 

I would like to thank you, Dad, for all of your hard work over the past four decades.  I heard first-hand from countless students and parents throughout Shaker Heights about how you were an amazing teacher, a favored teacher, a compassionate teacher, and an inspiring teacher.  Looking back in my memory, I can remember all of the teachers who had a positive effect on me; so I am sure that the number of students who keep you in their memories is innumerable.  It is a hard task to inspire one student to reach their full potential, let alone an entire classroom of students, year after year after year.  Thank you for every opportunity that you and Mom sacrificed to give to us three kids; we are who we are today because of the two of you.  I am so grateful.  Thank you.

 

Even though my Dad was adamant that he did not want a party, we decided not to listen (like usual) and had a special surprise recognition dinner while we were all together this summer.  The guys took my Dad out to keep him away from the hubbub of cooking and decorating the house; the kids had a babysitter to keep them occupied; and us ladies did all of the work.  See us hard at work below:

 

 

 

 

 

My Dad was a good sport and pretended to be surprised after their afternoon out at the local sports bars (these boys had ONE job to do....).

The Sattelmeyer men.

You can not deny the Sattelmeyer in your blood, Avery.  Combined with the Jeans' genes, you are awesome.

The ladies are a bit "tired" at this point...

I had a hard time controlling Avery and Kayla at the party store when picking out the decorations.  They were very excited to "help".

Aunt Luz decorated the log cabin (old-school Lincoln Logs), that represented my Dad's main gift.

Sorry, Dad; there is no Publishers Clearing House check in that card.

This is what working with 1000+ children over the past four decades will do to a person....

My Dad's main retirement gift is a week-long family vacation next year in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains.

 

This is (was) Larry, the Lobster.  He was too pretty to eat.

These kids will be complete angels and a dream for their future teachers to work with (I hope!). 

Kayla hittin' up the dessert.

Mr and Mrs Sattelmeyer.  Thank you both for everything you have done for us.

A Sattelmeyer Family feast.

Amusement Park in Fayetteville

 While at Uncle David's house, the Sattelmeyer Family visited the amusement park that is just up the street from his house.  And by "just up the street", I mean, it is literally five houses away.  I would be broke if we had one that close to our vicinity!

Avery giving a modernized version of the infamous "whack-a-mole" game a shot.

Avery getting advanced training from a former Special Forces Major.  Too soon, people.

 Avery and Little David going on a solo mission.

 Leave it to your uncles and aunts to buy you icecream.  (Sidenote: when it was time for Avery to change into his pajamas that night, he was very upset because he wanted to leave his shirt on so he could look like Uncle David.  Awwwww....)

 Too busy eating ice cream that he weaseled out of Uncle David to look up at the camera.

 Snuggle time with Aunt Susie.

 The Sattelmeyer Family had the race track to themselves.

 

 And we dominated at bumper boats (with water guns) as well.

Every time Kayla would get sprayed with water from the other boats' water guns, she would tell them "Not nice! Don't do that again!".

 

 Two wet children.

Annual Sattelmeyer Gathering: July 2013

This year, the Sattelmeyer Family met up at Uncle David and Aunt Susie's house in Fayetteville, NC.

 

Now, THIS is my idea of a kiddie pool!

Grownups were welcome too.

Attack Uncle David!!

 Classy.

 I told Kayla to strike a pose.  This is what I got.  Umm.....

From the pool to the trampoline to the playset....a kid's nirvana.

 Dinner time!

The girls. 

I feel sorry for everyone who had to pose for me and my camera.

 

 

 

I can't imagine Kayla's personality if she were a true redhead.....I would need lots of prayers!

Say...Monkey!! 

One is never too old for jello shots....

 ...or drinking adult beverages out of Tinker Bell sippy cups.

The "A" team, as our family priest often called us. 

Three kids hanging on one uncle.

Man down! 

Shopping time with the younger cousins. 

Kayla is busy bossing Uncle David around.  She knows who she can wrap around her finger....suckas! 

Special time with Cousin Jon. 

 

Avery and Little David bonding over a game on Phil's I-phone.

I couldn't find Avery.  Then I walked into the Man Cave and found him watching his favorite uncles playing Call of Duty.  Ummm....age appropriate, people??? 

Girl time at Susie's Salon.

After three busy days, these kids were EXHAUSTED.  Play hard!