3rd Grade Field Trip

Today I went with Taige's third grade class to the Arboretum.  We learned a lot about plants, enjoyed lunch together and watched a bird show.  It was a lot of fun.  We even got to quietly watch while they trained a bird (crow) to put plastic in the recycle bin and dollar bills in the paper bin.  It was amazing how smart the bird was! During the bird show, a hawk flew right over our heads; so close that it's wing brushed against my right eye!

 

Do you know how to tell the difference between a Spruce and a Fir tree? You need to reach out and shake hands (needles) with it.  If it is a Spruce then it will be Spikey.  If it is a Fir, then it'll feel soft and Friendly!

This is Taige and Spencer Larson - a good friend from both his class at school and church.

Kailan's 14!!!

Kailan loves the Jason Wolfe series.  This is the 5th book! She received birthday cards and money in the mail from Grandpa Randy, Grandma Cindy and Grandma Jackie.  She's looking forward to a shopping trip!   For breakfast, she requested hashbrowns and eggs.  When she arrived to school, she said she was ambushed by lots of her friends.  They decorated her locker with wrapping paper, brought her cupcakes, a big symphony candy bar, a scarf, etc.  During history (3rd period) she was called down to the front desk and there were her Beehive Y.W. leaders.  They brought her rice crispy treats wrapped up super cute (see picture) and sang happy birthday to her.  She will really miss them.  At the same time she is super excited to now be a Mia-Maid!  Her dad brought her lunch (she requested a spicy chicken sandwich from McDonald's).  For dinner she had a date with mom and dad to Oregano's.  It was her first time eating there and she loved it!  She ordered Alfredo and the large cheesy bread.  Mark ordered the same.  I had a really yummy salad.  At the end they brought her a cookie - 1/2 macadamia nut and 1/2 chocolate chip with ice cream on top.  Following dinner she played in an orchestra concert at NPA.  She is doing well with her cello.  After her concert we came home and had strawberry cake and strawberry ice cream with all of the family and she opened a few more presents.  She had a great day!

 

Patience is .....

W.W.W.

(waiting without whining)

Sinagua's Homecoming

Jordynn was asked to Sinagua's Homecoming dance by Tanner West.  It's a dressy dance, but not formal.  This is the group she went with.  A lot of great kids! She had a good time.

Mark took pictures of all of the kids on our back porch.

Dawson Merrick

Our family (with the exception of Hallie) attended Dawson's funeral services today.  Dawson lives just 3 houses down from us.  He recently turned 10 years old.  He passed away from a rare form of Leukemia. The services were very touching.  I am amazed at the community support and the support shown from Knoles Elementary school as well.  For months many families have pulled together in an effort to raise money for Dawson's medical expenses.  In addition many have been praying for Dawson and showing continuous support to the Merrick family.  There was a reception after the services at Knoles.  The donations made for that itself were unbelievable.  My heart was truly filled with gratitude for such good people and wonderful neighbors.

Preschool

Several ladies and I are doing a Preschool for our 3 and 4 year old children.  We are doing it 2 days a week and we rotate weeks.  It was my turn this week.  We did the letter 'A'.  This week we learned about the sound of the letter from 'Baby a', we had fun singing the 'Ants go Marching One by One' and making these red ants.  We also had fun with apples and Astronauts! It sure brought back a lot a fun memories when Tracie and I knew little else then Preschool!