Car Wash for Camp

Mollee and Tavis are going to camp this Summer and the church youth group was having a car wash to raise money.  The first attempt was rained out, but today, they were trying again.  They weren't asking for donations - they only asked the kids to get sponsors for the car wash.  

 This was the view from them washing my car.  (Mollee)

 (Tavis and Elijah)

Those that sponsored the kids were guaranteed the kids would not wash more than 100 cars.  My "colleague", Jim, told the kids he would sponsor them and if they did get to wash 101 cars, he would give them an extra $101 for that 101st car.

This afternoon, I texted Jim to remind him to go by and get his car washed.  He was running late, of course, but he got there finally and when he got out of his car he asked how many they had washed and they told him (not knowing who he was) that he was the 101st car.  Hilarious Irony!!!

And, a most expensive car wash!

First Summer Evening

No lie, no set-up.  The first evening of Summer, and this is my four guys on the deck after dinner....reading.  

 And, an hour later, I have to say - they come by it naturally, as Daddy joined them.

Last Day of School

Mollee and Tavis endured exams together and ended on Wednesday

 Daegan, Capps and Mac finishing up 4th, 3rd and 1st grade and had a half day on Thursday

And just for the memory books - I had to get a shot with Mac's teacher at the ice cream party.  I spent each Wednesday afternoon with this lovely lady, who clearly loves to teach.  And who has a little crush on Mac.  :)  It has been a pleasure to work beside her this year!

Daegan's Year Long Project

To keep some of the advanced kids from getting bored, they send them to the Discovery Room at school to meet with a particular teacher.  Daegan has gone each year for math.  This year, as part of his extra math class, he and five other students were given a task to work on all year - they had to build a zoo.

They have been investigating and researching all year, what kind of animals to have, how much it costs to feed those animals, what kind of habitats they needed, the expense of building those habitats, the amount of money you should charge for a zoo entrance, the amount of money you should pay a zoo worker, etc.  

The end of the their project entailed building a display.  Today they displayed it for the school, for the parents, and for each class to come by and see it.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but I went by (of course).  Much more detail than I expected.

 Sidewalks and trees, signs and trash cans.

 Polar bears had an enclosed "cold" area.

 Train/Rail that went around the display

 Maps to hand out so you could find you way.  :)

 Very good job!!!

 Proud of Daegan and his buddies for all their work.

He will be in 5th grade next year, but the school has contacted us and asked that he bypass the Discovery Room next year (for math) and just go straight to 6th grade math.  It makes sense and he is excited for the challenge!!

Mollee's Artwork

Memorial Day 2014

I don't typically RSVP for something 1) without Jason and 2) for something that is "unknown".  But, I also didn't want another Monday holiday with nothing to do.  Jason had decided to work and I was determined not to work.  So, I took a friend up on an offer and went to this cookout, not knowing anyone or what to expect.  The view was gorgeous

There was a pond/very small lake the kids played in and dropped off a rope swing into. 

 In all my anxiety of not knowing anyone or what to expect, we survived.  Even when my friend cancelled while we were loading up b/c of family illness.  Oh, well - we were already mentally prepared!

Eating in the barn! 

This was the barn from the pool area - it also had a basketball court that Tavis enjoyed for awhile with some big boys!

 And here is the pool - this "area" is a gorgeous secluded area with caves and hiking trails, etc.  Many people own lots, and way back in the back is this pool to enjoy.

 Which we did! 

 Eatin' Twizzlers and drinking Sprites

 Doesn't every pool have a beautiful stone bathroom?

 And a fire pit to cook s'mores (in 90 degree weather)?

 Four hours of exhausting sun, that we did without Daddy and without knowing anyone.  And it was fun!  The kids keeping asking when we get to go back....

Family Youth Picnic

Tonight the Youth met at the park with families for a picnic and games - this is just a photo dump since I have no idea what these games were about.

Daegan was doing a magic show to entertain the younger audience

And a short time of meeting

We all love Sam!

At the Zoo

One of the "big deals" for 1st graders is the Zoo Trip at the end of the year.  Today I went on my last Zoo Trip as a Mom of a 1st grader!  And since I worked in the classroom so much this year, I also got to host a few of the other little guys that know me well and whose Mom couldn't make it.  I loved it!!! 

Petting something, can't remember what?

After a great presentation, we decided to have lunch before we toured the zoo.

Me and my guys!  I have loved teaching math to these guys every Wednesday!

Acting like the prairie dog

Checking out the skin types

Watching the peacocks strut

Petting the goats

And riding the carousel

And coming soon, especially exciting to me, you can see the announcement in the background......

Giraffes!!