Ohio, Part 1

With school starting school so early this summer, I never posted any pics from our Ohio trip.

Here is part 1:

lots of bunnies...

 Great Lakes Science Center:

 Cleveland Museum of National History:

 Swimming at Joe & Cherise's:

 FarmPark:

 Cleveland Zoo:

 Erin's graduation party:

 Michigan:

 tour of football stadium:

After Michigan, we headed back to Ohio...and a fun day at Cedar Point!

First Day x2

Today was the first day.

Of 5th grade AND Kindergarten!

We were happy that Ken could come for Day 1!

Dear Jack,

Last night, as expected, you had some nervous tears.

I tried to convince you that you would look back on them and laugh at being so nervous.

So nervous for something that you do so well.

On the way home you declared "It's going to be a great year".

You may be one of a handful excited to go back to school early this year.

To be with friends, to learn, to write.

Though, its hard to believe you are a 5th grader, I am excited for what the year will bring.

You have already included your sister in your after school "hanging out time" with YOUR friends.

I don't know how long it will last, but I was happy to see you include her.

You have exciting things ahead...iPad program, conflict managers, and the after school club you

enjoyed so much last year. 

You are an official "big kid" on campus...

We know you will do your best and continue to make us proud with your choices and 

friendships.

 Dear Molly,

This weekend, as if on cue, you brought me a very simple decodable book.

"Can you teach me how to read this so I am ready for Kindergarten?", you asked me.

While not a reader YET, you are so ready for what the year will bring.

I cannot wait to watch you learn and grow, academically and socially.

You already have one of your best friends with you!

And you already adore your wonderful and silly teacher!

 Today was orientation, so you didn't stay in your class all day.

But, you did stay with me. 

You ate your packed lunch with me around 10:30, and then, when I went to help

with the lunchline, you decided you needed to buy a school lunch, too.

 I love that I will see you at recess and lunch each day.

I love that you can come to work with me, to school with Jack.

I know we will be so proud of all you show us you can do!

I am so thankful for my co-workers, for loving and accepting my kids for who they are.

I am proud to have them at school with my other family!

Happy 2013-2014!

Ridiculous, indeed

So, this happened today.

The Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge Race.

A 5K inspired by Wipeout.

Good times.

Here's the promo video. 

Just madness!

Happy 4th!

Hit the road, Jack (and Molly, and Nana)

As soon as school was out, the kids and my mom and I hit the road for Sacramento.

Armed with iPods, an iPad mini, and a bin of "keep em busy" activities, we bravely

drove the 7+ hours up the 5 and 99 freeways.

 We stopped at Insect Lore's Bugseum on the way.

We order caterpillars from them each year as part of our science curriculum.

It was a cool pit stop along the way!

 We spent Monday night with my good friend, Shannon, and her family.

Her daughter is Jack's age, she and Molly played a lot.

Shannon's husband is a Star Wars and Lego guy. 

So, he and Jack played, too! Ha ha!

 Tuesday morning we had a very special tour at the State Capitol!

 Jack's teacher from 3rd grade and this year, was elected to State Assembly, 

and I really wanted to get him up to see her.

She arranged for our tour and spent some time with us as well.

 This was the assembly Speaker's office.

Meeting him was apparently a big deal, as he is very busy.

But he happened to be in his office when we stopped by.

 We had lunch and a stop at the candy store in Old Sacramento before

heading back to the pool.

 Our hotel had a tiny pool to keep the kids cool...

They had it all to themselves.

 Wednesday morning the kids and I went to the zoo and to Fairy Tale Town, 

which is right across the street from the zoo.

It was a small zoo, but the kids were just as happy.

 

 We also discovered there was river access right down the street from our hotel.

So, we headed down there for a little bit, and then ended up back at the pool.

We headed back home on Thursday morning...

It was the perfect start to our summer!