Fun Run 2011

Earl would not want a year to pass and not document the school Fun Run. This was back at the end of September, but here are some pictures. Notice the Garmin on the wrists of Tyson and Ethan. Earl will turn our kids into runners if it's the last thing he does....

This was Tyson's first Fun Run and he was so happy the whole run. Love this little guy.

Off to Kindergarten...

Our baby went to kindergarten today.

Tyson went to kindergarten readiness this summer and had an orientation on Tuesday, but today was the official first day of kindergarten. Tyson was so excited about taking his Cars backpack and getting to be in class with some of his friends. His teacher is Mrs. Patterson and I know he will love going to school everyday. I'm glad it's only half day kindergarten because I miss having him home with me. Yesterday I took him to storytime at the library for the last time. After 7+ years of taking my kids to listen to Teresa the storylady, my routines are going to change. My kids are growing up so fast. I better end this post before I cry.

Back to School

Allison - 5th grade

Ethan - 3rd grade

The whole gang, but Tyson is still in his jammies.

No More Training Wheels

My Oregon Report

In 4th grade kids study state history. I remember doing reports and building models of the California missions when I was in 4th grade. In Oregon it focuses on the Oregon Trail, of course. Allison's school is lucky because they get to participate in the play "My Oregon Report." Mr. Ralph Nelson wrote the play, composed all the songs, and came to the school to direct the 4th graders. It is quite the production - scenery, props, costumes, songs, dances - the whole nine yards. And they have speaking or dancing parts for all 100 or so students. Allison had a speaking part about the Oregon flag. Did you know Oregon is the only state to have something different on the back of their flag? A dad even recorded the whole play so we have our own DVD copy of "My Oregon Report" to watch all summer.

The 4th grade also goes on their own Oregon Trail journey around town. They are divided into "families" and build their own covered wagon. Allison's group name was Oregon or Bust and her trail name was Louise. They dressed up in pioneer type clothing and pulled their wagons up steep hills and carried them over "water crossings." Tyson and I met up with Allison and walked with her class the second half of the day. By the day's end they walked and pulled for 6 miles. Allison really enjoyed 4th grade and she is super excited because her teacher, Mrs. Grant, is moving up with them to 5th grade. So Allison doesn't have to wait until August to find out who her new teacher will be.

Our Graduate

Tyson ended his year of preschool last Thursday with a little graduation ceremony. We had a great year with this co-op of preschool friends. Our group had 10 kids - 8 boys and 2 girls. It was a big group to teach, but I think the year went well and the kids are ready for kindergarten! Tyson became great friends with Jack and he is so excited to go to Archer Glen with him next year. Sadly, most of his other preschool friends will go to different schools.

The graduating class of 2024!

Majestic Mountain

Allison's year end piano recital was last weekend. I tried and tried to upload the video of her playing "Majestic Mountain," but I couldn't get it to work. So instead here is a picture of her with her wonderful teacher Sister Cichoski giving out awards. Allison has really excelled in piano and has even started playing music out of the hymn book. I'm so glad this is something she enjoys doing and feel lucky Allison has a teacher who makes piano an enjoyable learning experience.