The band had their name on the window!

It's the little things....

Letter Boxing

If you haven't letter boxed, go do it now.

It's a bit like geocoaching but more fun for little kids. Basically, you print out clues that lead you to a hidden box. Each box has a journal and a stamp. You also carry a stamp and journal. You stamp the box's journal with your stamp and stamp your journal with the box's stamp. It's interesting to read the box's journal to see how many other people have found the box before you.

Eventually your journal becomes full with unique stamps as most are hand carved.


Some of the clues will take you on a bit of a hike. It also introduces you to new places around town that you many not otherwise visit.





Atlas Quest is a nice website because you can easily track the boxes you have found. There are many great features on the website that make it easy to find boxes.

There is also Letterboxing North America that is an ok site. It's just hard to keep track of what you've completed.

These boxes are all over the place which makes it easy to find one on just about every outing.

We're planning on planting our own box this summer. The kids are looking forward to writing the clues and carving their own stamp!

Embroidery

The girls each did a little embroidery project over the summer.

I really wasn't sure if the little one would be able to do the stitching but she loved it. She would just sit there and work on it for the longest time.

These are their own drawings that I transfered onto the fabric. I got the idea from Skip to My Lou.

The big girl even sewed her pillow together.

St Louis 2010

Lots of fun on our trip to St Louis. Here are a few pictures. Lots more to share in the next few days!

The Baby is Five

This year, we decided to take it easy on the birthdays. We just had a couple friends and their kids over for swimming and cake.

We also played Dance Dance. Such a fun game. If you haven't played, I highly recommend!

The cake was a choice made by the birthday girl. I was surprised to find out that Ariel lives in the Gulf. If you look close, you can see oil in the waters of the cake. Very impressed that the cake bakers are able to work current events into their cake making.

Frogs

Summer bugs and frogs. Or are they toads?

I've been listening to the kiddos laugh and squeel about the toads for the past hour. Honestly, it's been a long time since I've heard my son's high-pitched innocuous jubilations of delight.

Utter abandoment for all things cool and a too long reigned in release of excitement.

I would have gone out there to take pictures of him so excited but that surely would have ruined the delighted yelps of summer.

Summer. That's what it's for.

3rd Grade Water Party

What could be better than a water party on the last day of school?






















Even Little Bit was allowed to participate.













Ice, Ice Baby....
















Run Girl, Run!

My kids' school really knows how to do the final day.

5th Grade Graduate

Here Jonah is receiving his diploma and the Presidential Acedemic Award. This is the owner of the Round Rock Express.

Here he is receiving his Math Medal.

He's off to Middle School. Can't hardly believe it.

We have a Graduate!

She is not proud of herself at all.

The theme was Red, White and Blue, which she reminded me of this morning. That third child is so on top of things.

They sang "Deep in the Heart of Texas" for us and it was so darn cute.

I had no idea there were so many verses. I only remember the first one from Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. Can't believe my kids are becoming Texans. I am sure my Oregonian and Washingtonian parents are not happy about this development at all.

Also not only do the kids pledge allegiance to the flag of the USA they also pledge allegiance to the Texas flag. Every morning. I really don't remember pledging allegiance to the Oregon flag.

Here is the pledge:

Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.

There you have it, preschool graduation of a Texan child.

Texas Meadows

The wildflowers in Texas are absolutely beautiful. Little Bit had fun exploring the end of the wildflower season.

Express Game

The 5th graders got to go watch an Express game today.

Freya and I had fun tagging along.

SOAR!

The big girl SOARed today!

She was so surprised to hear her name called.
The Personal Best Award was given to her.

Here is what the teacher had to say about her:

"This student is always showing her best! She has really worked hard to improve her writing. In math, she is taking her time and showing work on all her problems. She is also a fabulous reader and ALWAYS actively participates in class discussions. I am so proud of her!"

Easter 2010

This year the Easter Bunny came big time. He hid eggs outside for the fist time. Because the Easter Bunny hid the eggs outside, it rained. Pretty sure that's the basis of Murphy's law.























Also, he went a little crazy and sent 4 baskets instead of 3. I think Grandma Birdie had something to do with that 4th one.