Science

This boy loves Science. He loves learning about ecosystems, animals, fossils, marine life, rocks...all of it. He loves it. When people started asking what a good birthday gift for Conner would be, I told them Science related things. One of the things we got was a crystal mining kit. The crystals were hidden in this block of plaster and when I say it was hard to bust open, hard is an understatement. At one point we decided we'd use our own tools/ It was super cool and equally messy and he loved it.

First days...

I completely forgot to post about the first day of school. It was a very hectic week and consisted of a van that broke down, a flat tire on a rental and just overall a crappy week. I did take a few photos the first day and used a (ghetto) sign b/c I can not find my chalkboard. I will though. I'll find it (or buy a new one). They LOVE school this year. Parker claps his hands and gets very excited when it's a school day and Conner seems to really like it. He doesn't say much about it though. Yes, Conner was still eating breakfast and I'm sure the baby was screaming. Life w/3!

Speaking of school, Conner is going to have a speech evaluation soon. I don't exactly know when but his teacher noticed some things w/his speech (I knew it was coming). I called the county to see about the eval and the conversation was short and sweet, then I got a butt load of paperwork to fill out as well as something for his teacher to also complete. I, then, called my ins company (aetna you suck) and the only way that he will qualify for coverage is if he's in a nursing home and it's deemed medically necessary. The pediatrician did say that if I want/need a referral they will deem it  necessary and give me one. I hope to have the paper turned in Tuesday and then I'll be Trisha's BFF and call her daily until my boy is evaluated. What's that saying, 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease'. I'll squeak for my kids.

the end...

Last week was the last week of school for the boys. It was such a great year and both boys grew physically, emotionally and most importantly, spiritually. They had wonderful, loving teachers. They looked forward to school (most days). To look back over the year is so bittersweet. Time is flying by. I know I'm home with them and see them every single day but I feel like I am missing it.

Each boy got these awesome end of the year books and the change in Parker is more than remarkable. Not only did I cry, so did Daddy.

I have big plans for this summer.
*Go to the gym...gotta get rid of this baby weight
*swimming lessons
*Vacation Bible School
*Hilton Head!!! yay for vacation!
...and that's just JUNE.

My goal for this summer is to blog more. I need to. I want to remember these days. 

Party Prep

At the kids' school, each parent signs up to participate as a 'party parent'. At open house sign up sheets were ready for names. I knew I would be having a baby so I chose to help with the Christmas party...the only spot left was coordinator. For the party, I am on charge of a craft, book or whatever else. I picked up a craft from Michael's and Conner decided we would use the pirate Christmas book. I also have snack tomorrow...so I'm sending in cookie ornaments. Easy. I filled goody bags with another craft, a few pieces of candy and a glow stick or glow bracelet.

I wanted the teacher gifts to be cute, as far as presentation is concerned. I got a terra cotta pot, electrical tape, paint and a metal washer...and made Santa pants. Inside the pot, I put home made chocolate fudge, a gift card, holiday votive and a card from our family. Of course I waited until the last minute to put it all together but I'm super happy with the result.


Teacher gifts

First Field Trip

Last week, Conner had his first field trip. It was SO nice to go and do something with just him and he was so well behaved. His class went to a Christmas tree farm. We took a tractor ride around the farm, ate popcorn and had hot chocolate and juice. We explored a huge sleigh, mailed a letter to Santa (he wants a tricycle w/a bell and a lizard) and made a craft. Once the activities were over, they all played on this really cute wooden train. FUN, FUN! (the photo of C and I is wretched but that's what I got so...)

Ration Bag

Conner has some amazing teachers this year (not that Parker doesn't) and they make even bringing snack a huge, big deal. Since the very first day of school, all he has talked about is getting the "ration bag". I knew that the ration bag was for snack (we were briefed at meet and greet). A ration is (Thank you Webster) A fixed amount of a commodity officially allowed to each person during a time of shortage, as in wartime: "the bread ration". That totally means snack! Yesterday, I knew he would bring home the ration bag and he was beyond thrilled. The bag is FULL. Dude wanted to bring cheese and crackers and applesauce and spoons. So we did.

See, he's so excited. I had to take pictures of the letters.

Sweet crafts

One of the things that the kids get to do at school is make crafts. They both really LOVE to paint, color, play with play-doh so school is great! They have already come home with some adorable crafts. I can honestly say that they LOVE it. Yesterday when I picked them up, Parker was SO excited to see me. He gave me a HUGE hug and kept saying "mommy, miss you". I die. I mean, seriously, he's precious. Conner is happy to see me too but he isn't lovey dovey like Park. Neither of them cry when I drop them off, in fact, they don't even tell me 'bye'...break my heart!

Parker's theme in is class is owls. Here's the owl he made.

Conner is in a class where crafts and Science are HUGE to the teacher. It's no surprise that he came home with this on the first day!