Tales from Kindergarten: Week One

For some reason, Lauren seemed more ready and excited for kindergarten than her brother at that age. Maybe it's because she gets to have Mrs. Bright (Caleb's teacher), who already knows and loves Lauren. Maybe it's because she knows half the class from preschool or church. Maybe she just has more of an independent spirit. Or maybe it's just me who isn't as nervous the second time around.

I love getting the daily report about her day at kindergarten. It always involves something with lunch or recess. The first day she recounted the drama of the mixed-up lunch boxes and reenacted her telling the girl with the look-alike, "That is not yours--I'm serious!" Apparently, the little girl had even opened the juice box and put the straw in, but according to Lauren"she did NOT drink it." I also heard about Jimmy falling off the monkey bars and going to the "other office" (aka the nurse) for "a LONG time." I found out later the poor little guy had a broken arm, but Lauren didn't tell me that part. Then I heard about how she and James share their snacks, "He takes a bite, then I take a bite..." And how a little boy told her that "even though she is all sweaty, she still looks pretty." And it's only the first week of school...

Third Grade Forecast

So far, so good. The first week seems to be a lot of "getting to know you". Caleb thought it was pretty cool that his parents got homework on the first day too! His teacher gave us a survey about our child's strengths, talents, challenges, etc. I thought that was a cool idea.

Caleb was asked to put together a "ME" bag this week, including at least 5 things to share with the class that represented something about him. He included:

• A family picture

• His cub scout neckerchief

• A Pokemon card from his collection

• A Harry Potter book

• His Yosemite Jr. Ranger badge

After school on the first day I waited anxiously outside Caleb's classroom to see how his day was. I saw him give his teacher a "high five" and come bounding out of class. As he approached me, he said "This was the best day of school! I think this is going to be my best year ever!" You can't ask for anything more on the first day of school. And I hope his prediction comes true.

BIG fun!

Everything about our weekend in Sequoia was BIG: big stalagtites in the big cave, big steaks cooked to perfection, big rocks for climbing, a big mountain with winding roads to drive up each day, big trees (HUGE!), and especially big FUN! However, we did learn that our tent was NOT big enough for all of us anymore!!

Andrew did not enjoy the caves as much as everyone else--
he kept saying "hot"--we think because it looked like it was melting

We saw some amazing formations--stalag-"tites" and "-mites" galore!

The kids played for hours on this enormous rock at the campsite

Enjoying the most gourmet camping meal we've ever had!

The chef extraordinaire!
Dad impressed us with his skills and his equipment--he's a pro!

We took the 2 mile Congress Trail,
passing "The President", "The House", and "The Senate" trees

The pictures do not do these trees justice--they are massive!

The largest of them all---General Sherman.

What a Weekend!

How did we get so lucky to have all these visitors this summer? It was such a treat to have Dad, Spencer, Katy, and Blake come to see us! Not a minute was wasted, as the pictures will tell...

Seeing the sights of San Fran...

Jelly Belly Factory tour...

Spencer won the contest for wearing his hat the longest that day!

Travis Air Force Base...

Grandpa with Andrew and the "choo-choo" as Andrew called the airplanes
Caleb and Blake did not want to leave!

Katy and Lauren

Swimming...

The high dive was a hit with all the kids--and Grandpa too!

Lauren and Andrew enjoying some "Daddy time"