Farm Field Trip

May 19, 2014

I went with Versii's 1st Grade class on their field trip to the Clackamas Land Lab.  A 14-acre hands-on working farm where students learn how to grow and produce food.  The high school students who work there are taking electives in agriculture and animal science.

(Above: Versii's farm painting created with watercolor and oil pastels.)

 Watching the sheering of the sheep.

 Feeling the wool.

 Meeting the animals.

We saw cows, pigs, chicks and sheep.

The kids were each given a bean that they wrapped in a damp cotton ball.  ---Versii's bean has now grown to be over 8 inches tall.  I'll add a picture soon.

 After the field trip, Versii wanted me to stay and help out in his classroom. 

Versii with his friend William.

5th Grade Wedding Scandal

May 16, 2014

So, here's my Wedding Scandal story:

Shortly after I dropped Kaden off for his first Scout Camp out, I received a phone call from his Principal.  He explained that he wanted to inform me of a non-violent incident that had occurred at school that day.  He went on to say that Kaden and a female student had apparently decided to perform a marriage ceremony for themselves at recess.  He said that a lot of students were involved and that it had been interrupted.  So they tried to complete the ceremony after school, causing a lot of commotion and several students to loiter about, instead of getting on their buses or walking home.  ---The Principal then went on to say, that no disciplinary action had been taken, but he planned to talk to each student involved on Monday and may make them do community service around the school.  He wanted them to know that behavior like that is not only inappropriate at school, but that they do not need to be thinking about marriage at this age.

---To that fact, I do agree.  The thought of Kaden getting  married in the 5th Grade, when he had never expressed interest in said girl, was a surprise to me.  But I explained that I would talk to him.

When Kaden came home he explained what actually happened:

He said that during math a kid came up to him and said, "Congratulations!"
Kaden: "Why?"
Kid: "Oh, didn't you hear, you're getting married today?"  Kaden: "No I'm not.  I'm not getting married until I'm 30."
Kid: "Well get ready, cause today's your wedding day."
Kaden said that he didn't want to hear anymore about it.  He then says that science went by without a problem and then they went to recess.  At recess, he got mobbed by a bunch of kids that were pushing him around talking about his wedding.  ---At that point, a recess supervisor saw him and sent him to the music room for the remainder of recess.  (That's where the supposed marriage was interrupted.)  Then Kaden said that after school, some of his friends told him he better get out-of-here, that a group of kids was coming for him.  So he said at that he ran and grabbed Versii and they came home as soon as they could.

Funny thing is that I asked him, "What happened at school today?"  And he never thought to mention any of this to me.  Kaden said he was kind of creeped out by the whole situation and didn't want to talk about it. 

---So, Kaden and I went to see the Principal first thing Monday morning to clear up the misunderstanding that Kaden had any thing to do with it, other than being the target.  He said that he would talk to everyone involved and make sure that something like this did not happen again.  And he gave Kaden permission to come hang out in the office during recess, as he was feeling a little worried about what might happen next.  

I just find it so crazy that 11 year old kids are thinking about stuff like this.  I'm sure this story will go down on record as Kaden's craziest school story, involving the Principal.  

First Scout Campout

May 16, 2014

Kaden all ready to leave on his first Scout Campout.

Although we haven't moved yet, we have talked to the Scout Leader in our new ward in Camas and we will be taking Kaden to scouts out there.  They invited him to join the boys on their campout, since he's almost 11.  He was really excited!  --They hiked up to the top of Beacon Rock and Kaden said the views were awesome!  And then they hiked back down, roasted hot dogs and set up camp.  He camped in a tent with 3 other boys.  He said they were up until midnight snacking and chatting.  He had a great time getting to know some new friends!

Crazy Classroom

May 7, 2014

Kaden's class performing their student designed Stomp routine, called "Crazy Classroom"

Kaden had told us he would be in the back, but as it turned out he was in the front row.  He's behind the desk on the far left.

(Apologies for the video quality and the few seconds of jumbled footage...as Paxton tried to move my phone while I filmed.) 

Lawn Boy

May 3, 2014

This cute green guy mowed the lawn at our new house for us.  We've been paying him an allowance to help out with different jobs while working at the house.  The grass was really long, so he had a tough job.  --He's not big on smiling for photos lately, but when requested to smile, he said, "I'll only smile if you tell me when we're leaving."  

Final Fun Run

May 1, 2014

Since Kaden will be in middle school next year and Versii will be starting at his new elementary school, this was the boys final "Fun Run" at Prescott.

When we were talking about the Fun Run, the boys each made goals:  

Kaden - 15 laps

Versii - 12 laps

Paxton - "I'm going to run one million!"

 Kaden's starting sprint on a hot sunny morning.

We had a high of 89 that day.

 These two were leading the pack, by several feet ...coming around on the first lap.

Paxton, like most little brother's wanted to follow in his big brother's footsteps.  Here he's waiting for Kaden to have his lap marked off and then he took off running after him.  --Kaden said he had no idea Paxton was even behind him.  He raced around the track twice...completing half a mile! 

 Kaden coming in from his final lap.

He ran a total of 14 laps!  That's 3.5 miles!

 Enjoying a drink of water with his friend Nate.

Versii stretching with his class before their run.

 Paxton had grown a little bored by the time Versii arrived on the track.

 Versii took a quick running break to give Paxton a noogie.

 Marking off his final lap.

 Versii ran 10 laps!  That's 2.5 miles!

 Versii with his friend Noah.

 At the assembly on May 7th, Kaden won the award for Top Runner in the Entire School: 14 Laps!  And Versii won Top Boy Runner for 1st Grade: 10 Laps!  So proud of my boys!  They each received a special golden foot charm for their necklaces and a $5 certificate for the book fair.

Prescott's Top Runners!

Boy's New Art

 April 24, 2014

Kaden's latest "Minecraft" inspired drawings.

 April 27, 2014

Paxton's "Beaver Guy"

Shots for Pax

 April 24, 2014

I took Paxton for his well-child visit and for the rest of the vaccines needed before he starts kindergarten, this fall.  He did really well.  

After the shots, they gave him this new book.  He said, "This is the coolest book ever!"

Pax seemed completely unaffected, but around 5pm that night, he wanted to go to bed.  And he slept most of the next day too.  Happy to report, he was back to himself the following day.

Our New Car

April 22, 2014

We have been searching for a second car for awhile, specifically one that had a third row.  We finally found the right one: a 2010 Toyota Highlander and we love it!

A few days later, Versii brought this home from school.

He likes "a car" better, "Because they drive fast and sometimes there can be a third row!"  ---Apparently, someone is excited about our new car.

Easter 2014

 April 20, 2014

This year the boys and I made "bunny butt" cookies.

They were so much work, I think we only ended up making 5, but the boys really enjoyed them!  We used a big marshmallow for the tail, pressed marshmallow slices into sprinkles for the pads of the feet and the toes are made of sixlets. 

 Easter morning!

Paxton was excited to keep finding eggs hidden around the house.

Pour Versii was sick the night before Easter.

He spent the day resting.

***

We enjoyed a lovely Easter dinner with family in the late afternoon.

April Highlights

 April 7, 2014 

The boys sort of destroyed our kiddie pool and they were desperate to play in the water.  So Dad made them a pool from an old raft filled with a tarp.  They loved it! 

 April 8, 2014

Watching my "adopted daughter", Frances.

Frances is the daughter of one of my best friends, Liv.

I think she is just the most adorable little girl.

  April 10, 2014
Versii brought this home from school.
It sounds like this boy needs a pet to love.

 April 11, 2014

Josh and I finally took Mom and Dad to Ruth Chris Steakhouse in late celebration of their birthdays.

Ruth Chris is one of our favorite places to eat.

Most delicious steak you will ever taste!

 April 13, 2014 

Paxton being cheeky, as usual.

April 14, 2014

Kaden's visit to the dentist.

As you can see by his face, he was less than thrilled to be there.