First Ski Day of 2013-2014 Season

The first trimester report cards came out last week, so today was a No School day  so the teachers could hold conferences. We had our conferences on Tuesday.  It is such a pleasure to hear how well both kids are doing - absolutely no issues with either one.  Daniel is still in the G&T program and was assigned to advanced math (4th grade level) this year.  Rachel is reading at a DRA beyond what's expected at the end of first grade and has comprehension skills that are impressive even to her teacher.  

We took full advantage of the day off and headed to Winter Park. Daniel is snowboarding this year. Rachel is sticking to skis.  Both kids had no trouble on the handful of runs that were open.  It was a positive start to the season!

Pumpkins!

Yesterday was pumpkin carving day.  Both kids really got into it this year.  Daniel did his completely on his own.  Rachel just needed a bit of help with the sawing.  I have very proud artists!

Down One Front Tooth

With a little help from a classmate at PE, Rachel's lost her first upper tooth.

Boating Yesterday - Run For a Funds a Today

September 19, 2013

We went out on our friend's boat yesterday. After a super sunny school day, the clouds rolled in for our trip, but the thunder and lightening stayed away.  So, the kids hit the tube!

Today was the big school fundraiser called Run for Funds.  The kids dress up in class themes and run as many 1/16 mile laps as they can in 30 minutes for donations.  Daniel eeked it 27 laps and Rachel 26.  Not too shabby!

It's Wet, But We Don't Need A Boat

Hi!  Just a quick note to let you all know that we have not been affected by the flooding.  Everyone is doing well.  And since I'm blogging, here are some fun pictures.

Daniel started the violin this week.  Here's a picture if him getting fitted for his 1/2 size.

Rachel is taking cooking classes again this year.  It's certainly made her more comfortable in the kitchen.  She and Daniel are showing off the pigs-in-a-blanket they made all by themselves.

School is off to a fabulous start for both kids.  Here's the traditional 1st day of school pic.  

And summer was tons of fun!

Art

Daniel's Cactus Magazine Collage was selected for the West Arena Art Show. Works from all of the schools in the district were considered. Yesterday was the closing reception. Here's a picture of Daniel and his piece. It's hard to see in this picture, but he included a grey toad in the bottom right corner.

Spring Break in Mexico - Day 1

After a quick trip to the doctor's office and pharmacy to take care of Daniel's ear infection Friday, we made it to the airport on time and had an uneventful trip to Playa del Carmen via Austin.
Despite not feeling well, Daniel found his happy place among the rocks on the beach searching for crabs.
Rachel soaked up the sun all day long. At the beach, she took on the role of "famous dog" when a large Mexican family took interest in her. They took pictures, just watched her, and even petted her head a few times. Rachel just went with it and continued working on her sand castle. We ate Mayan/Mexican cuisine for dinner on the main strip where *both* kids tested their heat tolerance by tasting the habanero sauce. We ended the day with an evening stroll down the main strip and then walked back to the hotel where everyone hit the sack pretty quickly.