Fun With JD and Lu Lu

Pinewood Derby

2012-01-29T06:47:00.000-08:00

George and JD have been working on their pinewood derby car for a couple weeks.
The car has been in training.

We finally arrived at the race.

JD anxiously awaited the results. JD's car won all four of the heats he raced in but didn't have time's quite fast enough to win a tropy. George suspects foul play! It was a fun project. The boys are already working on improvements for next year's race.

International Night

2012-01-22T05:29:00.000-08:00

JD's school had international night. We looked at displays about life in other countries and got our "passport" stamped as we visited.
The event really could have been renamed Asia night - since that seems to be the foreign population that is in the area.

This lady was from Syria and wrote JD's name in Arabic for him.

Art??

2012-01-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

Since today was a holiday JD and I took a field trip.

We went downtown to see this piece of art. You go inside - kind of like a bounce house with no bounce.

When the light comes through the inside is super colorful.

I'm not sure who thought of this but we throught it was fun.

Children's Museum

2012-01-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

If you ask JD on a school holiday where he wants to go he will almost always say, "THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM."
I finally broke down and took him. The museum is fun because you can make things. . .

. . . and dig for dinosaur fossils. If clothes are available JD always wants to dress appropriately.

The temporary exhibit involved these dinosaurs. All things that little boys love!

Christmas and Beyond

2011-12-29T06:01:00.000-08:00

If you ask JD what his favorite holiday is he will say Halloween --- BUT --- Christmas is also a big hit.
We spend Christmas Eve with Grandma. JD and his cousin Kayla examine all the gifts. "I hope there is something good there for me."

Aunt Laura is impressed with JD's lego skills.

On Christmas morning JD finds an angry bird in his stocking.

WOW - Skylanders is exactly what JD wanted. That Santa must be a really smart guy.

Even Lulu gets a new toy for Christmas.

This is our second year to take a little mini vacation on the 26th. This year we stayed at the hotel that is connected to the Galleria Mall in Houston. Look at those crowds of people. We weren't the only ones who thought the Galleria would be fun.

This was our main reason for going to Houston. JD saw that they had an exhibit with relics from King Tut and HAD to go. It was interesting but we were not allowed to take pictures inside the exhibit. JD makes a handsome mummy.

The downtown aquarium was full of atmosphere, fish and PEOPLE.

This fish themed merry go round was a treat.

We can't drive by a Bass Pro Shop without stopping. JD has some imagination. This ATV provided a stationary adventure.

Hangin with the Chipmunks and Santa

2011-12-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

It has been rainy and cold (well, cold for Texas anyway) so we have been indoors for several weekends now. Movies with popcorn keep us warm and indoors.

JD saw Santa at the Christmas party at church. When we left he said, "that wasn't really Santa. That was a Melgosa." (the dad of one of JD's friends) I thought he made an excellent Santa but none of the kids at the party were fooled.

Let Christmas Begin

2011-12-01T06:15:00.000-08:00

After a shopping trip Pat and I decided we needed to be naughty and nice for the holidays.
Maybe next time we need to switch shirts.

JD has been dieing to open his lego advent calendar. Every day you open a door and build a lego character. At the end of December you have a whole winter scene.

Thanksgiving With Uncle Keith

2011-11-28T07:51:00.001-08:00

JD enjoyed his visit with Uncle Keith. Uncle Keith plays all his favorite games for a few days while he is here. JD invented a new game where he pulls things out of his "magic hat." I don't quite understand the "rules" but I could hear JD laughing in the other room. At one point he came in and had changed his clothes. When I asked about it he said, "Uncle Keith made me laugh so had I peed my pants. WOW - now that is a great game!
We visited the dinosaur museum. It was our first visit in months since the museum has been closed for renovation.

The boys played with their electronic devices. Keith's is a new black Friday find. JD just borrowed Dad's.

After all that excitement JD couldn't take it anymore. He fell asleep at dinner. Even the mariachis playing couldn't keep him awake.

Science Day

2011-11-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

JD came to science day today. Ashley helped escort him around. I'm not sure how he sweet talked her into carrying him.

This experiment involved chemicals that changed colors. It was dangerous enough to require protective eye wear.

Candy DNA is always fun -- AND YUMMY!

We've Been Busy

2011-11-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

JD spent some time at school with me during teacher work day.
He created this behavior chart just like the one his teacher uses. I guess he thinks my students need some behavior modification.

He also labeled all my desks so we would know who to put on the chart when they misbehaved.

Austin truly is weird. This is the car that was stopped in front of me at the light yesterday. I've always wondered where I could go to learn how to throw knives. Sign me up!

Candy Bar

2011-11-06T04:25:00.000-08:00

After the long day at cub world (see previous post) we went to a wedding. An open bar at a wedding is nothing new -- BUT -- how about this -- A CANDY BAR!!! JD thought this was FABULOUS.

Cub World

2011-11-06T04:14:00.000-08:00

George and JD had a boys day at Cub World. There was a whole days worth of fun.
JD panned for gold --- well colored rocks actually.

They climbed through a mine shaft. George was a really good sport for crawling through that. I'm not sure I would have.

There was a fort to explore.

JD's favorite was the BB guns. He came home asking for a BB gun for Christmas. I said, "NO! You'll shoot your eye out." (Remember A Christmas Story?!) He insisted that these special glasses protected your eyes. "They are like armor for your eyes."

They boys enjoyed fishing. JD was disgusted that the fish kept eating the buts of his worms but didn't bite the hook. They boys came home hungry and tired.

The Pointer

2011-11-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

JD and I went to the book fair at his school yesterday and he insisted that I needed this pointer. He says when you point it at things it makes your students look at what you are pointing at and they will pay attention. He demonstrated how it worked. I decided I couldn't go wrong with such excellent classroom management advice. When I brought it back to school one of my illustrious colleagues commented that she thought the wrong finger was pointing.

Super Heroes

2011-10-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

My friends and I decided to dress as super heroes for Halloween. My new partner in Government is dressed like Chewbaca. He isn't standing on a box -- Chewy is really that tall.

Howl-O-Scream

2011-10-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

We went to Sea World this weekend to see what all the spookiness was about. There were skeleton pirates everywhere.

The park is supposed to get really scary after 6 in the evening. We were there in the morning when most of the costumes were fun and sparkly.

We've never been there when you could actually feed the dolphins.

JD fed them but they moved away too quickly to really get a good picture of them.

Here we are as cowboys.

If you have girls you might be making butterfly wings for magic wands for Halloween. Not JD - we made brains in a jar to give to some of our favorite teacher friends.

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

Jack Sparrow loved the trunk or treat party at church. He got a chance to play with friends and pass out candy to all the little goblins.

Camping

2011-10-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

Our family spent the weekend camping with Cub Pack 535

We went out and set up our campsite on Friday night.

There is a burn ban in effect which meant no open fires. That didn't stop JD from trying to make his favorite camp food.

Saturday's activities included bird watching.

Scouts also made a biodegradable bird feeder.

We hiked to the falls but I think a better name right now would be "ROCKS." Our record drought means there just isn't much water in the river.

Sunday morning's outdoor worship service was our last activity. We should have church in a lawn chair every Sunday. When we made it home Sunday afternoon George and I both decided our entire bodies hurt. Camping is a lot of work! The next campout isn't until April. Maybe I will be rested by then.

Fire Truck

2011-10-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

These Tiger Scouts had a great time visiting the fire station. JD got to "drive" the truck and turn the flashing lights on and off.

Football Friends

2011-10-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

It has FINALLY cooled down enough for JD and I to brave another football game.
JD had his picture taken with some of his high school buddies Buster the Bulldog and Noah.

Ahhhh, you've got to love Texas in the fall.

What a Boy

2011-10-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas -- at least at Sears. I tried to talk JD into setting up the Christmas tree over the weekend. He wanted to do Halloween instead.

Outside the Chinese restaurant JD REALLY wanted me to take his picture picking the nose of this statue.

National Night Out

2011-10-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

JD got a chance to drive the fire truck at National Night Out.

Oct. 1

2011-10-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

October 1 means the beginning of JD's favorite season -- Halloween. We carved a dracula pumpkin and made ANOTHER trip to the Halloween store. JD begs to go to the store and then can't decide if he wants to get up close and personal with the zombie babies.

Keith at Mt. Rainier

2011-09-27T07:42:00.001-07:00

Since Keith doesn't have his own blog I have taken it upon myself to post for him. I'm not sure what kind of crazy mid life crisis has made him decide to climb mountains - BUT - here he is climbing Mt. Rainier. He has been training for quite awhile to be able to do this. To his right in the picture is his guide. Keith says the guide has been to the summit of Everest 14 times. His group didn't make the summit of Mt. Rainier because bad weather made it too dangerous. I guess when the guy who has climbed Everest says it is too dangerous you take his word for it and turn back. Can't wait to see some more pictures.

Pack Meeting

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

JD went to his first Pack Meeting.
He made flags with the other members of his den.

WOW - this is one of the biggest Packs in the city with over 100 boys.

JD earned his first award - The Tiger Totem.

That's a good looking group of Tigers.

BSA

2011-09-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Our family went to the Boy Scout office this morning. This statue dedicated to the Eagle Scouts in our area was just recently dedicated.

Beside the statue was was a listing of all the boys who had earned there Eagle. We found the names of all the Riding Uncles.

JD is just beginning as a Tiger Cub but we hope he will follow the family tradition and be an Eagle Scout too.

Jack Sparrow

2011-09-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for quite some time. I don't have anything to take a picture of except JD and I going to school every day and I didn't think anyone would want to see that over and over again. The Halloween stores have opened and so we had to go see all the spooky things. JD has decided to be Jack Sparrow this year. It's a long time until Halloween, BUT, you can never be too prepared for your favorite holiday.

Friday Night Lights

2011-08-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Are you ready for some football? JD and I thought we were but I couldn't stand the heat. It was still 99 degrees when we left at half time.

YES --- our car said it was 112 this afternoon. YIKES

We are FINALLY finished with our little home improvement project. The painters left this afternoon and I was very glad to see them go. The back of our house looks brand new.

It's a Tiring Week

2011-08-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

It's only Thursday and we are SO TIRED. Maybe it is because it is 106 degrees every afternoon. JD told me that, "first grade is serious business." I guess all that seriousness has worn us out.

Our house is pink!!! The siding should be going back up this afternoon and then we will be done with this round of home improvement. I can't wait to be done.

Back To School

2011-08-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

JD and I headed back to school today. It was SO EARLY to get going this morning. I love JD's new teacher. She is the mother of one of his friends so we feel special. He didn't seem very happy to pose for another first day of school picture but that's what mother's do --- torment their children with pictures.

Circus Day

2011-08-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

JD and I love the circus. George tolerates the circus along with us. JD tried on his red nose and clown hat. Watch out clown college, JD is on his way.

Last Days of Summer

2011-08-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

What do you do for the last few days of summer vacation when it is 106 degrees outside but feels like a balmy 111?
JD and I went to some nice cool museums. This cow was outside the Texas History Museum. We were outside just long enough to take this photo and then ran for the air conditioning.

The art museum is free on Thursday, and also air conditioned, so we went there too. This is why I love art museums. People take video of themselves swimming and call it art.

This was the one piece of art you were allowed to touch. A bin of pennies.

This exhibit at the LBJ library taught us about the radical movements of the 60s. No six year old's summer would be complete without learning about the Black Panthers.

FUN FUN FUN

2011-08-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

This is our last week of summer vacation and so JD and I are trying to squeeze in as much fun as we can.
Monday we ate pizza and played games at Gatti Town.

Tuesday we had a play date. These two boys were VERY serious about chasing pretend bad guys on the motorcycle.

Today we went to see the Smurfs. YES - JD wanted the big tub of corn, even though there was just the two of us.

LEGO TIME!! This boy is CRAZY about legos. He has collected almost the entire Pirates of the Caribbean village.

Vacation 11

2011-08-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

JD and I took a picture of ourselves at Birds of Prey night. This was actually before our vacation but part of our summer fun.

Our first stop on vacation was the Genghis Khan exhibit. The exhibit was cool! They keep the temperature at 65 degrees because the "mummies like it" that way. George and I liked it that way too!

We made a stop at a pet store that has parrots. These particular birds are only $2000 each. Since they live to be 100 and are currently only 2 they would most likely outlive JD. Now that is a pet that gives you your money's worth! Not like dogs that only live to 10 or 12.

We spent our first night at a hotel overlooking Dealey Plaza.

Medieval times is always fun. JD got to meet the king.

This replica of Dallas is made entirely of Legos. Our visit to Legoland had lots of interesting Lego themed fun.

Great Wolf Lodge was our main destination. The arcade included fun simulation rides.

JD won this skeleton pillow. Swimming was the most fun. No pictures though since I wasn't going to risk my camera at the pool. Now we are home again home again.

The words every mother longs to hear . . .

2011-07-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

. . . mom, can I clean the toilet?

Summer Friends

2011-07-22T05:02:00.000-07:00

We have had lots of fun with friends this summer. We are so sad that the latest round of ward boundary gerrymandering means JD and Lincoln won't be in Primary together. I guess we'll just have to work out some more play dates.
These two best friends watched TV for a few minutes waiting for it to be time to . . .

JUMP! It was almost impossible to take a picture of these two once they got started. They were just a blur of activity. This big tall slide seemed to be their favorite.

JD's summer voyager friends have decided to dig up a dinosaur on the playground. When I went back to school to pick him up they had a pretty good sized hole dug. Well, good sized for three 6 year olds digging with a stick.

Fossils are always our friends. At fossil night we inspected this giant shark tooth.

AND - JD did some more digging - once again in search of dinosaurs.

New Porch

2011-07-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

Our new porch is finally done and cleaned up. It is a little hot to sit out there now, BUT, it will be cool again someday. It might not be till November, but it will be cool again.

Witte Afternoon

2011-07-16T14:47:00.001-07:00

The Witte Museum had a special exhibit on the dangers of the Amazon. Naturally, we couldn't miss a chance to learn about piranhas and anacondas.

JD and I get a close up look at some fish.

Dad and JD try to pick up a giant anaconda.

JD inspects the innards of this fish to see what it swallowed.

Snakes Night

2011-07-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

Snake night at the wildflower center was FABULOUS!!
The presentation by Dr. Travis was really good. He showed the kids snakes - some they could touch - others not! I learned a very important fact. Your average Texas snake bite victim is a male under 30 with a blood alcohol of .1. Yet another reason not to drink in excess.

We climbed to the top of the observation tower for a view of the sunset. It was really beautiful in a central Texas sort of way.

JD has been going to a summer program at his school in the mornings. Today he brought home the dinosaur egg he made. When we cut it open there was a little dinosaur inside. You can sort of see it in his left hand.

JD has gone video game crazy. This afternoon I caught him asleep with the game still on in his hand. MAN he is getting big. When he sleeps on the couch he takes up practically the whole thing!

Another t-shirt Quilt

2011-07-10T16:54:00.000-07:00

I think this is my summer addiction. My previous 3 t-shirt quilts were for other people and so I made this one for myself. Keith and I bought way too many t-shirts when we were traveling. I have enough to make another quilt and might need to before school starts again.

Happy Anniversary

2011-07-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

George and I celebrated our Anniversary at this fancy movie theater. Our reclining seats came with a blanket and a waiter who brought us real food - not just popcorn.

While we were out JD had the BEST babysitter who came with her pet snake. Nothing says fun to a six year old boy like some time with a snake. WOW!!

Happy 4th

2011-07-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

Uncle Keith came to visit for the 4th. In all the sorting of the junk in the back the boys found this "vintage" tent and decided to see if it still worked.

Keith and Nina also took JD to a Lego convention. This Lego batman was cool and all made of Legos.

Bee Night

2011-07-01T05:03:00.000-07:00

The Wildflower Center had a night dedicated to teaching kids about bees. It was a buzzzzzz (ha ha ha ha). HEB sponsored the event so we posed for a picture with the H E Buddy. Lots of kids were excited to see this grocery bag of food --- go figure??!!

JD made a bee mask. . .

. . . and a bee's wax candle . . . and had a buzzing good time.

Swimming in Dallas

2011-06-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

We went to Dallas this weekend so that George could meet with some of his co-workers. JD and I were lucky that the "meeting" took place in a backyard with a swimming pool and over some hamburgers. JD was in the pool for HOURS!!! I though he might morph into a fish if we didn't get him out.

More Quilts

2011-06-24T05:51:00.001-07:00

After making my first t-shirt quilt I decided I needed a few more. JD went with me to the fabric store and decided he HAD to have his own quilt when saw this fabric with the neon spiders on it.

Birthday Fun

2011-06-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Not JD's but some of his friends. He and his classmate Jesse were happy to see one another again!

They bowled at the party. JD tried this unique method which seemed to work as good as any.

Lincoln's party was extra fun. This group of primary friends played waterbaloons until they were soaking wet and muddy.

Soccer Camp Ends with a Bang

2011-06-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks Coach Hoffman for a fabulous week of soccer camp!

These star soccer players helped coach JD all week and were responsible for lots of fun!

Soccer Camp!

2011-06-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

JD is spending this week at Soccer Camp.
This is his new friend Jay. Jay is the grandson of one of my teacher friends and was happy to find a new best friend exactly his same age.

The girls soccer team has been working with the kids.

JD batted his big brown eyes at one of the girls and got a piggy back ride back to the field after a potty break. It seems like every time he shows up at Bowie he picks up a new "girlfriend" and I get lots of offers to babysit.

WARNING - more basketball camp photos

2011-06-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is JD with coach T who has been working with the boys in his age group. JD won the camper of the day trophy today. I'm not sure you can see it in the picture but he was VERY VERY excited about it.

I always have my camera in my purse and just couldn't help but take a few more pictures of basketball camp. That's a lot of little boys doing push ups.

JD's friend Will was in his kindergarten class and so they were happy to see one another at camp.

Basketball Camp and more

2011-06-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

LOTS and LOTS of boys grades 1-5 were at basketball camp this morning. JD had tons of fun and was happy to see a few of his classmates at camp too.

As if basketball wasn't enough exercise we were at swim lessons this afternoon. JD should sleep good tonight.

Dinosaur Museum

2011-06-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

We've been to this museum so many times I think JD has every inch of it memorized. STILL, when I asked him Friday where he wanted to go he said, "to the dinosaur museum." It is going to close at the end of June for 6 months so we have to go while we can. It is a nice cool place to spend a little time when it is so hot outside.

We found a hungry squirrel outside. The squirrels on campus are so tame they will take food right from your hand. This one ate pop tarts - YUM.

Let Summer Begin!

2011-06-03T04:43:00.000-07:00

For the first day of summer vacation JD was invited to a birthday party. His friend Jesse had this wild and crazy petting zoo in his back yard for the occasion.

JD helped feed the little goats.

This chicken (maybe it was a chicken, I'm a city girl so I don't know for sure) was his favorite. It had feathers on its feet.

My friends celebrated the end of the school year and some retirements with some excellent BBQ at Rudy's.

Guess who is happiest for summer vacation!!!

2011-06-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

LU LU --- summer means more together time for her and her people. And, more ball playing. You would think she would get tired of chasing these things but she never does.

Last Day of School

2011-06-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

This is the dinosaur picture that JD drew for me on the first day of Kindergarten. He drew it at the after school Voyager program and then carried it around with him until I came to get him. He was a little teary eyed that day at being left at school longer than the other kids.
There were no tears on the last day of school today --- well at least JD didn't have any. I can't believe my baby is going to first grade.

It's been a strange week since we had school on Monday (Memorial Day) to make up for missing on our snow day in February.

Finally, here is a bird's eye view of our new roof. It should be done soon!

A Week In The Life . . .

2011-05-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

JD has had a very busy week.
There weren't many of the youth at Mutual on Wednesday night so JD was happy to step in and play kickball. I guess all the big kids were home studying for finals.

This is my 8th period class that JD is an honorary member of. I think at this point he even knows most of their names. The only thing we have left to do together is take a final exam. I'll be so sad to see them graduate.

Here's another weeks progress on our house. The back porch is coming along nicely.

I've been cutting up t-shirts to make a quilt for my neighbor at school who is retiring. His quilt turned out nicely - if I do say so myself.

Concrete Delivery Day

2011-05-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

There was a traffic jam outside our house this morning.

It looks really messy now but we hope that before long it will be a stunning new back porch.

Our new driveway looks nice and smooth.

More House Destruction

2011-05-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

By popular demand - here are more pictures of our house destruction.
You can see the beginnings of a new roof over the garage. It is a green metal roof. They say it will last 40 years so we shouldn't ever have to worry about leakage again.

We are getting new concrete in front and around the house. Our old concrete, especially on this side of the house, was not pretty. It was engineered by dad and the guy up the street who used to drive a cement truck. Through the years it was starting to look more like an obstacle course than a sidewalk.

This is also going to be replaced with a new and improved patio. We hope once and for all the new concrete will stabilize the back room that keeps sinking. I'll post the after pictures in another week or so. We have been having a drought in Texas but it rained yesterday and is forecast for rain today. What are the odds? In the middle of a drought tear off your roof and THEN it rains??!!

Let the Destruction Begin

2011-05-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

We are doing some work on the house. I can't stand to document any more of the destruction. When we get done I'll post some after pictures. Thanks goodness all the fix ups are on the outside of the house so I can just close the door on all the mess.

The Week

2011-05-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

Guests came to my class this week to conduct a mock Voir Dire.

My students all put on their company manners paid close attention.

At morning assembly they sang Happy Birthday to JD and others who celebrated a birthday this week. I really tried to get a good picture and this was the best I was able to do. Parents and the teacher handing out the birthday pencils just kept getting in my way.

We made this six year old one last birthday cake.

Saturday we were off to the Prom. It is always an interesting to watch the parade of prom dresses.

Birthday Cookies

2011-05-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

JD and I made these Star Wars cookies to share with his friends at school on his birthday. It takes a lot of black food coloring to make Darth Vader. Happy Birthday little boy. I can't believe you are six.

Happy Birthday

2011-04-30T17:41:00.001-07:00

We spent Saturday at a friend's birthday party. The highlight of the party was the reptile guy. He came with lots of things for the kids to see . . .

. . . and touch.

JD had his turn to touch all the snakes, lizards and alligators. OH MY!!

Next came the jumping and battling with noodles.

Finally, there was the pinata. JD is at the bottom of this pile somewhere.

Easter

2011-04-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Easter bunny left lots of eggs for JD.

He was happy to see that some of them had toys instead of candy. Of course, Lulu is in the middle of everything - ALWAYS with the red chicken in her mouth.

Catching up

2011-04-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

I have been really lazy about posting our adventures. This is the time of year when I feel completely worn out at the end of the school day. Students who are charming in August are EVIL 30 days before graduation. Let me catch you up.
JD's class is doing a Flat Stanley project. We are excited to see where our out of state family will take Flat Stanley. I also sent one to our Congressman. I'm a Government teacher - I can't help it. We'll see if he responds.

Dodge ball day at school adds to the silliness. Part of the fun is that each team creates their own uniform and wears it to school on the day of the tournament. Our good friend Noah was on the Oak Park House Wives team. It takes a brave man to wear pink shorts to school.

My student teacher Jamie has been fun to work with this semester. I was SO SAD to say goodbye to her at the end of this week. I'm convinced teaching really is a two person job.

Good Friday is GREAT Friday when there is no school. This is our new friend Logan (he's 9 by the way). He went with us to the Imax 3d. We love really big 3d.

Gatti Town never gets old. We always ride the Frog Hopper. JD and Logan are just 3 years apart in age but you would never know it by looking at the two of them.

The bumper cars are serious business.

This cotton candy machine was new. We were lucky not to be in Dad's truck. He would have never allowed this sticky pink stuff in.

A Week In The Life . . .

2011-04-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

The schedule I have this year has a break that gives me time to go get JD before my last class of the day. JD has come to 8th period enough he needs his name on the roll. Sometimes the big kids ask for him as in, "where's JD?"

We need to give some time to a sport other than football. JD enjoyed baseball. The man working the concession stand was a little confused when he asked for green coke. Come on -- at the football games they know exactly what that means.

I met JD for lunch on Friday. It's hard to take a picture of yourself without making a funny face.

The Kindergarten musical was fabulous. If you look REALLY close you can find JD's head right above the head of the two teachers in black sitting on the floor.

2011-04-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

Dad's Day

2011-04-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Today was have lunch with Dad day at JD's school. Since Dad is out of town this fine young man offered to stand in and play the part. JD thought it was great to eat a kids meal at the picnic tables with his buddy. THANKS Noah!

A Week in April

2011-04-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

This time of year one day pretty much seems like another. I've tried to document what I can. Pat and I took our bi-annual field trip. We always go to the courthouse and then feed the little darlings on the way home. This time we saw a former class mate turn herself in and taken to jail in handcuffs. After a bad experience at a certain Italian restaurant that serves salad and bread sticks we made a change. This place does in fact serve some mighty fine burgers. These folks wanted a picture but they are just like little kids. You can't really photograph a moving target.

This motorcycle pulled in front of us on I-35. I'm glad I had my camera so I could document it. Notice that the high heels match the hmmmmm, bathing suit?????

JD took this lovely shot of himself.

Here's my favorite thing about spring. George fires up the pit and makes meat. YUM!!!

Sea World

2011-04-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

We've been looking for a cool Saturday to go to Sea World. It has been cool during the week and then hot on Saturday. We finally decided we better go because it was only going to get hotter. We had a great day. It was overcast and not too crowded.

JD and George rode the Journey to Atlantis. I couldn't believe JD wasn't afraid to get on it.

I stayed back to take the picture. Notice the boat is half empty so the ride operator just let them go around again.

After all that fun JD fell asleep with his whale tail necklace and stuffed sting ray. That's the sure sign up of run day --- a sleepy boy.

The Weekend Trip

2011-03-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

We had a weekend trip to greater downtown Elgin Texas.

The main purpose of our visit was a repair job at the Sustainable Fibers Shop. If you ever get a hankering to spin your own alpaca yarn here is where you go. If you're not that much of a do it yourselfer you can buy your yarn already spun. George repaired their equipment so they are up and spinning again.

No trip to Elgin is complete without a stop for some good Elgin Sausage.

We did a little shopping at the flea market. George was looking to upgrade the kitchen.

The flea market is one of those places that is very cultural - if you know what I mean. Lots of things to see and smell.

Dinosaurs AGAIN!

2011-03-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

How many times can this little boy go look at this same dinosaur bone exhibit? I'm not sure. We had to go see them again today, because after all, no school holiday is complete without a trip to the dinosaur museum. We learned today that they will close in June for 6 months of maintenance. OH NO - what will we do all summer?

We found this prehistoric exhibit in the basement of the LBJ library. It isn't REALLY part of the museum but maybe it should be. I don't think JD had ever seen a pay phone before.

Capital Field Trip

2011-03-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

We headed out for the dinosaur museum this morning but got side tracked by a parking spot right in front of the Capital. Thanks to a Texas History unit in school JD no longer calls the building Barack Obama's Tower. I don't know if other states teach state history in Kindergarten, but here in Texas we know what is important and children are taught it young.
In the rotunda we practiced the six flags that flew over Texas.

Since I'm a Government teacher and not just a regular tourist I made JD go into the Senate chamber where we discussed how laws are made. At the podium on the floor is Lt. Governor David Dewhurst.

We finished our morning with a picnic on the lawn by the LBJ library. It was a food morning for a picnic, nice and cool.

Rodeo Rumble

2011-03-12T17:49:00.000-08:00

WARNING WARNING --- lots of pictures to follow.
Today was our favorite rodeo event - The Rodeo Rumble. JD and George lined up . . .

. . . and ran the race.

THEY WON!!! We didn't want to burst JD's 5 year old bubble when he REALLY thought he won.

The Rodeo mascot was there to greet all the winners.

You always have to ride a horse at the rodeo. JD made sure he kept one hand in the air like a real cowboy riding a bucking bronco.

The petting zoo was fun. This lama got a little friendly with me. I guess I was the only tall person with food. JD had his food cup stolen by a deer. Notice the deer has it on his nose trying to get every last drop.

The lama got a little out of control. I almost lost my hat.

JD got up close and personal with a longhorn.

After all that action a corn dog was just want the doctor ordered. OK - maybe not the doctor since it was fried in artery clogging grease. It was tasty.

JD had to test drive a couple ATVs.

We couldn't go past the jumping station without giving it a try. When the lady running it asked him if he wanted to go higher he squealed in delight and said YES! It would have made me throw up, but he loved it.

My parents would have never spent money on carnival rides, but I just couldn't help it. JD wanted to ride the carousel. . .

. . . and the motorcycles. . .

. . . and the helicopter . . .

. . . and the caveman train.

Our last stop was the Dell tent. JD watched a cartoon in 3-D. What a funky city we live in. You can buy a computer and a John Deere tractor at the same event.

Kindergarten Rodeo

2011-03-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

Today was Kindergarten rodeo.
All the little buckaroos gathered at morning assembly to learn about how the tradition of rodeos began.

Everyone had a "horse" that they corralled as they rode from station to station. JD's horse was actually a bull. Anyone can ride a horse but it takes a real man to ride a bull.

JD's class listened to instructions and learned that the bollo tie is the official tie of Texas.

He wore his new tie with pride.

The next station was the chuck wagon. JD was served beans and cornbread which he said weren't NEARLY as good as the beans I make. What a boy!!

After the chuck wagon station my time slot as a volunteer was up. I looked at my watch and realized school had just BARELY started at Bowie. I had a sub for my first and second periods but I was ready to head back to high school. Five year olds are EXHAUSTING in comparison to my Seniors. Once again - I don't know how kindergarten teachers do this all day every day.

JDisms

2011-03-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

JD and George participated in the ward kite flying contest/party. It really was a lot of fun and almost TOO windy.

Yesterday JD informed me that we needed to go home and eat a lot because today was "Fat Patrick's Day." HA HA HA HA HA I guess he was SORT of paying attention in school and combined Fat Tuesday with St. Patrick's Day.

Blue Men!

2011-02-27T11:53:00.000-08:00

Our family went to see The Blue Man Group on Saturday. The view of the city from the Long Center is pretty spectacular, even on a cloudy day.

JD studies the program so he would know what is coming up. We LOVED the show. JD laughed so much I think he hurt is laugh muscles.

Somehow pizza has become our Sunday tradition. We made is a couple Sundays in a row and so now JD thinks we should make it EVERY Sunday. That's ok with me since pizza is both entertainment and then food. Here the angry bird watch over our yeast.

JD stirs in the flour. Trust me, it was yummy when we were finished.

Duct Tape Anyone

2011-02-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

Education budget cuts have created some pretty "interesting" faculty meetings. We get some choices and votes on what to cut, BUT, as one history teacher said, "it feels like we are voting on which train to take to Auschwitz. When I started seeing these duct tape club signs popping up it made me smile. Maybe if we all did a few duct tape arts and crafts it would improve our mood.

Bumper Cars

2011-02-22T07:59:00.000-08:00

Monday was "mom's eat free" day at our local pizza buffet and gameroom. JD is a madman on the bumper cars -- watch out when he turns 16!

Like Father Like Son

2011-02-20T15:36:00.000-08:00

I like it when my boys wear tie dye to Sams. It makes it easy to spot them when I wonder off to look at books and then try to catch up. Notice I found them in the candy aisle. I wonder whose idea that was. With them there is no telling.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

JD's Kindergarten class had their Valentine's Day stations this afternoon.

He started out decorating cookies.

The kids played a game using conversation heart candies.

They also colored sun catchers. It was a super busy afternoon. I don't know how kindergarten teachers do it. It was EXHAUSTING!!

That wasn't the end of the day! JD came back with me to school and helped teach my last class of the day. He helped pass out some Valentine's Day candy to the big kids. After being in Kindergarten for a couple hours it was REALLY NICE to come back to the peace and quiet of big school.

Kyle Visits Austin

2011-02-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

We were happy to have Kyle come visit us for a couple of days. We went to some of the places our guests seem to always go. The world's biggest fiberglass longhorn outside the Co-op.

Everybody LOVES Rudy's!

And, it was even warm enough to eat our creamed corn and BBQ outside. Too bad Marci and the girls couldn't come. They would have enjoyed a run in the sunshine at Rudy's back 40.

JD with the Young Women

2011-02-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

The Young Women worked on a camp activity last night. Since dad wasn't home from work yet, JD got to be a young woman. He sat in the tent and ate popcorn and starburst with them. It looks like he was being more attentive that some of the girls.

We Have Snow

2011-02-04T07:23:00.000-08:00

I know this isn't much for most people, but for us in Texas, this is a blizzard.
JD could hardly wait to get out and play in it this morning.

The neighbor took our picture. I look like that lady in the "black is flattering" commercial. I have on George's coat but it was much warmer than mine.

Yes, we have snow in the back yard too.

JD tried to make a snow angel but the dog jumped at him as if to say, "what is wrong with you laying down in that cold stuff?"

AHHHH, a snowball fight with the house. School was cancelled so we have all day to play.

Happy Weekend

2011-01-30T10:04:00.000-08:00

We've had a hard week here in the world of school budget cuts and teacher layoffs. Stay tuned to see what the final verdict is from the school board and whether I still have a job.
In the mean time, we needed a sweet distraction. JD made these brownies complete with food coloring paintings on top.

We were SUPER EXCITED to be invited to a birthday party for one of our old friends from preschool. JD hugged friends he hadn't seen in months and played like a monkey.

There were lots of fun things to do at my gym. . .

. . . including this ball pit.

As I was sorting through the weekend pictures I found this one. OH MY - I didn't know my mother was at the party - but sure enough - that's her old lady hand. YIKES!!

3 Plastic Dinosaurs

2011-01-26T06:23:00.000-08:00

Who knew that three plastic dinosaurs could be so much fun. Night before last they peered over the edge of our mixing bowl and watched our pizza dough rise. Stegosaurus got flour on his head and had to take a bath with JD.
Last night while I watched the State of the Union, JD got out his measuring tape and measured everyone. He labeled each one with a post-it note to show how long it was.

Thankfully, he put the three dinosaurs to bed in the recliner and not with us. They just aren't very cuddly.

Symphony

2011-01-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

JD came to my school to hear the Symphony play. One of the people working with them was nice enough to take him back and let him play some of the percussion instruments. I didn't get a very good picture but it was COOL.

On the walk back to class this artwork caught JD's attention. I don't remember art being this fun when I was in school.

FIRE

2011-01-19T18:50:00.000-08:00

In preparation for girls camp the Young Women made fire this evening.
JD heard fire and instantly had his shoes and jacket on ready to go. OK - I know he isn't a Young Woman but littly boys can't miss out on fire . . .

AND smores -- YUM!!!!

Spooky Pet

2011-01-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

JD says he wants a "spooky pet." Lulu doesn't count as spooky since she is fluffy and comes when you call.
We went to the exotic pet store just to see what all these spooky pets were about. This giant iguana looked interesting.

Mostly JD was interested in the snakes. I said DEFINITELY NOT to all the scaly pets. SO - unless you are afraid of curly tailed dogs, it is still safe to come visit.

Pizza

2011-01-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

JD and I made pizza after church on Sunday. The dinosaurs are there to oversee the project. Notice that he has arranged the mini pepperonis to look like a smiley face.

Mini Vacation

2010-12-29T06:29:00.000-08:00

I decided our family needed a mini vacation this week. We took Lulu to Petsmart (JD says that's where sad, lonely dogs get dropped off while their people go on vacation) and away we went.
I was a little surprised when JD came to the door with his hands full of dinosaurs and announced, "I'm ready to go." I guess plastic dinos need a vacation too.

Our first stop was the Witte museum to see the giant bug exhibit. JD wasn't too sure about this huge tarantula. We had to do the exhibit a second time before he was convinced it was safe.

You can't visit San Antonio without a stop at the Alamo. What interested JD more was the wax museum across the street.

He posed with his favorite star.

Normally, you eat Mexican food on the riverwalk. That is --- unless you have a 5 year old boy who sees the sign for the rainforest cafe first. We got to sit right by the gorilla who shook the tree and made threatening sounds every 15 minutes or so.

JD and his pet T-rex enjoyed the view from our room. Mostly it was a view of the neighboring building's room. JD still thought it was fun to look out over the whole city.

After all that fun there was nothing left to do but hug your new toys and fall asleep going home.

Christmas

2010-12-26T15:23:00.000-08:00

JD left cookies and milk out for Santa. When I tried to get a picture with them it was too funny. He has become quite a posser.
Here's his "I'm too cool" look.

Followed by a couple of silly faces.

Notice JD and I have matching PJs. HOORAY

Christmas morning Lulu helped supervise the opening of the presents.

What can it be?

Beyblades were the toy of choice this year.

George was very surprised by his South Austin t-shirt.

Finally, it was off to Grandpa's house to play with another cousin.

Christmas Eve with Grandma

2010-12-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve with Grandma always begins with the making of the menudo.
George and Grandma prepare the tripe (cow stomach - yum) before adding the best part . . .

. . . pig feet. YUM YUM

George carefully stirs this culinary delight which has to be cooked outside because of it's lovely aroma. Even though I don't eat any, it is a fun process to watch. I'm happy for JD to be part of the tradition.

JD puts on a Santa hat to help Grandma and Aunt Sandra distribute the presents.

JD played with cousin Alexis. Alexis is super cute and like all of JD's girl cousins, REALLY into the whole Princess thing.

Nativity Animals

2010-12-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

When I asked JD what he wanted to do for fun today he said, "go to the dinosaur museum." GEEEE, really???? What a surprise! (read with sarcastic tone).
When we got to the museum we found this unexpected surprise. The animals from the Rockette's Christmas show were camped out across the street. George and I went to the show last night. It is pretty cool - they bring live animals on stage for the final scene with the baby Jesus.

The camels were very friendly. They let us pet their noses and showed us their camel teeth. The caretaker told us to go on in and pet them. He and the camel had matching teeth.

JD worked on wrapping a few last gifts and we are now ready for Christmas.

Boys of Summer

2010-12-22T13:55:00.000-08:00

JD and his friend Lincoln played a little baseball today. I had to laugh when Lincoln told JD to "aim for the bat." Neither of them is ready for the big leagues.

JD and Santa

2010-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

We actually visited Santa quite awhile ago but I just now got around to scanning the picture to put online. JD was much less scared of Santa this year. ALSO, dad told him if he didn't talk to Santa he wouldn't get any presents.

Day Full of Fun

2010-12-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

We went to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar to see the Biscuit Brothers. This was JD's favorite vendor. He created these really interesting monsters. Everything at the Bazaar is pricey but we enjoyed looking.

Next, it was off to Gatti Town. JD loved this motion ride and. . .

. . . these bumper cars. He was been waiting and waiting to be tall enough to ride. Today he was. Man were they fun!!!!!

Day Two . . .

2010-12-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

and the fun continues.
JD played with my camera this morning and took this picture of himself.

AHHHHH - I love Texas in December. It is finally cool enough to go to the playground without having heat stroke.

On the First Day of Christmas Break . . .

2010-12-18T06:39:00.000-08:00

JD and I finished our Christmas shopping.
These trees at Nordstrom are the prettiest in the mall. Don't get too excited if you are on our Christmas list your gift didn't come from Nordstrom. I like to park at that end of the mall to go in and look at shoes as I go by. When George drives we park at the Sears end and look at tools. George wasn't with us today so Nordstrom it was.

JD sang with the Primary children at the Ward Christmas party. It was a good beginning to our break.

JD's New Pet

2010-12-16T18:24:00.000-08:00

A friend has asked us to fish sit over the Christmas break. JD was too happy to take on the task. He woke up at 5:45 this morning and hopped out of bed to feed the fish. He forgot to feed the dog last night --- but that fish got it's food. JD says he loves the fish and wonders if we can put a lid on it and take it on vacation with us.

JD Loves Science

2010-12-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

In his after school Voyager class JD has been learning about animals. Last week they talked about anacondas and then each child made several segments that were taped together so they could see how long the snake was. YIKES - I hope I never see one of these guys.

Today was science day at the Texas History Museum. JD and dad made a space ship. The goal was to have a ship that the astronaut (aka cotton ball) didn't fall out of.

Astronaut food didn't look very yummy.

As we were leaving JD wanted his picture taken by the "lonely" star. I know we have lots of pictures like this, but how can you turn down a picture request like that?

My Hero

2010-11-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

I waited in this line this evening to listen to my favorite Supreme Court Justice speak. I know I'm a geek and that "normal" people don't have favorite Supreme Court Justices.

There she is -- Sandra Day O'Connor. She was fabulous!! She was an excellent speaker with a good sense of humor. She also seemed remarkably humble for all the things she has accomplished. She said the only reason she believe Reagan appointed her to the court was because she grew up on a ranch and knew how to ride a horse and Reagan liked horses. That and there weren't many Republican women to pick from.

Any Random Sunday

2010-11-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

The Young Women are going to make Christmas ornaments on Wednesday night. JD was kind enough to make the samples for me. Of course, Lulu had to be in on the action too.

The ice cream man here on the poor side of town doesn't even have a truck. He rides a bicycle and pulls his treats behind him. When JD hears the bell he runs for an ice cream. I feel sorry for the man trying to make a living this way and alway buy something.