I was waiting to do this blog post because I knew what we'd be doing today. We introduced ourselves to the world of geocaching. We thought the kids would get a kick out of using the phones as a compass and GPS locator as well as following clues. And, we were right!
Our first stop was actually a bust. We couldn't find the geocache box, even though both phones said we were right on top of it and all of the hints and comments from people told us we were looking in the right spot. But, the second stop, along a trail in a nearby park, was successful!
The kids then played in the park for a bit. I needed to run to the store for a couple things, so I chose a store that had a cache stashed somewhere in the parking lot. Jip and the kids searched for it while I ran in for my few items.
I think we may have found a new family hobby!
The rest of the weekend was pretty leisurely. The kids went to a kids' night out at BrickHeadZ while we enjoyed the company of our long-time friends John and Patti. We introduced our kids to the magic of The Man from Snowy River and E.T. And, the kids accompanied Jip on a run at Mt. Trashmore and got to play a little.
This week should be pretty routine for us. Junior Robotics at BrickHeadZ is over, and we are down to two more weeks plus a recital for ballet. Gymnastics and Ninja Zone will continue through the summer, though gymnastics may change in commitment level if we decide Ryleigh should continue to the pre-team level. Ryleigh has also been asked to move up to either Ballet 1 or a Jazz/Hip Hop combo class. We have some decisions to make in the next couple weeks!
RJ's school held its annual Field Day on Monday. It was a very, very long day. The goal was 32 stations in 4.5 hours. We had 3-4 adults herding 23 kids around and it was trying at times. I don't know how RJ's teacher does it solo! Still, the kids had a great time! Some of the stations included water, so I think that made it extra fun.
RJ's class actually bailed before we finished all 32 stations, as by the time we got to station 28 or so, the kids would grab their towels out of the wagon I was hauling around and just lie down for 10 minutes, all but ignoring what we were supposed to be accomplishing at each stop. The kids were tired. Their substitute teacher was tired. Room Mom Amy was exhausted. After Station 30, it was time to change into dry clothes, have a rice krispie treat, and wind down with a story.
On Thursday, Jip was able to break away to have lunch with RJ. They ate their sack lunches while RJ showed off his Dad. I think they both enjoyed themselves.
The whole family made a little run to Target on Saturday. The kids always like to take a pic with the Target dog.
Sunday was a lazy day. Jip and I convinced Ryleigh we should watch the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. RJ sat off to the side and intermittently watched. But, Ryleigh went all in and dressed for the occasion.
This week should be a pretty normal one, at least activity-wise. Weather-wise, it looks a little dicey. But, maybe it will give everyone a chance to slow down for a bit and catch their breaths. As always, pics to come. Until next time, cheers!
All parents know that May is crazy. The weather is unpredictable. Behaviors are borderline. And activities are in abundance.
Our first week of craziness started with RJ's School Spring Music Performance. The 1st graders, 5th graders, and the stringed instrument group all performed. The 1st graders all got herded onto the stage and crowded onto some risers. The theme was hats. The kids sang a song about hats that included some fine dance moves by RJ. Then there was supposed to be a musical (minus onstage actors) with songs and speaking parts. RJ had a little part. As you can hear, he spoke loudly. But, speaking slowly went right out the window. But, at least you could hear him, unlike most of the kids. Still, it was cute.
On Tuesday, Ryleigh's ballet class was cancelled so the girls could have their formal ballet pictures taken. I'm crossing my fingers that her official one came out great. Until I know for sure, the picture I snapped of Ryleigh in the car will have to do.
On Thursday, RJ was supposed to have Field Day. But, our crazy warm weather suddenly turned quite sour and we had rain. And more rain. And still more rain. So, Field Day was postponed until the following Monday. But, the good news is that I'm truly prepared. As Room Mom, I helped RJ's teacher get t-shirts made for each kiddo. Each class was assigned a state, and RJ's class was given Georgia. So, I developed a coloring page. RJ's teacher had the kids color it the way they wanted then sent home the pages with RJ. I scanned them and printed them onto iron-on transfer paper. The kids brought in t-shirts and I ironed on all of the designs. We'll find out tomorrow whether they turned out to be as cute on as they are on the counter.
Jip had his last duty day on the ship, and possibly the last duty day of his Navy career, on Thursday. Since Jip wasn't able to pick up RJ at BrickHeadZ, Ryleigh and I stayed for open build. Both kids had a great time, as usual!
Friday night was RJ's School's Dolphin Dash, a fun run fundraiser for the PTA. It was supposed to be outside, but again, the rain put a stop to that. So, Jip and the kids walked 10 laps around the school hallways. The kids played giant Kerplunk and giant Connect 4 in the gym. They got completely worn out playing soccer with an oversized inflatable ball. They had a great time!
On Saturday, one of RJ's classmates had a birthday party. So, Jip was a brave soul and took both kids to Dave & Busters. Then, all three of them bolted from the party early so RJ could attend a Ninja Zone class.
I enjoyed breakfast in bed on Mothers' Day. Then we headed to Hickory Ridge Farms for a couple hours. Hickory Ridge is where I've taken the kids the last two Octobers to play and get pumpkins. But, a few weeks ago, the mid-day, mid-week tornado destroyed their farm stand and the play area. The community pitched in and built them a new stand, stairs to get on their hayride, and started building new play houses for their play area. Today, vendors, a DJ, food trucks, and a ton of people enjoyed a beautiful day to support the farm. We didn't pick our own berries like most people did, but the kids played hard and we brought home some goodies.
Phew. It was a busy week. This week will start off crazy with Field Day, but hopefully we should be back to our normal routine by the end of the week. As always, pics to come.
Ryleigh's school celebrated May Day with a little singing performance. Sorry for the wind in the videos, but I think you can still hear the cuteness. And, I know you can see it.
Jip was in DC all week, but he was home in time to host his Chiefs and Officers for a taco party on May 6th. I think we had around 40 people in the house at once. Remarkably, it didn't feel crowded. We had set stuff up in the backyard, but wouldn't you know it--it started raining as soon as the party began. But, people did their usual and gathered around the food in the kitchen and kids played upstairs. I think everyone had a great time. Of course, I have no pictures to prove it, as I was busy socializing. But, Jip did take a couple pictures of the spreads before everyone arrived.
We haven't celebrated (yet) a couple of noteworthy events this week. 1) Jip has been selected as a CAPTAIN. He'll actually be promoted in September of 2018. There were some hints from a couple Admirals that he was selected, but it is nice to see it on paper. 2) RJ has been selected for the Gifted and Talented Program. We are delighted that he will get to meet with other G&T kids and the G&T resource teacher a couple times per week next year.
This week, RJ has his music program. Ryleigh has ballet individual and group photos in her beautiful costume. Jip has overnight duty--quite possibly the last overnight duty in his Naval career. Ever. :) We also have the usual gymnastics and Junior Robotics. Throw in a birthday party and a make-up Ninja Zone class for good measure. As always, pics to come!
Summer arrived early. It has been unseasonably warm the last few days--break out the inflatable pool warm. And that's just what we did. Jip inflated the pool and slide. We broke out the new patio umbrella. We lunched outside. It felt like July. Only it was April. My condolences to you Colorado peeps--I got a Weather Channel alert that you were under a freeze advisory and saw on CSU's Facebook page a video of snow falling in the Oval. We'll send our warm weather vibes if you'll send us some vibes to dry out our backyard (from lots and lots of rain earlier in the week and the pool) before we host a party next weekend!
Now for the paper. Next week is teacher appreciation week. RJ's school recommends different gifts for the teachers each day: a flower for Monday, a piece of fruit for Tuesday, a thank you note for Wednesday, a school/office supply for Thursday, and a small token of appreciation for Friday. RJ is supposed to help celebrate his teacher as well as one of the music teachers and a staff member. Ryleigh's school doesn't make any recommendations, so I will have Ryleigh use the same themes. And, I got busy crafting. The kids helped by painting the jars.
Monday--A Flower (Brooch)
Tuesday--A Piece of Fruit (painted mason jars filled with M&Ms)
Thursday--An Office Supply (sticky note holder with sticky notes inside and a pen)
Friday--A Small Token of Appreciation (Amazon Gift Cards in hinged boxes for their primary teachers, Wal-Mart Gift Cards in apple cards for the other teachers/staff members)
Whew. RJ's stuff is all in gift bags to make it easier to carry on the bus and get to each of the teachers. Ryleigh will just carry hers in since there is no bus involved. They were a lot of work, but I had fun designing and assembling them, and I think the teachers will get a kick out of them.
On Sunday, we enjoyed the last of the concerts in the Virginia Symphony PB&J series. We got there a little ahead of time to enjoy a craft. The concert centered around animal stories, with four different pieces. The main event was Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. The story's narrator was a junior in high school and his baritone voice was amazing. I bet we'll be seeing that kid on the Broadway stage soon!
This week's events include Ryleigh's preschool's spring performance as well as a party for Jip's khaki (Chiefs and Officers) next weekend. We're crossing our fingers for nice weather so people can be outside. Jip is out of town all week for a class, so the kids and I will do our best to get everything ready for our guests--though I don't know what the kids can really do to help me get everything for the taco bar ready except entertain themselves while I slice and dice!
