February Activity

Yup, it's dark, cold and even wet outside but some BBQ chicken sure was a taste of summer to come.

Bring on the sunshine and warmth!

Teaching Cole how to use the dremel.

He thought this was cool and has started thinking of other projects so he can use the dremel more.

SUPER BOWL!

Designing the t-shirts.

No one had a "favorite" team this year so picking which team to root for was the most difficult part of the design.

Cole went with LaMichale James (Go DUCKS) while Jo again chose the team Cole did not.

Before Jo finished her shirt she jumped up with a "SHOOT!" and ran to her school backpack to present us with a forgotten birthday party invite.  Start time? 20 minutes from that moment.  She enjoyed the party much more than watching football and her t-shirt has still yet to be worn.

Lego Robotics

This is the first year for Lego Robotics club at school and both kids are having a good time. Their only complaint is that it's the first year and they wont get to compete.

Our district had a "Digital Learning Day" for teachers from all schools to learn new ideas and see what is being taught around the district.

Cole and one of his Robotic partners were chosen to demonstrate at the show. Needless to say he was quite proud!

BFF's

We really enjoy the fact that Karly and Jo still get together despite their family moving away.

The only issue with their sleeping quarters for the night was that Xena (our cat) jumped onto the top and crashed the blankets in on them which caused a little scare and lots of laughter.  Good Xena!

And we can always count on the girls for some sort of baked goods!

Tie-dye cupcakes!  Yummy!

This doesn't happen too often any longer.

But the cuddling sure is nice when it does.

A little Valentine story:

Cole's class not only exchanged valentines but each student also had to write an appreciation for each of his classmates. Awesome idea!
As I emptied his backpack that day I not only found that he gave himself his own valentine card/candy & tattoo but he also wrote an appreciation of himself.
"Cole, I appreciate that I talk to much! Cole"
The majority of his class wrote that they appreciate his humor. I do too.

Asian Celebration

We spent a few hours wandering the Fair Grounds, snacking and trying out all the free activities we could.

Zany Zoo had a booth and both kids were able to hold this alligator.  Followed by Jo holding a snake or two and a lizard and all other animals she could get her hands on.

Cole took advantage of some origami booths.

He is actually quite good at this and not only folded this snake but also made a jumping frog.

Writing "Peace"

Jo: left = Jo's attempt, right = teachers

Cole: left = teachers, right = Cole's attempt.

Oma and Cole jetted off from the festival to baseball tryouts as not only Cole needed to be there but Oma is an official assistant coach this year so she had to help evaluate the players.

Cole is really excited for this season as he has set a goal for himself to make the 10 year old All-Star team.  We are doing our best to support him by offering opportunities around town but also walking that line of not pushing him and making it our goal for him.

At the end of this long day of food, sports and fun we brought two extra kids home as we ran into Karly at the Asian Festival and Cole brought one of his baseball buddies home.

Somewhere in this living room are four kids...

Not to many years left of this boy/girl mixed sleepovers (Oma was a good parent and stayed up until everyone was asleep).

Derpy - My Little Pony

Jo came home from school with a letter she had written to the creators of My Little Pony (MLP).  She was/is concerned that...well heck.  I'll just attach the letter she sent to MLP website. Let me state that I am proud that she had a voice and used it!

Summary: Save My Little Pony Derpy

"I really think you should put Derpy as one of the main Pony's, because I am a really big fan of her. I have a lot of Derpy pictures and seen Derpy in a lot of the My Little Pony episodes. There are a lot of fans of Derpy and I think Derpy is amazing and makes people laugh. Plus she is a really cute pony and she gives out the mail and that is even cuter! But the cutest thing is that she loves MUFFINS!!!
So that is why you should put her in one of the main pony's.
I heard that you might take Derpy off My Little Pony so if that is true please don't do that.
I Love MLP
Jo
age 10"