Talking to an Astronaut!

Sam's school was chosen as only one of a few in the country to make contact with the International Space Station and ask questions to one of it's astronauts.  It was an exciting announcement for the school.  We were even more excited when we found out that Sam was going to be one of the twelve students selected to ask questions.  
His school made a connection with ham radios to talk to astronaut Mike Hopkins in space. Sam and I spent some time reading about what was happening on the space station and used that information to help him form his questions.  He asked Mike Hopkins what experiments he was working on in space.   His second question about the effect of space on your body ended up being asked by another student but Sam was able to ask another question instead.  
I was able to go and sit in the library to watch the kids make contact.  Everyone was a little worried since a school in New York had, had trouble earlier in the week making contact and were only able to talk for two minutes of their allotted nine minute window before the space station would not be able to pick up the signal.  After one failed attempt to connect it was so exciting to hear "Good morning Rock Bridge Elementary this is astronaut Mike Hopkings on the International Space Station."   Many of the adults in the room talked about getting goosebumps.  The kids were excited but I'm not sure they grasped just how cool and great of an opportunity this really was.  
They were also lucky that Dr. Godwin, a former astronaut who lives in our community, was there for the experience and stayed and answered even more questions for 45 minutes after the kids talked to Mr. Hopkins.   Sam was thrilled about the whole experience and I think it was one he will not soon forget. 

Sam waiting to make contact with the space station. 

Sam asking his question of astronaut Mike Hopkins. 

Hoops Celebration

Sam's basketball season came to an end a few weeks ago.  While I am happy to have my Saturday mornings back he was sad to not see his teammates each week.  Luckily, a few of the kids on Sam's team will be going to his middle school next year so he will get to see them more often.  They did not have a real successful season in terms of wins but they had a lot of fun, got some exercise, and learned more about the game of basketball so in my mind it was a success. 

The boys receiving trophies from Coach Steve and Coach Evan after their last game.

End of the season pizza party at Shakespeare's!

Spectacular Seven!

Ella is seven!  She was so excited to celebrate her birthday.  It started the day before when Grandma and Grandpa came into town to take her to lunch.  She chose to go to Fudruckers.   We never go there, but we went there for lunch last year on her birthday so I guess that made it a tradition.  She enjoyed getting a shake and having Grandma and Grandpa come just for her! 
On her birthday she celebrated all day long.  First, she took in cookies for her class as her treat.  Then, parents at her school often bring in lunch for kids on their birthday so I went and got one of her new fast food favorites, Subway.   It was fun and entertaining eating lunch with her and her table mates.  After school she was able to open her presents from us.  John had told her she could pick whatever she wanted for dinner that night.  She wanted her dad to make bbq chicken on the grill and friend zucchini.  She finished that off with some cornflake cookies she had requested.  Not a bad way to spend your first day as a seven year old! 

Twin Day

It was twin day at school a few weeks ago.  Ella and her best friend Jessie dressed up in their Mizzou cheerleading outfits.  They were so excited to be dressed alike for the day!