For the Love of Books

Some of us had already left, but a quick picture before
heading to the theater. 

This past year I was able to join a wonderful group of women in their book club.  The ages of the women vary greatly which makes our discussions all the more interesting.  I have enjoyed getting to know each of them and hear their takes on the literature we are discussing.  They have become friends and I will miss meeting with them each month when I return to teaching.  Last month one of the books we read was turned into a movie.  We decided that was great opportunity to meet in the evening have appetizers and go watch the show together. We had a nice evening out with just the ladies.  

Magical Night at Matilda

I have been wanting to take Ella to Starlight for a few years but have never found the right time to do so.  When I heard that Matilda was going to be coming I decided I needed to make it happen.  Ella has not read the book but loved the movie and she is really enjoys musicals so I thought this would be perfect.  We invited my mom to come along and join in the experience with us, she loves shows at Starlight too.  We were really excited until a few days ahead of time when we began worrying about the weather.  The forecasts were calling for rain all evening, not what you want to see an outdoor show.  
The night of the show rain was still in the forecast so we packed our rain gear and hoped for the best.  We couldn't have hoped for anything better.  The ran held off until the end of the performance and then it was only a few sprinkles until we made it dry and safely to our car.  The cast and the show were great!  They kept us entertained and had some really enjoyable dance numbers.  Ella is definitely ready for another show at Starlight. 

Showing off her program.

Our view of the stage.

Excited to see the show with my girl. 

Great photo with Grandma by the fountain. 

That Water is Cold!

This is our fourth RBE Field Day and by far it was the coldest.  Normally it is warm and the kids can not wait for the water games.  While I didn't see any one choose not to participate in the water games, there were some goosebumps and chattering teeth when they were through.  It wasn't raining though like last year and the kids were able to be outside so that was a definite improvement.  Ella was cold but didn't want to wear her jacket to keep it dry to put on later in the day.  Despite one mishap with a rubber duck to the eye (a whole other story) she had a fun morning.  

I enjoyed my morning too. I was in charge of Sacajawea with Mary and Amber (who also happen to be the moms of two of Ella's good friends).  Mary and I ran the same game two years ago so we felt like experts this time around.  At our game the kids work together to ski to a cone (see the last picture) and then hop back to the original cone in a potato sack.  It is always fun to watch the kids and see them working together.  

Her facial expression says it all!

Always a good day though when you are outside playing. 

Tap and All That Jazz

Ella's dance recital was last Sunday.  Both her tap and jazz routines were in the same recital on Sunday this year which worked out well for us.  She also had a soccer tournament the same weekend so she was able to play soccer in Kansas City on Saturday and dance on Sunday.  Her performances were excellent!  She was front and center during most of her tap routine and at the front during part of her jazz routine too.  Her tap teacher even rewarded her with a scholarship for next year!  

Forget All Your Troubles, Forget All Your Cares and Go Downtown!

In third grade one of the big social studies units is communities.  The heart of many communities is their downtown.  The students took a field trip to our downtown.  They visited with four local businesses.  They learned how the businesses got their start and what they do to keep their business running.  They had some really great questions they asked the business owners.  

Ella's group started with The Canvas on Broadway.  At The Canvas you paint pictures with the help of artists.  Their second stop was American Shoe.  American Shoe is a family business that has been around for close to one hundred years.  The family that owns the store has a child in Ella's class.  They gifted each child with a pair of Choco sunglasses that the kids all loved!  Their next stop was Harold's Doughnuts which is a newer business downtown.  They enjoyed Harold's and learning about making doughnuts.  The final stop was the park where a manager at Shakespeare's came and talked to the kids about their business.  

After the talks the kids played and had lunch in the park.  They were able to eat Shakespeare's Pizza and Bucks Ice Cream.  They enjoyed the day and learned a lot of wonderful things.  Maybe we have some future business owners in the group!  

Ready to hit the town! 

Listening to the owner of The Canvas.

Learning the history of Harold's Doughnuts.

Class photo

They learned about Shakespeare's then had it for lunch! 

Urban Farm

Ella's class had some visits earlier in the year from the people that run the Urban Farm in Columbia.  They worked with them in the outdoor classroom at their school then invited them to come see the Urban Farm in the center of Columbia.  The kids learned about the farm, some of the vegetables they grow and the lifecycle of many plants.  They were also able to help prepare lunch.  They harvested spinach, peeled and cut carrots, peeled oranges and sliced bread.  After their work they were able to enjoy lunch with their friends.  It was a great morning! 

Learning about knives and knife safety from a local chef. 

Peeling the carrots for lunch. 

Making her mom nervous with that big knife.

Enjoying the fruits of their labor. 

Lunch at the farm.

ConGRADulations!

Our third niece graduates from high school this coming weekend.  Sarah will graduate at the top of her class and follow in her sister's footsteps attending The University of Arkansas.  Unfortunately, both of Ella's dance classes perform in a recital on Sunday so Ella, Sam and I will not be able to attend.  John is going to go to her graduation though and represent our family.  
The good news is that Sarah's graduation open house was last weekend so we were able to go down and celebrate with her then.  We were able to spend both Saturday and Sunday with the Lowes and help a little with party preparations.  She had a fun open house with a mashed potato bar.  A lot of guests stopped by to wish Sarah well and congratulate her on all her accomplishments.  We could not be more proud of the young lady she has become and have no doubt she will be successful in college and beyond.  

The Graduate!

Cupcake toppers I made for Sarah's party.