Back to School, Round 1

Once the big girls returned last week, we dedicated ourselves to getting things ready for school (after one last trip to the swimming pool.)

Meet the Teacher night was on Thursday, and Grace and Juliet have Mrs. P, who was Emily's teacher.  They got to pick their own spots, at least for day one, and Juliet had her fingers crossed that Kennedy would pick the spot next to hers.

William has Mr. C, who was Alice's fourth grade teacher.  I think he's going to do really well in his class. He also saw that he was one of the library helpers, according to the 'job' bulletin board.

The principal snapped this awesome picture of us at the ice cream social/meet the teacher night!  I was impressed that everyone was looking toward the camera and she caught an Alice smile!

One day, Avia needed to go to Meijer, and invited anyone who wanted to go, and they got a donut.  Once Alice signed up to go, I joined as well.  My donut was good.  We saw this M&M display at the QD.

And then, when Emily and I were shopping for a grill cover and school shoes for her, we found this M&M display!

The teachers came by in a scavenger hunt on Friday, and brought goodie bags.  They were able to mark off 3 items from us: "school shirt," "bike," and "all the siblings." = )

And then, the day finally arrived!  First day back to school.  We always walk the first day, and today was no exception.  Emily joined us this morning too.

The twins dressed the same, down to swapping socks, with a few exceptions to help their teacher. = )

They came home happy and tired, here's to a great school year!  The big girls will start next week, in their new district.

later days

3rd Grade Market Day

At the end of May, the third grade team sent home a letter outlining a three week project that their classes were working on.  Parents were asked to help and support their child with their project.

This was the one event during my own fourth grade experience, that my class only viewed, but we did not participate, so I was excited on behalf of Alice. = )

She chose to make some decorative planters out of recycled polystyrene containers.  I helped with the stencil for the paper, and helped make up the booth, but she did almost everything else herself!

Each pot was $3, and came with dirt.  If you added seeds it was $5.  She almost sold out!  The classes took turns, so while they shopped their booth was closed.  Also, to help with sales, the 2nd graders were given funds to come shop the market.

Parents were able to purchase currency at a rate of $1 to 10 bearcat bucks.  I gave each of the twins a dollar to spend, and they had a good time.

As for my second grader, they were the final visiting group to come in, and she won the raffle for the chocolate cake.  It was good, and gone in 3 days. ; )

later days

Alice's Michigan History Field Trip

This past week, the third graders took a field trip each day of the week to go to downtown Lansing for a week of interactive history!  One of the perks of living so close to the state capital.

I was lucky enough to be able to join her on Tuesday, and my mom, despite her recent travels, joined her on Friday.

These pictures are all from my time with her.

This museum is huge!  It is just like the movies when they visit and see all of the exhibits with a mixture of recreations & original artifacts!

For most of the day, we stayed together as a group, and I was just a member of the audience during the presentations.  I even had the opportunity to ask questions!

Admittedly, this was one of the more sad moments I've experienced since we've been here.  Alice learning another states' history over Texas' just feels incredibly sad.  I know it's the reality of living away from home, but it brought me almost to tears (a few times.)

The largest elevator I've ever ridden in: (the entire class fit!)

When it was time to break into groups, our team chose to hang out in the mining gallery.

We met back up with the group to eat lunch, then separated out again to read and journal.  From there it was almost time to go, and I headed out to take William to another doctor's appointment.

It was a fun day spent with my favorite third grader!

later days

P.S.  A picture of Alice making Avia's lunch for the day she came with her class.