Full Circle Farm Field Trip

Serafina's kindergarten class walked to our neighborhood farm today.  She was very excited about this field trip even though she has been to this farm countless times and we had a CSA basket from them for years.  

Here she is enthusiastically raising her hand when the farmer asked if anyone had visited the farm before.  

 The kids were allowed to pick a bite of kale and try it.

 Serafina said it was a little "spicy".

 We were also shown the worm bins as part of the composting project on the farm.  Serafina wasn't too sure if she wanted to touch a worm.

 She decided she wanted a worm plucked from the bin and gently placed in her palm.  I ended up doing the plucking.  In fact, all the kids wanted me to pick a worm out of the bin so they could hold them.  Sigh, the things I do for education.

 The chickens had been visited by two other kindergarten classes before we got there so they weren't very hungry.  That didn't keep the kids from trying to feed them.

Perseverance Award

Yesterday was the last award ceremony of the school year and Leo's teachers honored him with the Perseverance award.  Second grade has been challenging for Leo but he truly has persevered and it was wonderful to have that recognized by his teachers.

 The other second grade winners with the principal, Dr. Rogers.

 Tom was there to see Leo receive his award.

 And so was Nana.

Leo was proud of himself too.  Earlier in the year, he was pretty sure he wasn't going to win a Blue Day award this year.  He won one as a kindergartener and last year and his sister won one.  I'm glad he got one this year.  He needed that boost.  

On Thursday, Leo's class performed the same music class songs as Serafina did last week.  I had two dance partners this time - Emily and Leo.  

Room 13 with the music teacher.  

Sunday at the Park

Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been consistently warm enough for the pool to heat up and use it. We would normally just spend the afternoon swimming and using up all their energy.  Since that wasn't an option we headed to the park.  

 And then got a frozen treat, mostly because I was craving it so they just got lucky.

Starting Arts singing

The same art program that taught dance at the elementary school is wrapping up a session of singing classes.  Today, Serafina's class had their last class and parents were invited in to watch.  

 They did some lion roars as warm up.

Here are a couple songs.  She was expressive and enthusiastic as always.  

Here's a song with a dance.  The boy she's dancing with is name Tobin and he's very sweet.

Happy Mother's Day

Leo had a baseball game yesterday even though it was raining when we got to the field.  It didn't bother me because I was working the snack shack.  Here's my adorable helper.  She needs to work on her customer service skills, but she had enthusiasm and that counts for a lot.  

 I didn't get to watch any of the game.  Lots of people were ordering items to warm up - hot chocolate, cup-of-noodles - so we were busy in the snack shack.  He must of had a good game because he was given the spirit award.  Tom didn't get to hear what the coaches had to say when he was presented with the award, but he thinks it's because Leo had a difficult at bat (including getting hit by a pitch) and he still hung in there and ended up with a hit and getting on base.

The kids and I got crafty and made Nana a sign to hang on her balcony.  I'm pretty sure this is the first Mother's Day we've been able to spend with Nana.  We had a great dinner out.  

 The kids had lovely cards and art for me, including this necklace Leo made for me at school.

 This bouquet smells as wonderful as it looks.

I wore my new necklace to dinner.

 I also got Star Wars: The Force Awakens as a gift and we settled in to watch it on our new couch.

Reading to the class

Yesterday, Serafina asked if she could bring a book to school to read to the class.  I guess they didn't get around to it because she got to read it this morning while I was helping in the classroom.  

She did a great job.  I can't believe how much this girl loves attention and being in the front of the room with all eyes on her.  It's so foreign to me, but I deeply admire her confidence and I hope she never loses it.

May the Fourth and Game Ball

While getting ready for school today, we realized it was May the Fourth (be with you) and the kids decided to show their Star Wars  fandom.  Serafina doesn't have a Star Wars shirt so I offered to loan her one.  It looked cute on her but it was unsettling that she can already borrow my clothes.  

 It's also Teacher Appreciation week and today was "bring a flower for your teacher" day.

 This evening Leo had a baseball game.  He did a better job of paying attention and got a hit during his first at bat.  The coaches awarded him the game ball and he was pretty thrilled about it.