Pop Rocks

Bible study this week was all about Peter and his friendship with Jesus.  To help the girls remember that he was a fisherman, at the end of the study Jessica had this cute fishing game with awesome prizes the girls could fish out. One of Savannah prizes was a bag of poprocks.  She was like "what is this?"  I couldn't believe she's in fifth grade and I had never let her experience poprocks!  As it turns out, her daddy had never tried them either.  Anyway, she agreed to share with Preston and they couldn't wait to try them.  I tried to explain how they would pop and sizzle, but it was quite comical watching them actually try them.  Childhood experience check! :)

Spring Challenge Run

The weather was perfect for Preston's spring challenge run today!!  Thankfully his class has specials early so a 9am start was much better before it got too hot.

Preston always amazes me with his speed.  This time he completed 7.5 laps in just 8 minutes!  (7 laps = 1 mile)  He was so proud of his pace!  He is one fast little dude that is always going at full speed, both at home and school.

Spring class picture . . . before yummy popsicles were handed out. :)

Father/Son First Grade Field Trip

When I found out that Preston's class was going to the Lazy 5 Ranch for their last field trip this year, I quickly asked Dave if he was interested in chaperoning this trip. :)  After all, he did have experience from going with Savannah . . . and I didn't care to be licked by some crazy animals with squealing first graders on a wagon.  Thankfully he agreed, which worked out nicely since I was still in recovery mode from Savannah's long trip AND a week home with these crazy kids over Spring Break.

They visited Patterson Farm first and got to explore many fun things, including a long time playing on the play ground.  They petted and fed animals, mined for special "rare" rocks and minerals, and enjoyed the huge slide all before lunch!

After lunch and playground time they loaded up the bus and headed to Lazy 5 Ranch, where the animals were a bit more exotic.

Dave did a great job capturing the trip through pictures!  Although it was a super hot day, I think both boys had a grand time.

Easter Family Fun 2017

This year we traveled to Burlington on Saturday to celebrate Easter with my family.  It was so nice to have a relaxed morning, get in a long run, and be able to enjoy an unrushed afternoon with everyone.

 After a delicious meal, the kids couldn't wait to start their Easter egg hunt . . . 

Littlest to biggest they were ready to go!

 And enjoyed their loot afterwards!

Then Easter Sunday morning the kids woke to try to find their Easter baskets.  Preston was a bit overjoyed/shocked that he finally got a filtered water bottle along with lots of candy.

 After church we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon that started with a few family pictures, of course.  We went for an almost 3 mile walk on the greenway, the kids planned an egg hunt for us, we grilled burgers outside, and then Dave and I had an Easter egg hunt for the kids.  It was such a relaxed day filled with outdoor fun.

So thankful for my family and for a chance to relax and celebrate our risen Lord today!

Dave found almost as many eggs as I did :)

Reading Through The Break

Savannah set a goal for Preston to read 200 minutes over Spring Break and today he achieved his goal!  His reward was a book she purchased for him with her own money.  It has been such a treat to look out multiple times this week and see the kids relaxing in the hammock just reading a book.

Spring Break Fun Continued . . .

Thursday afternoon the kids along with their favorite sidekick, Katie, set up a lemonade stand.  They made fast work and sold 2 cups of lemonade for $7!  We have very generous neighbors. :)

This morning after my gym class we decided to go to a local farm to pick strawberries.  Although it was a bit more challenging than last year, we still had fun picking our very own fresh berries.  We picked about 3 pounds and enjoyed at least one of those pounds for lunch already!

Tomorrow it's off to Burlington to start wrapping up Spring Break with some COUSIN fun!!

Crazy Candids

When I got out of the shower this morning the kids were so excited to share their pictures with me!

Yes, they had sugar-filled popsicles and made a huge mess enjoying them!

But at least it kept them entertained for a little bit and I actually got a shower (and dried my hair) in peace!!!

Kitchen Experiments

Savannah is still on this baking/cooking kick so anytime I mention trying a new recipe she's all over it.  Monday she baked her first loaf of bread!  It was delicious too. :)

Yesterday she wanted to try an experiment with an Easter snack mix.  Although our candy melts were too old which made this an epic failure, both kids LOVED seeing popcorn come out of the machine.  We got the popcorn maker for a wedding gift (I think) and the box was still sealed closed!  The coupon inside expired in 2003 so clearly we've had this awhile and never used it.

If only I could get her to try making dinner . . . 

Spring Break Staycation Fun

Well, this Spring Break started with a broken window.  Not exactly a good thing, but hey, at least it isn't a broken wrist like last year!  Preston kicked a soccer ball right into the window on the shed which caused it to shatter.

Monday was pretty much an errand and catch-up day.  Preston had an orthodontist appointment in the afternoon, but we did make it to the park for the fun activity of the day!  Preston even saw a buddy from his class there, which was  a nice surprise.

Tuesday we ventured to Carowinds!  It was a bit more crowded that we anticipated, but at least the weather was beautiful.  Several of our favorite rides were not operating, but we still had a great time!

Wednesday the kids and I enjoyed a fun round of miniature golf at one of our favorite places.  Although when we arrived they had drained all of the water from the course?  Very strange, but we still had a great time!

The plan for the rest of the week includes dying Easter eggs and maybe another fun outing, but mainly just enjoying time at home!!

Clemson Spring Game

Today the boys decided to venture to Clemson for the annual Spring game after Preston's soccer game. (As a side note, even though the soccer team only had 6 players they finally pulled out a WIN this season!!)  Savannah and I stayed home to run errands and have some girl time on a beautiful Saturday.

They were surprised to get to the game and see Susan and the girls there too!   

After the game they waited in line 1:14 minutes just to get some ice-cream . . . crazy!  But, hey, that's what the boys wanted to do!  All in all it was a super fun day for everyone.

5th Grade Williamsburg, VA Trip

After getting up at 3:50am Savannah and I were all packed and at school by 5:30 am Tuesday morning, ready to hit the road for her 5th grade Williamsburg Trip!

We made an early morning rest stop in Burlington (where one girl in my group threw up) and then all reboarded the bus headed to Virginia. Thankfully our bus was able to go to Chick fil A for lunch!!

A quick post lunch picture, getting ready to board the bus for Jamestown.

After arriving in Jamestown we were paired with an excellent tour guide.  He explained how the animal hides were skinned to dry and use for clothing . . and the kids got to participate in removing the hair from the hide.

We also were able to board a ship and hear about the sailors would make different knots.  There was lots more to learn, but it wasn't long before we were finished with the tour and were again back on the bus.  Thankfully, we were able to go to dinner first while the other half of buses checked into the hotel.  Golden Corral never tasted so good .  .  . and after dinner and finding our hotel room it was off to an 8:30pm Legend tour.  It was a LONG day, but we were grateful to arrive safely and healthy!

Day Two Started bright and early with a 6:25 am wake up call.  Not many kids complained because they were all eager to get to Colonial Williamsburg!  This was the highlight of the trip for me.  It really made history come alive!!

We stood in the actual jail (gaol) cell where Blackbeard's pirates were held.  How cool to think they stood on the floor that we were standing on.

Our wonderful tour guide helped the kids get water out of the well . .  a task that kids in colonial times were responsible for.  The girls smoked the boys with their speed at getting a pail of water out!

Group picture with Mr. Grabon

Right after our tour ended we broke into small groups and rushed to lunch.  We made it to Shield's Tavern just ahead of the crowd and didn't have to wait for a table.  It was delicious!

Then we had 4 hours to explore Williamsburg on our own.  We made great use of our time and were able to see a ton.  We even got to sit through a mock trial case, which was pretty cool.  We saw the milliner, cobbler, printer, visited the post office, tin shop, and many more authentic trade shops too.

Touring the gardens at the governor's palace

And of course we had to make a stop at the famous candy store in the more modern part of Williamsburg.  Yummy S'more!

Day Three started early, but thankfully we had the later wake up call.  After breakfast and packing up we headed for Pamplin Park.  The weather was not looking great when we arrived (tornado watch, hail advisory, torrential rain forecast) but we truly lucked out again.  The storm divided, the sun came out, and we had perfect weather!

The kids learned all about life of a solider in the civil war.  They practiced shooting guns (just wooden ones), toured a plantation and kitchen, and went through a wonderful museum all about the civil war.  After lunch we boarded the bus for home!!

It was a wonderful trip . . well planned and perfect for 5th graders.  I learned so much and am grateful everything worked out for me to be able to go with Savannah!  Memories that will last a lifetime. Thankfully, I have Spring Break to recover. ;)