Jackson's Paradise Park Field Trip.......

The entire second grade visited Paradise Park for a day of fun.  Paradise Park has learning centers that teach science, gold mining, miniature golf, a maze, and rock climbing.  I was able to go as a chaperon.  It's so fun to finally be able to volunteer at events like this because I don't have a new baby to contend with.
Our group started out with a science experiment involving s'mores.  They got to eat them when the estimation portion was over.

Miniature golf for a bit outside.

 Rock climbing was Jack's favorite part.  Not too surprising.  He rocks.  (no pun intended)

We had a picnic lunch outside under a pavilion and then spent some time running relays on the lawn before loading the bus to head home.

I love spending individual time with my kids and watching them interact with their peers.  They are only going to let me go on these field trips until they decide I'm not cool anymore.  Maybe they'll always think I'm cool.  But I doubt it.

Landon's Kindergarten Fishing Field Trip.....

Landon's Kindergarten class went on a fishing field trip.  It was to a fish hatchery, so the pond was stocked.  But that didn't mean it meant for easy fishing.  We were split into groups when we arrived.  I was in charge of Landon and one other boy.  Most parents had only one or two kids in their group.  This was a well supervised event!
First we were allowed to explore inside the hatchery museum for a bit.  They had some huge fish tanks with large fish to observe.

We were then given instructions on how to use the fishing poles and rules regarding the actual fishing procedure.  It was a beautiful day to fish!

We had zero success in the actual catching of fish.  But I enjoyed spending time with this little guy.  We  put our poles away and had a picnic on the lawn.  Landon wanted to take a picture with Nella.  He likes her braids.  Landon loves the ladies!

The kids weren't allowed to ride home with the parents, they had to ride the bus.  His teacher took this shot of him on the way home.  Nothing like fishing to make a boy tired.

Kindergarten Performance.....

Every year the kindergarten puts on a musical performance.  Landon had a leading role with the shaker instrument.  Cutest Kindergartner in attendance!

Dare Camp.....

Fifth graders in our area participate in the DARE program.  Drug Abuse Resistance Education.  At the culmination of the program they attend a DARE camp.  It's a full day involving outdoor activities.  I volunteered this year and was put in charge of the obstacle course races.  They called it cooperative learning or something.  They did an obstacle course, gunny sack races, and then they had a challenge.  The entire group stood on a platform.  Using two boards they needed to get everyone across to the other side without letting either board touch the ground.  It was a challenge.  It was fun to see the different groups working together to accomplish this task.  I only took pictures when Kennedy's group came to my area.  She's one cute girl.  And every teacher I talked to only gave raving reviews.
First up: the obstacle course.

Next: gunny sack races.

Then: the board challenge.  Which she ended up taking a lead role in helping the group accomplish.

I tried all day to get her to take a cute picture with me.  Of course she fights me twice, then smiles cute when a teacher asks her to smile.

I got a shot of the two besties.  Jenna and Kennedy.  Jenna moved shortly after this school year.  It was a sad day in our house.

In order to complete the DARE program, each student is required to write an essay on what they've learned over the short course.  One student from each classroom is chosen to read their essay in front of the group, and then are awarded a stuffed lion for doing an outstanding job.  Kennedy won for her class!  (I'm not surprised)  Then they are all given an award for completion during an awards ceremony.

Kennedy is turning into quite the responsible young lady.  Her sense of humor is starting to show more and she's got quite the funny streak in her.  I love this girl.

Hiking Cave Hollow......

 One Sunday afternoon we decided to take a hike in a local park.  Cave Hollow.  I had just recently discovered this hidden gem while doing a challenge race.  It's a short little hike but lots of character and places to climb makes it enjoyable.  The kids loved it.

The whole family ventured out to explore.  It was a gorgeous spring day.

 This cool face is carved into the rock at the end of the trail.  Kind of fun to see.

Rock the Parkway....

 Every April I run a race.  Rock the Parkway to be exact.  Two years in a row I ran the 10k version.  And loved every minute of it.  And every year I'd say "next year I should do the half because it's such a great course".  This year I had no choice.  They eliminated the 10k option.  I ran the half.  One thing I never took into account for an April half is training through the winter.  Yuck.  I'm a fan of taking an outdoor running hiatus in the cold winter months, then making my debut during a 10k.  I discovered around mile 9 how much I dislike spring half marathons.  Unfortunately for me, it was only mile 9.  I still had 4 more to go.  I finished with my slowest time ever.  And sadly, I'm breaking up with Rock the Parkway.  It was a great relationship.  But we're now parting ways.  I did collect the medal.  And wore it with pride.  And then of course ate a great lunch with some good running buddies.  All in a days work.

 Jenn, Sherri, Me, and Christine post race sporting our bling.

Of course I need to include the post race, post shower shot.

Good bye Rock the Parkway.  It was fun while it lasted.

Mathematics.....

It is known that Ethan is a mathematician.  As a sixth grader, this would be his third time competing in this particular competition.  Also his last year in this specific event.  In seventh grade they move on to another group to compete.  If a student places in the top 3 in one or both events, they move on to state.  This is also the third year Ethan was invited to attend the state competition held in Springfield Missouri.  He won first place in problem solving.  Shawn was the lucky one that got to take him to the state competition at Missouri State the following month. (If I haven't mentioned it previously, Ethan is also taking 7th grade advanced math as a 6th grade student.  In 7th grade he'll take algebra.  And as an 8th grader he will need to be bussed to the high school for his math class.)

Ethan was also able to attend a week long math camp in Bolivar Missouri.  An extensive in depth look into math.  They also taught him ways to improve his skills when it comes to competing in math competitions.  It's not hard to see that Ethan has a knack for mathematics.  A gene he must have  inherited from his father.