Pioneer Days

The big project of 3rd grade was to learn all about pioneers. The kids got to choose a topic from a list. Caleb chose "gold rush". It was interesting to learn about how the gold rush came about! He had to research, create a poster, then present it to families/friends at an evening pioneer days event. He did a great job!! Proud momma!

Posing by his poster. This was the outfit he chose...not super pioneery but that's what he wanted to wear.

Giving the speech to his principal! And he didn't even freak out!

The entire 3rd grade in their pioneer dress.

I love the serious one!

As part of them learning about pioneers, they went on a field trip to the Pioneer Village in Ft. Worth. I didn't even know it existed!

They learned how to dip ropes in wax to make candles.

Ringing the dinner bell.

Learning how to make covered wagons and various tools. Really interesting!!

Watching the blacksmith work with super hot metal.

Spring Break Trip to Austin

One of the kids favorite places is Austin. It's great for a quick little get-a-way. We decided last minute to go for Spring Break. The weather was awesome and we did a lot of hiking...which was ALL they wanted to do! Some of those trails were rough too!

Before the hike. All excited!

Lot of beautiful scenery...and wet shoes for Caleb from slipping on rocks.

There were some steep inclines and drops!

They loved to spend the evening in the hotel pool.

Out for lunch.

Hiking selfie.

They saw some kids getting in a little river and insisted they get in too. It was upper 70s outside and the water was COLD but they didn't care. Just took off their shirts and got in!

There was a rope swing that they just had to try out. Gave momma a heart attack but they loved it!

All cleaned up for dinner.

It was recommended that we eat at a place called "Oasis" because it has an incredible sunset view...and it did!

Because of the lighting it was hard to get great pics. But it was beautiful!

Valentine's Day

I was able to help out with Caleb's Valentine party at school. It was much more low key than I'm used to at his old school where they switch classes every 15 minutes for a different activity during parties. Whew, we just stayed in their classroom.

Cookie decorating...always a hit.

They played a game where they tried to see who could stack the most candy hearts. It was much harder than it sounds! Caleb gave up and wrote out "I heart" then an arrow pointing toward me. Such a momma's boy. :-)

After that they used straws to suck up candy hearts and move them to a napkin..also hard...and spitty!

After the party waiting for Ethan to get out of school.

Mondo and I had a quick Valentine date without kids. :-)

Zoo Day with Mom

The boys had a random 4 day weekend in February for "Family Break" so what better time to go to the zoo? They're always asking to go because we used to have passes when they were little and went all of the time. But...once school starts there's really no good time to go.  We had a great time and if was super empty...because everyone else was in school! :-)

Love the mother/son time. And...Ethan is making a silly face. ;-)

Caleb has always had a random love for meerkats....

...and I think they love him too! This little guy came right up to see him!

Checking out the cute otters.

Yes, when they were little we were THOSE parents who would buy them one small thing at the gift shop. So of course I had to keep up the tradition! ;-) Notice what Caleb chose...a meerkat to go with his collection.