Class Trip 2014

Every year, each class at Waldorf takes a class trip.  Some years the trip is set (3rd grade is always a farm trip) and sometimes the trip varies according to what the class has studied that year or what the teacher deems a good idea for his/her students.  This year, Grace's teacher suggested that they visit her home in New Hampshire (our town is not her permanent home)!  Almost without exception, anyone I tell this too has the same reaction which involves surprise, genuine puzzlement and frankly, wariness. However, I knew from the moment I learned about the trip that it would be truly special and exciting for Grace, who simply loves her teacher.

After all, how often does a student get to visit her teacher's beloved home?  Bryce was asked if he could chaperone and I'm honestly not sure who had the better time - Bryce or Grace.  The trip was a rousing success and one that I don't believe any of the children will soon forget because eating (delicious) meals around your teacher's table makes for some magical moments, even if the children don't realize it.  Bryce really enjoyed getting to know the children better and genuinely loved spending time with each of them.  He considers Grace truly blessed to be surrounded every day by such an interesting group of people.

They were gone for five days and in that time they hiked Pitcher Mountain - where a serious game of capture the flag ensued, toured the Badger Company, made their own pizzas at a former student's bakery, took the Cog Railway to the top of Mt. Washington and hiked the Flume Gorge.

I didn't hear from Bryce very often but my favorite text from him went thus...

Me: Were there enough cookies? (I had made cookies and was worried there weren't enough)

Bryce: Plenty of cookies.  Had them while Signe read from The Fellowship of the Ring.  Dinner was good.  Mac and cheese from scratch with garlic buttered broccoli.

Because really, how awesome is it that in 6th grade these students are sitting around eating cookies while their teacher reads to them?!

Sixth and Third Graders

As I type this I find it preposterous that I now have a 6th grader.  6th grade.  As in middle school! Since Grace is continuing on at Waldorf we don't have that big transition to a bigger school so it doesn't feel like it's quite as big of a deal as it would have had she stayed in the public school system but still.  6th grade.  

Harris is in third grade and is thrilled that his best buddies are in his class.  I was thrilled that he still will hold my hand walking to school.

The contents of their school cones this year.

Back to School Dinner

A note: as I was uploading these photos I was a bit discouraged at how bad they were (dark, not very well laid out, etc.) but then I remembered this is our real life and not a styled shoot!  It would be a bit silly of me to make everyone wait for stretches of time while I got shots of the table and who really wants to eat cold alphabet soup?

Last night we had our annual Back to School Dinner!

Menu

Alphabet Soup with Rosemary Meatballs

Lettered Dinner Rolls

Notebook Paper Cake

Milk with pencil straws

A yellow straw + a bit of duck tape + a starburst shaped like an eraser was cute with our milk and went well with the notebook cake.  

As you can tell, I decorated this cake in about 10 minutes flat.  We didn't have straight lines but nobody seemed to care!

We also discussed our goals for the new school year.  Grace is working toward learning how to read sheet music and really working hard at Math.  Harris would like to meet someone new and write more often.  

Back to School Celebration

Last night we celebrated the start of school with our traditional meal of alphabet soup, letter breadsticks and a fun dessert.  Obviously I don't need to tell you that I can hardly believe that I have a 2nd grader and a 5th grader.  Those words, "I can't believe they have gotten so big" seem to be the mantra of every parent I know.  And it's because it's true, I really can't believe how big they have gotten.  And awesome, they are totally awesome.

How adorable are these pencil push pops?  I got the instructions from Bakerella and while mine might not be quite as perfect as hers are, I think they are pretty darn cute.

Our theme for this school year is, "Be Courageous." We talked about what this means and how it applies to our family.  Starting a new school, meeting new people, learning new things, going to school without your sister along side of you, admitting when you've done something wrong, standing up for what is right even when it's hard to do, starting a new job/business are all things that we will be experiencing as a family this year and I want to encourage the children to bravely face new things.

Grace had an amazing first day at her new school.  She was so excited when she got home and I hope that we can keep even a fraction of that excitement and joy.  She said, "I think that this school is going to change my life."  I think she might have found her place.

Harris trotted of to school this morning with a smile on his face.  He did admit to having butterflies, but I have a feeling that he is going to have a good year.  His teacher seems to be very kind and just what he needs.

May Day Celebration

Today was the May Day Celebration at the children's school.  I find this event charming and love that it celebrates spring, music and dancing.

Lunch equipment

Do you know what I dreaded most about school starting? Lunch. Ok, I actually dreaded homework and missing my children the most but lunch was right up there too. Traditionally, packing a lunch has not been something I have excelled at. I vowed that this school year would be different and that I would send interesting, yummy and healthy lunches.

In order to help me fulfill this promise I have gathered some favorite things to help me out. The item I have found the most useful and helpful has been our new lunch container. Of course, I love that it cuts down on the use of plastic baggies but I also love that it gives just the right portion sizes. Plus, it's just easy to use.

I don't think that I will really be one to jump on the cute bento food wagon. I think it is adorable but I just don't see myself making the time to do it. However, I do think that these little food picks are super cute and can be used for anything! So far I'm using them for wraps and cherry tomatoes ( I purchased them on ebay). I also bought 6 inch bamboo skewers and have been sending in little kabobs (ham and cheese, etc.).

I mean who wouldn't smile if they opened up their lunch to find this giraffe looking at them?

I'm also trying to send in more little love notes in Grace's lunch. I've found several free printables online and I purchased these on Etsy. My Mom used to send me mouse stories on my napkin. Maybe I can work up to that!

I found these adorable napkins that have been a breeze to use. They are perfectly kid sized and have the cutest embroidery on them.

Does anyone have any fabulous ideas for lunches? I'd love to hear them!

A school tour

Yesterday was an exciting day for Harris. Our local grammar school has a charming tradition of giving incoming kindergartners a tour of the school and a chance to meet some of the teachers. If the new student has a sibling that already attends they get to give the tour! I thought Harris might explode from happiness as Grace toured him around the school- not because he was nearing the start of kindergarten but because his Grace was there.

I have to be honest. My heart broke a little. I'm not dealing well with my children getting older (or myself for that matter!). I just sort of want to freeze time. Is that wrong?

School binders

Grace got her report card the other day and when I put it away she wanted to look through her old school work.  It was easy for her to do because we have binders for each grade.  In them we keep class pictures, special work, notes from teachers and report cards.  Basically, they're for whatever we feel should be kept from the school year.  I should mention that I'm not a super sentimental keeper of school work and preschool art. I definitely keep that which has meaning or is special but lots goes in the trash!

The binders don't take up much space, are easy to keep up with and put things in one convenient place.  What more could you ask for?

P.S. Grace did great on her report card.  I'm so proud of her work and how she is growing!

Chick fest

Grace's class hosted a chick party yesterday in honor of the newly hatched chicks.   The first graders get to participate in a program that allows the children to watch chicks hatch from their eggs.  The eggs were brought in last week and hatched earlier this week.  One

 classroom even had a "chick cam" set up so that over the weekend we could check in on them to see if any had hatched!  On Thursday the chicks were big enough (it's astonishing how fast they have grown) to be handled.  Grace and Harris really loved holding them!  

School has Started

The school year is underway!  I did have to wake Grace up and she did ask if she could sleep "one more minute", but we managed to make it out the door and arrived on time (even without rushing!).  As we were leaving to walk up, we ran into our neighbors so the girls walked together.  Our school has "opening ceremonies" on the blacktop behind the building which is fun for the children.  The principal spoke about the Olympics and how the athletes work hard and set goals.  Then Tucker, the school mascot, came out to the Olympic theme and "lit" an Olympic "flame."  Then all the children, from kindergarten through fifth grade, sang the school song and the students marched into the school.  Grace looked a little nervous as she left.  None of her good girlfriends are in class with her, but I'm sure she will make good friends soon.  

About to go into the classroom.  She looks so big, doesn't she?!

The School Cone

Tomorrow morning Grace will head off to first grade. Last year when she went to Kindergarten we gave her a school cone or a Schultuete. It is a german tradition to send school children off on their first day with a cone filled with school supplies and candy. Apparently some of the cones are bigger than the children! Well, I love a good tradition so I am claiming Bryce's German heritage. Grace really enjoyed getting it last year and I enjoyed buying for it. It isn't expensive to fill because it's mostly supplies that they need anyway. You can get one here (or you can make one).

My two favorite things in her cone this year.....

We got her pencils with her name on them and a "We love you" message on another. I dread when she is too old for that sort of thing.

Grace's school's mascot is an alligator. My friend Kristin got her daughter this inexpensive necklace since it is a gator. I figure imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The packaging is as cute as the necklace!

She also got a pencil case, a flower pencil cover that will stay home, socks to match her dress, Smarties candies and some Kisses (I bought dark chocolate since I "had" to buy the whole bag).

School Days

School starts in 4 days and Grace is out of her mind excited! So leading up to the big moment I thought my next few posts would be school themed (you know how I love themes!). Grace and I had a bit of girl time Friday (thanks Mom for watching Harris) and went school shopping, we also stopped and had a lovely lunch at a fun cafe. We had such a good time I think we should make a tradition out of having a "date" for school shopping. Here's what we got....

I was glad Grace picked out these shoes. As you might know she can be very sensitive about shoes and clothing in general. If they are remotely uncomfortable she won't/can't wear them. These were her favorite and I really like them because they are classic and will go with most everything.

This is the dress she plans on wearing the first day of school-she already has it laid out! You can't tell in the picture but it has little apples on it, she seems to have inherited my love of themes. I'm so proud!

Here is the lunchbox she picked out. This is the first year she will eat lunch at school, and I'm nervous about fixing her lunch everyday. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

We found a thermos that fits into her lunchbox. This is my attempt at thinking that I will send her interesting lunches.