Sunday, December 12, 2010

Snow storm




Emma's friend Lauren slept over last night. This morning we woke up to a big snowstorm. The public school has already canceled school for tomorrow. Emma built a snowman and went sledding with the Conlins on Mickey Mouse Hill. Tomorrow is wide open!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Dinner and dancing

Emma and Joe continue our family tradition of dancing for a few minutes after every dinner.

Remodeling continues

Mr. Whiskers being helpful as always
It's starting to look like a usable room.
Now we're getting closer!

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Emma's Debate Team

Claire, Jessa and Emma preparing for round #1
Tess, Emma, Jessa, Claire

Emma had her first debate tournament on Saturday. Her team came in second place! She had a great time and is looking forward to the next tournament in February.

Saturday, December 04, 2010

CHUM annual open house and award ceremony

Joe accepting his award from Bonnie
Adult, youth and child riders of the year.
Amy and Joe
Joe enjoying the applause
Joe and his riding coach Matt (who won staff of the year)
Joe and Tim at the open house dinner

Last night we went to the CHUM annual open house. CHUM is the organization where Joe and Emma ride horses. Joe has been riding with CHUM since he was 14 months old. Joe's class at school also rides with CHUM about once a month. This year he has made a lot of progress and is now riding independently. Every year Bonnie gives out an award to a volunteer, staff, adult rider, youth rider, and child rider. This year Joe won child rider of the year for 2010! Way to go, Joe!

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Let's Jam Together



Joe participated in the jam session at the community music school last night sponsored by CADSA. This is a monthly event led by music therapist Cindy Edgerton. Joe had a blast. He kept saying, "this is so fun!" These two photos were taken during the Christmas carol drumming, singing and bell ringing part of the evening. The second half was the rock and roll session that I watched behind the closed door to save my eardrums from the electric guitars.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Getting ready for Christmas!




This weekend we unpacked the Christmas books and some of the decorations. The kids enjoyed thumbing through their favorite holiday books and listening to the holiday CDs. Tonight we went to the zoo to see the all of the lights and to do a few crafts. The weather is colder and the predictions are for snow this week!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!




So much to be thankful for today.

myths and facts about the first t-giving

On Tuesday I brought a few of my graduate students and one undergraduate to talk with the fifth graders at Emma's school about myths and facts about the first thanksgiving. We had four separate stations where the kids could explore primary sources, language, and general myths about Puritans and the Wampanoag. For the rest of the day the kids had an authentic thanksgiving meal (venison, eel, berries, corn, fish) and then played games that might have been played at the first t-giving.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Boo at the Zoo

This afternoon the kids put on their costumes and we went to Boo at the Zoo. The kids trick-or-treated, went on a hay ride, and walked around to visit our favorite animals (shout out to the red pandas!). It was a beautiful day, in the 70s and very sunny. It doesn't feel like Halloween week. Emma was delighted to meet her favorite radio personality "Alabama" from 97.5. What a day!

CADSA Dance under the Stars!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Saturday afternoon riding

Getting ready for Halloween



This year Emma will be dressed as the Mad Hatter. Joe (pictures will be posted later) will be a dinosaur.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Hobbit


After dinner reading at our house

Calvin and Gracie

Friday, October 08, 2010

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Apple orchard


Here is a photo of Joe with his apple bag during his field trip to the orchard yesterday.