It's hard to believe that nine years ago, our first child, Kevin, was born. Time has quickly gone by since those first uncertain days of having a newborn - and now he's a third grader! It's been a wonderful nine years so far, and we're looking forward to many more wonderful years to come.
Happy Birthday Kevin! We are so proud of you, and love you dearly!!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
BAS Kindergarten Mother’s Day Luncheon
Justin’s class had a luncheon to celebrate Mother’s Day today. Each mother was assigned to bring something to contribute to the meal, and we had the luncheon at the church’s fellowship hall. First, the kids sang several songs. Then we lined up to get our food, and sat down at round tables to eat with our kids.
When the meal was finished, it was time for the kids to go back to their classroom. There was a problem though – it was pouring rain outside. The kids ended up being driven across the parking lot back to the school. They thought it was a lot of fun to squeeze together like sardines.
The luncheon is a very nice way for mothers to celebrate Mother's Day one-on-one with their kindergartener.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Justin’s First Playdate
Today was Justin’s first official playdate. He’s watched his brother have playdates for years, and always tagged along. Now, it was his turn. We let him choose four of his classmates, and invited them over. Justin was so excited for days. He kept talking about what they would do, what snacks they would eat, and what games they would play.
The play date finally came. Two of his friends had siblings that came, along with their mothers. The boys played downstairs, while we mommies sat upstairs and chatted away. After an hour or two, we had snack-time, then the kids went back downstairs to play again.
They made use of the costume chest box and swords. They were all so cute! (It reminds me of Kevin’s past playdates in those same outfits.)
The kids had a blast, and Justin is looking forward to having another playdate soon.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
International Migratory Bird Day Festival
This is our second year in a row to attend the annual International Migratory Bird 
Day Festival at the National Zoo. The Bird Fest celebrates the journeys of birds that migrate from the US/Canada to Latin America/The Caribbean.
There are many exhibits. The kids learned about bird banding, and they got to see several live birds of prey and ask questions about them. They also did a ‘Bird Olympics,’ where they learned about some of the amazing abilities of birds. The ‘Bird Quest’ was fun trying to find hidden birds in an area of trees. They also participated in a ‘Migration Challenge’ where they pretended they were migrating birds. They received a sticker for each of these activities. After getting three stickers, they were given a prize – a wristband. Then there were several arts and crafts to make – their favorite was making bird masks.
Justin made a bald eagle mask, while Brian made a cardinal bird mask
The boys learned how to operate and use a bird tracking device. Justin and Brian tracked a bird several times.
Woodsie Owl made an appearance. I remembered this bird from my childhood - ‘Give a hoot. Don’t polute.’
Kevin and Brian volunteered to be part of a live musical theater about migratory birds. They were able to rehearse beforehand, then when it was time for the audience participants to join, they walked onto the stage and held up their sign which gave an example of how people can help solve the environmental problems that migratory birds are facing. (My camera batteries ran out before the kids part in the program, so I don't have any pictures of the actual performance.)
The boys had fun learning about different migratory birds. It was a nice family activity, and we headed home right when it started to rain.
Day Festival at the National Zoo. The Bird Fest celebrates the journeys of birds that migrate from the US/Canada to Latin America/The Caribbean.
There are many exhibits. The kids learned about bird banding, and they got to see several live birds of prey and ask questions about them. They also did a ‘Bird Olympics,’ where they learned about some of the amazing abilities of birds. The ‘Bird Quest’ was fun trying to find hidden birds in an area of trees. They also participated in a ‘Migration Challenge’ where they pretended they were migrating birds. They received a sticker for each of these activities. After getting three stickers, they were given a prize – a wristband. Then there were several arts and crafts to make – their favorite was making bird masks.
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The boys learned how to operate and use a bird tracking device. Justin and Brian tracked a bird several times.
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Kevin and Brian volunteered to be part of a live musical theater about migratory birds. They were able to rehearse beforehand, then when it was time for the audience participants to join, they walked onto the stage and held up their sign which gave an example of how people can help solve the environmental problems that migratory birds are facing. (My camera batteries ran out before the kids part in the program, so I don't have any pictures of the actual performance.)
The boys had fun learning about different migratory birds. It was a nice family activity, and we headed home right when it started to rain.
