These two shots were taken at the open house. I asked Calvin what his favorite thing was to do in preschool, and he said "painting".
You can see the remnants of Calvin's glued lip. It is healing really well though at this stage it looked like dried up boogers.
Some sad news this morning from Minnesota - I was actually at the gym when our local temple appeared on the TV screen showing a scorched front entrance. So very sad. We actually had a RS Temple trip planned for tonight - I assume the temple will be closed today due to the investigation. You can learn more about the importance and sacredness of temples here."Fire broke out early Wednesday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Oakdale. At this point, officials believe it may be a case of arson. The fire started just before three Wednesday morning at the church, located on 2140 Hadley Avenue. By the time crews arrived, the fire had run its course and had self-extinguished. The fire was mostly confined to the front doors, but Anderson says some light smoke got into a front room. Church leaders estimate the damage at $25,000. Investigators found no signs of forced entry, and authorities don't believe the case is a hate crime."
Max chose a relatively subdued backpack, but on school open house night, I noticed it already had a hole in it! We exchanged it for a new one the day before school started. Max has his 3rd grade teacher that he had for language arts last year as his full-time teacher this year. I think he should have a good year as well. His 4th grade teacher seems really nice as well though I am concerned that his desk is right next to several bins full of books. I can see Max reaching over and grabbing a book to read every time he is in class instead of paying attention!
At breakfast, we spent a long time talking to Max about his responsibility to walk to Sophie's class after school was out to walk home with her. We went over staying together, crossing the streets together with the crossing guards etc. So, on the first day of school, I hear the kids getting home and go to the back porch to let them in and it's only Max. "Where is Sophie?!" I asked Max. He looked at me with a completely blank stare and said "Um, I don't know; maybe she took a bus?" Needless to say, I freaked out a little, sent Max running back to the school while I threw the other three kids, sans shoes, into the minivan and raced over to the school. After picking up Max on the way, we arrived to find little Sophie sitting on a bench in front of the school, abandoned on her first day. So sad!! She was not crying, and Mrs. Mehlhaff came over from where she was watching the buses leave with the other teachers to say good-bye to her. Luckily, she had Max as a student and knew it was likely he had forgotten his sister and assumed I would come for her. We had another long talk with Max , had Mrs. Mehlaff talk to Max's teacher and sent notes to remind Max, and he has managed to bring her home every day since. The end. I hope.
I'd like to mention that it turned really cold after these photos and the kids have been wearing coats to school every day since!
If the kids are outside playing, I can stretch out on the couch with a good book and watch them out the window. This is what I can see.
Sometimes when the kids are naughty, like using the hose to water the driveway, a sharp knock or two on the window is enough for them to remember that they are being watched! If Max need to practice his piano which is also in the living room, this is the spot I sit to make sure he stays on task - otherwise Max daydreams for LONG periods of time.
I think we identified these last summer, but I cannot remember what they are really called.
We also get hummingbirds almost daily feeding on the bee balm under the window. Hummingbirds are hard to photograph.
This is what is in bloom right now out the window.
Of course, if the kids are in the backyard, I cannot see them at all. I still love my reading spot - it is going to help me get through winter which is coming all too soon (high of 69 today)!
