Nude drawing

While Mason was bathing Kenzie pulled up a chair and drew a picture of him.

She wrote “to Grandma” on it, but her brother got so upset that she erased it and made a revision.

Surprise! Kind-of…

Aunt Kris made an impromptu visit up for June and Bob’s 50th anniversary, which is in less than a month. So, what better thing to do than throw a party! Last Tuesday we decided that four days was plenty of time to plan a surprise party for fifty of their closest friends and relatives. All was going well, until we told the kids. Mason said, “what’s your favorite color Grandma?” She said, “why,” and he sternly put his hands on his hips and said, “It’s a surprise! You’ll know tomorrow.” He then mentioned something later about their anniversary. It was okay, though, I think we still got ‘em. And it was a very lovely party.

All the pictures are here: http://kenziemason.smugmug.com/Family/Bob-and-June-50th/10324392_3vaTy#713754678_4pTCn

So Small

Kenzie sang "So Small" by Carrie Underwood today at church. She did us proud. That girl has nerves of steel. Both sets of grandparents plus neighbor Sandy joined for the special event. Mason enjoyed it...even if he looks a little bored.

5's news...by Mason

Ama's sister is coming tomorrow night from Oklahoma! I have never been there, but her kids Cheyenne and Laney came last summer. The kids are not coming this time. Cheyenne is really mad that she can't come. They have to stay at school.

Self Portrait

5's News...by Mason

I went to the barber shop with my mom and Lauren, a friend. She's a big friend. They spray it with water.

Second grade conference

We met with DW, Kenzie's teacher, for her conference. You may remember that DW moved up to second grade after teaching kindergarten two years ago, with MacKenzie in her class.

It was a great report. From an academic perspective, Kenzie is in the top of the class. Her reading level and comprehension is in the 98th percentile. She is in a special advanced reading group. DW said the biggest challenge is finding books that are both interesting and age appropriate for her. She is learning how to develop stories with plot twists. Her math is on par and she is very engaged in class. Socially, Kenzie is also doing great. She has friends, is a leader, and is able to work through issues. It was a definite proud-parent moment for us, with no issues other than that of keeping her challenged.

Round-off

Kenzie mastered the cartwheel a while ago now, but the lights went on last night for the round-off. Teacher Jessica pulled her aside and talked her through it. When we got home she described it to Cindy, then demonstrated for us.

Why kids shouldn't play with weights

he's fine...really...and we put the weights away.

Gymnastics

I got to watch Kenzie's gymnastic class last night.

First she shows of the "L-Sit":



and then the uneven bars:



finally her handstand (she is on the left in all black):

Basketball training

After a 15 year sabbatical, Cindy is again playing basketball! I am thrilled. First, she loves it and second, the kids get to see her play. I've taken each kid individually to see a game. Here was Mason's turn.

Mason reads at church

Mason had his first turn to "read" at church. Basically he lights the candle and leads the interactive reading. We were a little nervous...fire and a stage...but he did great! You can see that he successfully lit the candle, even without burning Pastor Dave. Took a minute to figure out where to stand, but he took it seriously and was oh so proud of himself!

class picture

 

The Children’s Garden 2009. Back row (from left): Connor, Teacher Cathy, Hayden, Teacher Bonnie, Teacher Debbie, Toby, Teacher Marsha, Ella, Teacher Donna. Front row (from left): Emma, Ryan, Miya, Arden, Jason, Brin, Maddie, and Mason!