May

I think every year I block out just how busy May really is, but this year has been jam packed it seems. 

May 6th we went to a Rough Riders minor league baseball game with several members in our church. 

Playing catch on the field before the game

Ryan got to throw out the first pitch

The kids have had a lot going on in the past couple of weeks it seems.  Here's the highlights. 

Nicholas' final Spanish Schoolhouse performance was May 18. 

Then the following week,  he "graduated" from pre-school.  

With Ms. Sharon, his English teacher

after graduation snack with his best bud, Elias

With director, Ms. Gaby and assistant director, Ms. Janie

With his teachers Ms. Gaby and Ms. Andrea

Mikaela's LEAP class submitted a video for the REEL Voices video contest put on by the district and they were a finalist.  We went to a Red Carpet event where they got a certificate and recognition on stage.  There are some very talented kids!

The Polar Express

On Sunday, we surprised the kids with a trip to the North Pole aboard The Polar Express, aka Texas State Railroad, in Palestine Texas.  We arrived about an hour before departure to walk around a bit, take some pictures, shop, and prepare for the ride.  Prior to boarding, they reenacted a scene from the movie and then allowed us all to board.  We were in the Open Air car which made for a chilly ride (especially coming back) but we had coats and blankets, so we were prepared.  One the way they served cookies and hot chocolate.  After arriving at the North Pole, Santa came aboard and gave every child a bell from his sleigh.  We stayed overnight in Palestine which is always a fun treat for the kids staying in a hotel.  The hotel even had Polar Express craft time in the lobby in the afternoon before we left.  My parents came along.  It was good to spend time with them as well. 


Craft Time at the Hotel:

making paper trees

making bead candy canes

writing a letter to santa

The Polar Express:

in our Christmas pajamas

reenactment

The North Pole

Looking at his bell from Santa

with Periquito Azul - his school mascot

First Days of School

Nicholas started Pre-K on Monday 8/14.  He is in Clase de Venezuela with Sra. Gabi y Sra. Andrea in his final year at Spanish Schoolhouse.  We have loved this place and look forward to all he'll learn this year.

Mikaela started 2nd grade today.  She continues dual language at Independence Elementary with her homeroom teacher as Sra. Valle and her English teacher as Mrs. Ruiz.

Mommy has lost her job as the chalk artist.

Actual first day

 We go to campus before actual start of school and stage photos.  Since I teach and Daddy has to get to work, and Mikaela doesn't seem to feel like we need to walk her into school anymore, this just works out better for us.

We had fun with this one.  Nick really does want to go to school with Mikaela.