Friday, August 31, 2007
Ainsley Riding the Bus
Here's some pictures of Ainsley waiting in the front yard for the bus to come pick her up. It was really cute when she got on, a little boy in the front seat behind the driver stood up when she got on and offered her the window seat next to him. I've got to keep my eye on these smooth talking 5 year old boys.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Goodbye Sleeping In - Hello Mom's Taxi Service
School, school and more school!
The school year kicked off for the kids with a PTA sponsored BBQ on Tuesday night. Hot dogs, chips, cookies and pop filled the hungry stomachs of families as they visited the school and met staff. Because of all the new busing schedules and confusion about how kids were to get to school, there wasn't much time left over for any real talking or orientation with the teacher. Just some brief introductions and arranging supplies in desks. The school supplied everything this year, not even a 3 ring binder was needed. I bought a few things like I did last year. Those few things were supplied by the school and given to Chloe before the first day. So the crayons, glue sticks, pencils and erasers get to stay home for homework use. More likely they'll be used when camp fire starts up in October.
I tried to discuss Chloe's reading ability with her new teacher during that busy BBQ meet and greet. I think she was too busy with transportation discussion, because it seemed like I caught her off guard. I said that Chloe is reading very well, that it surprised us how she took off over the summer. (Teacher, looked at me with a blank stare. Sure she was thinking, "oh no, crazy pushy mom") Then I said, "She has read two Narnia books. " I don't know if she was just trying to get me out of the way but she said, "Wow, I'll be sure to read with her and make sure she is reading at an appropriate level"
School actually started yesterday. Kenny took the day off work and we all went down together to drop off and pick up the kids. Chloe was dropped off at 8:30. Ainsley was dropped off at 12:00 and we went to pick them up at 1:20. (It was a short day, usually they get out at 3:20) Yes, that's right 8:30, 12, and 1:20... three times. Good bye sleeping in late, hello Mom's taxi service. After mulling it over for a bit, I've decided to put Ainsley on the bus at 11:45, to school, and I still pick them both up after school. So that knocked the trips down to just 2.
Chloe's taking her lunch to school, it's very exciting for her. I got her a Lisa Frank lunch box. Something cute but still generic. It's hard to find a non-princess, generic yet still cute lunch box. She loves it and I'm happy sending her to school with a puppy/kitten Lisa Frank lunch box. I used to love Lisa Frank when I was in school.
Ainsley is having trouble with the waiting time between dropping Chloe off and going to school herself. I'm sure that she is just giddy with excitement. Every few minutes she says, "is it time yet?" She's happy to be riding the bus at least once a day. Chloe was sad not to be riding it, but I've smoothed it over by telling her she can ride her bike after we get her a chain.
Ainsley is making a lot of friends and had a good time coloring during her first day of school. Not much to do during that day, Kindergarteners only get an hour on Wednesdays. but she had fun and can't wait to go again today.
Kenny is back to the books again this fall with two classes at WSU Tri-Cities. He seems to be enjoying them and they're not nearly as time consuming as his classes at Regis. He'll be taking the GRE this fall which I'm sure he will do well at.
So anyway, every one is off doing school stuff and Nic and I are just in limbo working around everyones hectic new schedules. But we should have fun this fall too, we have some free time in the afternoon now with just Nic buckle in I should get out and about a bit more.
The school year kicked off for the kids with a PTA sponsored BBQ on Tuesday night. Hot dogs, chips, cookies and pop filled the hungry stomachs of families as they visited the school and met staff. Because of all the new busing schedules and confusion about how kids were to get to school, there wasn't much time left over for any real talking or orientation with the teacher. Just some brief introductions and arranging supplies in desks. The school supplied everything this year, not even a 3 ring binder was needed. I bought a few things like I did last year. Those few things were supplied by the school and given to Chloe before the first day. So the crayons, glue sticks, pencils and erasers get to stay home for homework use. More likely they'll be used when camp fire starts up in October.
I tried to discuss Chloe's reading ability with her new teacher during that busy BBQ meet and greet. I think she was too busy with transportation discussion, because it seemed like I caught her off guard. I said that Chloe is reading very well, that it surprised us how she took off over the summer. (Teacher, looked at me with a blank stare. Sure she was thinking, "oh no, crazy pushy mom") Then I said, "She has read two Narnia books. " I don't know if she was just trying to get me out of the way but she said, "Wow, I'll be sure to read with her and make sure she is reading at an appropriate level"
School actually started yesterday. Kenny took the day off work and we all went down together to drop off and pick up the kids. Chloe was dropped off at 8:30. Ainsley was dropped off at 12:00 and we went to pick them up at 1:20. (It was a short day, usually they get out at 3:20) Yes, that's right 8:30, 12, and 1:20... three times. Good bye sleeping in late, hello Mom's taxi service. After mulling it over for a bit, I've decided to put Ainsley on the bus at 11:45, to school, and I still pick them both up after school. So that knocked the trips down to just 2.
Chloe's taking her lunch to school, it's very exciting for her. I got her a Lisa Frank lunch box. Something cute but still generic. It's hard to find a non-princess, generic yet still cute lunch box. She loves it and I'm happy sending her to school with a puppy/kitten Lisa Frank lunch box. I used to love Lisa Frank when I was in school.
Ainsley is having trouble with the waiting time between dropping Chloe off and going to school herself. I'm sure that she is just giddy with excitement. Every few minutes she says, "is it time yet?" She's happy to be riding the bus at least once a day. Chloe was sad not to be riding it, but I've smoothed it over by telling her she can ride her bike after we get her a chain.
Ainsley is making a lot of friends and had a good time coloring during her first day of school. Not much to do during that day, Kindergarteners only get an hour on Wednesdays. but she had fun and can't wait to go again today.
Kenny is back to the books again this fall with two classes at WSU Tri-Cities. He seems to be enjoying them and they're not nearly as time consuming as his classes at Regis. He'll be taking the GRE this fall which I'm sure he will do well at.
So anyway, every one is off doing school stuff and Nic and I are just in limbo working around everyones hectic new schedules. But we should have fun this fall too, we have some free time in the afternoon now with just Nic buckle in I should get out and about a bit more.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Freezing Cold in the Mountains
We had a great trip to LaGrande this last weekend. My classes went well I think I really helped the couples that attended. I hope the best for them.
We stayed at Emigrant Springs State Park just west of La Grande. It is a beautiful well maintained camp ground. There are enough trees between camp sites that it doesn't feel like you're camped on top of the tent next to you. There is running drinking water to most, if not all sites. The bathrooms and showers are nice, new and free. The showers wern't exactly heavenly along the lines of water pressure and temperature, but as far as camp ground showers go, they are among the best that I've seen. For those not interested in chilling it out on the ground, there are several cabins with beds and heat that are available to reserve.
I have to say that the park was perfect for family camping and the only con was that it was right next to the highway and there was some noise from the passing vehicles. But it wasn't horrible.
Things to remember next trip up. Coats, heaver sleeping bags, blankets, mittens, hats, warm clothes, hot chocolate, coffee, anything warm etc... The temperature dipped in to the LOW 50's at night and was downright chilly in the mornings. Sunday morning the kids were purple lipped during breakfast and every time a gentle, yet frigid, breeze came through Nic would shiver all over and say, whoa it's cold. I think Sunday night I just about froze to death, I had a migraine the entire next day which made the trip home a lot of fun.
We went to Lehman Hot Springs for a dip on the way back, It was lovely (though my head was pounding and I was nauseated). The kids had fun and since it was semi closed it was almost a private pool. I'm definitely planning a trip there this January.
We took the highway through Ukiah and up 395 to Pendleton, which was a long, slow, twisty and turny path. My headache became crippling. We got home though, Malcolm was brought back and we had a calm end to a long weekend.
We stayed at Emigrant Springs State Park just west of La Grande. It is a beautiful well maintained camp ground. There are enough trees between camp sites that it doesn't feel like you're camped on top of the tent next to you. There is running drinking water to most, if not all sites. The bathrooms and showers are nice, new and free. The showers wern't exactly heavenly along the lines of water pressure and temperature, but as far as camp ground showers go, they are among the best that I've seen. For those not interested in chilling it out on the ground, there are several cabins with beds and heat that are available to reserve.
I have to say that the park was perfect for family camping and the only con was that it was right next to the highway and there was some noise from the passing vehicles. But it wasn't horrible.
Things to remember next trip up. Coats, heaver sleeping bags, blankets, mittens, hats, warm clothes, hot chocolate, coffee, anything warm etc... The temperature dipped in to the LOW 50's at night and was downright chilly in the mornings. Sunday morning the kids were purple lipped during breakfast and every time a gentle, yet frigid, breeze came through Nic would shiver all over and say, whoa it's cold. I think Sunday night I just about froze to death, I had a migraine the entire next day which made the trip home a lot of fun.
We went to Lehman Hot Springs for a dip on the way back, It was lovely (though my head was pounding and I was nauseated). The kids had fun and since it was semi closed it was almost a private pool. I'm definitely planning a trip there this January.
We took the highway through Ukiah and up 395 to Pendleton, which was a long, slow, twisty and turny path. My headache became crippling. We got home though, Malcolm was brought back and we had a calm end to a long weekend.
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