6th Grade Energy Expo

Today Evan and I went to Henry's middle school to visit their "Energy Expo".  The sixth graders were assigned to groups to make a group display and individual presentations on a type of energy source.  Henry did such a good job on his part, and didn't even need to use his notecards!

When Henry's group was done presenting, Evan congratulated Henry with a big hug!

Here's Henry's group!

And here's Henry's group being interview by a 6th grade roving reporter.  :)

Great job today, kids!

Groundhog's Day

On Saturday, we packed up our car and left bright and early to celebrate Groundhog's Day in Woodstock, Illinois with my parents. "Why Woodstock?", you ask? And are you wondering if we always celebrate this little holiday in such a big way?

Well...this was the first time we spent more than a few minutes on this particular holiday.   Of course, on the morning of February 2, we'll watch the news to find out if the groundhog will see his shadow.  But usually that's it.

But this year was a big year for Groundhog's Day.  Remember the movie entitled Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray and Andie McDowell?  Well, this year was it's 20th anniversary, and it was filmed in Woodstock, Illinois.  My parents and I loved that movie, so we thought it would be fun to join in the festivities that the town had planned.  :)

We started the day off by watching the movie, Groundhog Day, in the theater that was actually in the movie.  (Does that even make sense?)  It was so fun because the theater was jam packed with an audience that was so "into" the movie.  When the main characters drove into Woodstock Townsquare, everyone cheered! 

Here I am with the kids right outside the theater.

Here's my parents with the kids near the band shell where Bill and Andie danced.

In the bandshell...

My husband and me  :)

The kids got to meet "Woodstock Willy"!

Remember that repeated scene when Bill Murray stepped into the puddle on the street? We found that spot...

...and the kids each took a turn stepping where Bill Murray did. :)

We took a tour of a few scenes of the movie with the Groundhog Day site manager.

He was fantastic, telling such funny stories and interesting facts to the 200+ people in his tour group.

This was where "Gobbler's Knob" was, the place where they housed Punxatawny Phil in a tree stump, and where he made his prediction.

This is the courthouse. I know that they had several scenes in it, but most notably, its the place where my parents, aunt and uncle got their marriage licenses. :)

This is where Andie and Bill had their snowball fight. Caroline demonstrated with a wadded up napkin. :)

After the Groundhog festivities, we spent the rest of the day and night at a hotel.  We spent a lot of time in the pool, playing cards and relaxing.  It was so much fun!  The next morning, we had breakfast at the hotel.  The kids entertained themselves while waiting for the breakfast by playing with Henry's ITouch.

Such a fun weekend! Thanks, Mom and Dad! (And thanks, Julie and Chris, for taking care of Moxie, and despite the temptation to the contrary, thank you for giving her back to us!)

Pancakes and Pajamas

Today Evan and his lucky mama got to go to preschool in their pajamas to make pancakes and pink and purple polka-dotted letter P's!

The kids got to measure the ingredients and mix them all up with a spoon.

Then they watched their teacher, Miss Lynn, cook the pancakes.

Next came their favorite part...EATING the pancakes! Yummm!

And because having one "P" snack was clearly not enough, the kids Polished off some Pretzels!

What did these Preschoolers think of their P Party?  Why, it was Perfect! ;)

Henry's Big Band Concert

Henry has really enjoyed band this year. Many times he has told me that band is one of the highlights of his day, and practicing his trumpet is always the first homework he does each night. The practice has paid off...he's a first chair in his instrument, and he auditioned for and made jazz band. :) Henry and his fellow 6th grade band students have been practicing for 6 months now. Last Thursday night, they performed a concert to showcase all of their hard work.  Let me just say...we were IMPRESSED.

Some friends jokingly asked if I was going to wear earplugs when I went to the concert, considering that these kids were such newbies to their instruments.

I am here to tell you...No earplugs were needed. Just listen...
They sound great, don't they?! All of Henry's fan club agree...

These kids are top-notch, and we're looking forward to seeing their progress as they continue!

Card Shark and Couch Potato

Evan is quite the card shark, especially when it comes to the game Sleeping Queens.  Caroline received the game as a Christmas gift, and immediately fell in love with the game.  She recently taught Evan how to play, and already at this point he is a force to be reckoned with.  Yesterday, he finished the game with 11 queens to my one, and was so proud of himself!

One day last week, I went out for a bit.  When I came back, I found that Dave and Evan had fallen asleep watching a movie together.  It was so sweet that I had to take a picture.  Of course.  ;)

All about Caroline

She's crafty... Inspired by our viewing of Punxatawney Phil, Caroline made a groundhog today, complete with a tree stump house and a shadow. :)

She wins awards... Ok, this one she awarded to herself.  Nonetheless, she did win "Most Creative Thing" for her depiction of Moxie and the puppies she will never have.  ;)

She is loving being on the cheerleading team with her friends, and this week was so excited to see that our mother's helper, Jessica, was a cheerleader too!

She looks FABULOUS in lots of sparkles, especially when going to "Rock Star" birthday parties with her friends. 

Love you, sweet Caroline!

A Mini-Reunion

On Saturday, I was able to have lunch with some of my high school friends. I had not seen one of them for about 15 years, so we had a lot of catching up to do! It was all about sharing pictures, memories and laughs, and honestly, what a good time we had!

So handsome...

...in a "crazy rock star" kind of way. Seth wore this "do" to school for "Crazy Hair Day". He wanted to die it green too, but, alas, we were out of green hairspray. :)

Lookin' good, Seth!