Summertime is in the air!

It's beginning to feel a lot like summer around here. Not as much because of the temperature. We have actually had seasonable cool weather for Kansas. That is quite okay with me. It is very pleasant. We decided to have our first campfire of the year. I didn't get a picture of it (what is wrong with me?!), but the kids also spent the weekend sleeping in the tent in the backyard. I was nice and cosy in my bed inside the house.

this one was a touch grumpy...

and then she held her kitties, which helped her get over it!

Kitties & Math Centers

I helped in Kade's class this year during Math Centers. Today was the last day. I had a lot of fun getting to know these kids. I am really going to miss seeing them every week. Just because I don't want to forget...in the beginning of the year, Kade would cry when I left. He wouldn't cry to go to school in the morning, but math centers were long enough into the day, that he always wanted to come home with me. His sweet teach, Mrs. Unruh, decided to let him walk me down the hallway to make it more special. This worked great. Even though he stopped being sad to see me go, he still kept up this little ritual all year long. It meant a lot to him and it made mommy feel a little extra special too!

And since we're on the subject, this is my last Kindergartner. Okay, no more thinking about that.

The kids have had fun playing with the kitties after school each day this week. It has been a highlight for all of us. I can't wait to have some extra hands caring for them after school is out, though. They are a lot of work!

Shadow 

(or Ol' Crow, as daddy likes to call her...an Old Crow Medicine Show song came on when we were talking about names, and he refuses to take no for an answer. Goofball)

Lucky

Tiger

napping with the kitties

Rescue Kitties

We rescued kitties after the storm on Sunday night. We found them crying in a puddle of water. Not sure if their mama was going to come back or not. We couldn't just leave them there! So we've been bottle feeding them and bathing them and loving on them. It's a lot of work, but it is a sweet adventure. I raised kittens like this as a child, and this is bringing back some memories, for sure. 

Kangaroos are cool.

I went to Tanganika with Maddox's class for a field trip today. Unfortunately I was running a fever from a sinus infection and was a bit delerious when I was getting ready in the morning. I forgot my camera and an easy bag to carry around all day. Thankfully I had a reusable grocery bag that was lightweight and easy to carry the water bottles I did remember. And another mom offered to drive me there, so I didn't have to drive. That was a blessing. Anyway, despite not feeling well, we had a great time. We got to pet kangaroos. I mean, how can you have a bad day when you can pet a kangaroo?

Bobby, Maddox, Yael

The birds were a little freaky. It was really funny to watch some of the kids spaz when they were feeding them. Is that bad that I thought it was funny? Eventually they enjoyed it, so all was good.

Each student was given a token to feed an animal of their choice. Maddox chose the lemurs. They were funny. Their eyes are creepy, but they were gentle. Maddox was paying close attention as not to feed the same lemur twice. He wanted to be fair!

This beauty was so close. You could almost touch her. Don't worry, we didn't.

What a fun day. This was my last field trip of the year. I feel very blessed to be able to go on a field trip with each of my kids. It is fun getting to know the kids in their classes. 

Mother's Day

Man, Brent has come a long way in terms of Mother's Day, that's for sure. He does such a good job of pampering me and making me feel special all day long. These three do a pretty good job too! I got me usual breakfast in bed. I had three very cute, lovable, waiters. They were so attentive! They gave me a very pretty necklace, a couple notes, and Ava wrapped up a necklace she had made in Kindergarten for me. I thought that was very thoughtful of her. I will be sure to wear it to school next week for her to see! After church, we went to the zoo for a picnic. We weren't sure how well this would work out since it was raining pretty hard when we left church. As you can see, it cleared up nicely. We relaxed at home for a little before we headed to Hesston to celebrate some more with Brent's family. We played a rousing game of croquet, while enjoying the beautiful evening. I wished I could have been with my mom, as she spent the entire day by herself. :( I'm thankful I was at least able to see her the week before. 

Not sure why there wasn't a picture of me and Kade, so this sweet note will have to do.

I am so very thankful for these three. They bring meaning to my life. Being a mother to them has made me a better person. I try really hard to be a good mama to them. Though I fail them often, God's grace allows me to start anew everyday. Praise the Lord for that.

Hutch Zoo with the 2nd graders

I went to the Hutch Zoo with Ava and her class today. How different it is going on a field trip with girls instead of boys. So funny to see the differences. Today was a much more laid back day compared to yesterday. 

Zoo days are upon us

We started out the day bright and early with Muffins With Mom. Then Kade's kindergarten class headed to the zoo. It was a beautiful day and we had a blast, but wow, we were tired when it was done!

trying to find the penguins but they weren't out yet.

Marquese, Nash, Kade

we found a bird nesting. there was a lot of that going on, mostly with the geese. pretty sure we don't need any more of those around!

these boys were so sweet. If only the sweetness of kindergartners could last forever...

We kept seeing this guy around the zoo. He finally showed us his feathers!

All in all, it was a good day. Now onto field trip #2 tomorrow!