Audrey Hepburn

The fourth graders in Waukee do a research and report on a person.  I'm not sure exactly what the guidelines are for choosing this person, but Brooklyn chose Audrey Hepburn.  She did research and wrote a report and put together a "getting to know me" type of speech.  Then, the entire fourth grade dressed up like their people and put on a wax museum.  They stood like statues until someone pushed the button by their display.  They then recited their speech and went back to the original position.  It was pretty fun to see.  A little crowded for my taste, but big crowds of people I don't know make me uncomfortable.  Regardless, without further ado, here's Audrey!

Brooklyn did a great job.  She made her speech look like a book so while she was reciting it, it looked like one of her props.  It was fun to see who everyone chose and how they portrayed that person.  When Julianne and I got there, Brooklyn wouldn't acknowledge us until we pushed her button.  After her speech she gave Julianne a hug and had a grin for me.  Before that, she was NOT going to give up on her statue, though.  Oh these Kids.  One more day of school and then SUMMER!! Heaven give me patience.  LOL.  Happy Summer!

Wrapping up School and Another Birthday

 A couple weeks ago, Mason's class had a party to celebrate all that they have accomplished this year.  He got to share his "leadership notebook" with Julianne and me, and we had treats together.  It was really fun to see all they had done and for him to show us special things in his classroom.  He's really going to miss his class this summer.

 I have mixed emotions about school being done.  While I'm looking forward to foregoing the morning battle, the day-long battles that ensue may not be a great replacement.  Hopefully the kids remember how to get along within the first couple days or it is going to be a VERY long summer....

Next, we had Jon's birthday.  His parents stuck around to celebrate with us and it was so fun!  Two cakes we got to share and this one was rather tasty as well (if I do say so myself).  It was a carrot cake of Jon's choosing.  Topped with cream cheese frosting and pecans.  Yum.  Yum..

We put away the trick candles for this one, but Jon took his sweet time thinking of a wish; much to the kids' dismay.  They were asking why he hadn't blown out the candles yet!!  He took the day off from work and spent the day with his dad refinishing a bed for Mason.  Although it wasn't the most relaxing of birthdays, he enjoyed all the time they were able to spend together.  What a great visit we had.  We can't wait to see everyone in a couple months!!

Double digits

Holy cow. I don't know how it has happened, but somehow, my baby has turned 10.  Ten!

 She had a great day.  It was Monday, so she spent most of it at school.  She did take treats for her class; which, bytheway, are very much NOT fun anymore.... The list of "you can't brings" is ten times longer than the list of "things you can bring".  I'm not even sure it's worth the effort.  I was 2 minutes late and missed the class singing to her, but oh well.  She enjoyed passing out treats.  Next year, I probably won't go, but she will still have a special day, I think.  Jon joined her for lunch at school that day and she loves that sort of thing. 

 When the kids came home from school, the waiting commenced.  Grandma and Grandpa were set to arrive that very afternoon and we couldn't wait!! It was a very long 2 hours, I assure you.  (Although, not nearly as long as their 17....).  Once they came, we pretty much immediately left and went to Red Robin for the birthday dinner.  Brooklyn's choice.  We passed on the singing and the ice cream, though.  We had a very special, Brooklyn-designed cake waiting at home.

 She wrote out the instructions and (I think) drew Jon a diagram.  It was pretty awesome and, as she said, looked like a smarties lollipop.  We broke out the trick candles one last time, and tricked them all!!  Good thing it was a pack of 10!

It was a very tasty cake and a very good change to share some with Grandma and Grandpa instead of having them watch us eat over Skype.  Brooklyn thoroughly enjoyed all the presents and attention and was set to spend her birthday money gifts right then.  She is such a good kid.  She still has quite a tender heart, but is very good at being bossy to others.  It is a balance we are working on.  She helps me around the house every time I ask and only complains a little when she has to help clean up a mess that's not hers.  She thinks she's ready to start babysitting and is proud as a peacock when she "babysits" Julianne and Mason.  She'd still rather come with us when we run quick errands than stay home most of the time, though.  She's our sweet baby girl and we love her to pieces.  Happy Birthday, Babe!