Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Rush Ranch

Today I got to go on my favorite field trip of all time...for the last time. 3rd Graders in California all study the history of their county, and Solano County is really fun to learn about! Today we went to Rush Ranch in the Suisun Marsh and learned all about the lives of the Patwin Indians.

We learned how they made baskets
for a variety of uses...
some fun games the 4 year old boys played
to teach them hunting skills...
and what it would be like if your WHOLE FAMILY
lived in a little tule hut! {Yikes!}
Everyone got a chance to grind their own acorns
into a delicious {NOT!!} bowl of acorn mush.
Camille thought it was so fun -
{Of course, grinding three acorns isn't too bad...
she probably wouldn't enjoy
grinding 300 pounds of acorns so much!}
They learned all about the Native American's
system of bartering,
and then they drilled their own bartering shells
to hang on a string about their necks.

My favorite docent {who's been there for all my kids!}
is Little Bear - full blooded Apache!
Since I wasn't an official chaperone, I took some time
to wander around the property.
I love the country
{well... I love to VISIT the country}
and all it's unique images.
Here are a few of my favorites...
Got wheels?
The one that got away.
King of the mountain anyone?
It was such a glorious day! Hope you're enjoying spring as much as I am!

Friday, March 13, 2009

How We Really Live...

We haven't
been able
to eat dinner
around the kitchen table
since Sunday afternoon.
We've eaten outside,
at the ballpark,
at a friend's house -
just about everywhere
but the kitchen table.
I know...
family dinner is important,
BUT
we do have
our priorities around here.
Tell me...
How?
How?
How???
can we interrupt this...

Tomorrow night
we'll eat dinner together.
Congratulations on your first big win Adam!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

A Memorable Day

Congratulations, Adam,
on a great decision -
we're so proud of you, son!
Thanks Uncle John, Grandpa, Uncle Val, Uncle Paul
& Dave Barnholt (Brad's friend and Adam's primary teacher)
for being there for Adam today.
It means so much to us!

Happy Birthday, Adam!

We celebrated Adam's 12th birthday with a quiet family day
(his choice!).
He woke up to the traditional
door full of streamers and room full of balloons...
then spent the afternoon playing with his new toy
(which he had to help pay for
with all of his birthday $$$$ -
thanks everyone!)
{want to see Brad try to ride this thing?
See the post below!!}
and going with Brad and Matthew to
one of their favorite spots -
Rocknasium in Davis
(a GIANT indoor rock wall joint).

Happy Birthday, Adam!
We admire your loving nature and
the way you enjoy being with your family!
We hope this is a great year for you!

Farewell to Youth

Once in a while Brad and I like to imagine that we are young. After attempting to ride Adam's ripstick, we can no longer have such illusions. Here's a quick picture summary of Brad's attempt: (Hee, Hee!)

Okay, he's upright...
or maybe not!
Hanging on for dear life!
Baby steps...
getting braver...
HELLLLLPPP!
Well, it was a nice try anyway sweetie!

Oh, to be 12 again...