This is "Minnie" or "Mini". She's cute. But, no, we are not getting one.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Monday, August 21, 2017
Chalk the Walk
So, something BIG happened on August 21, 2017 - a solar eclipse! Our part of Ohio only experienced 80% coverage, but it was still pretty cool. To think that the sun, moon, and earth have to line up just perfectly for this to happen is really pretty amazing.
It was very important that you have special eclipse glasses to watch the eclipse. I was able to get some from a teacher-friend so Grace, Jacob, and Gabriella could wear them. But, since my school district was not permitting students to watch outside (not enough glasses for everyone) we decided to "Chalk the Walk" so when my young students exited school to board their buses they would not be tempted to look up at the sun.
Jill brought Grace and Jacob over early in the day so they could help create art on our school sidewalks.
And then, when they went back to Jacob's house later they were able to use their glasses to see what made the eclipse so special.
Grace looks really excited, doesn't she?
It was very important that you have special eclipse glasses to watch the eclipse. I was able to get some from a teacher-friend so Grace, Jacob, and Gabriella could wear them. But, since my school district was not permitting students to watch outside (not enough glasses for everyone) we decided to "Chalk the Walk" so when my young students exited school to board their buses they would not be tempted to look up at the sun.
Jill brought Grace and Jacob over early in the day so they could help create art on our school sidewalks.
And then, when they went back to Jacob's house later they were able to use their glasses to see what made the eclipse so special.
Grace looks really excited, doesn't she?
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Working on the Summer Bucket List
We are holding on to summer as long as we can. It doesn't matter that Kyle and I have been back to work for weeks and school starts for Grace in a few days. We are trying to find time to have fun as a family including playing golf!
This was Grace's idea. I think she just wanted to drive the golf cart!
Friday, August 18, 2017
Finallly in fifth
Starting 5th grade in Stow-Munroe Falls is a big deal because students go to a new school. After 6 years in one elementary school, all the Stow 5th graders join together (6 elementary schools) at Lakeview Intermediate. This was so exciting that Grace even wore a dress (!) to Open House.
She has a homeroom teacher - Mrs. Quinn - who teaches math and social studies. And a "switch" teacher - Mr. Muncy - who teaches language arts and science. Mrs. Quinn allowed the students to choose their own seat on Open House night. Grace walked all around the room, found a seat she liked, wrote her name on her nametag and moved her books and supplies into the desk.
We walked all over the school to explore and found the cafeteria, gym, music room, art room, and library. Grace even introduced herself to the principal - Mr. Yanchunas.
We think it is going to be a great year!
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Catching up
I don't take as many photos as I used to. I guess that is just a fact of life. We are busy, Grace just barely tolerates looking at the camera (when she is in the mood), and, as much as I try to find new things to do, there aren't as many novel activities any more. You may not know that at the end of each year, I print the entire blog from January 1- December 31 in a book. This is the chronicle of Grace's life and a testimony to our love for her. Someday I will be gone, but she might be able to look back and remember. In fact, sometimes she does take the books off the shelf - chooses a year at random - and looks through the photos for a few days. So, the effort is worth it, right?
Although I try to snap a few photos here and there, most of them these days are on my iPhone rather than my DSL camera. Someday I plan to get back to more frequent use of that expensive equipment. I envision street photography - portraits of the every day - while traveling with Kyle to every country we can think of. But for now...the iPhone it is. Which brings me to this "catch up" of a few events in July.
Annalise came over for a 24-hour playdate and sleepover. These girls really connected at Hudson Conservatory of Ballet. Unfortunately, they don't see each other at dance any more, but we hope the remain good friends. While Annalise was here, we made some #NortheastOhioRocks.
And hid them on Sunday. We keep checking the Facebook page to see if anyone found ours. This time, I was smart and made sure there were some for me to do...I always want to do the craft project the kids are doing. Can you guess who made each one?
Another BIG thing we did was the Potterfest in Kent, Ohio. This was the second year they turned Kent into Harry Potter-land. The stores had different themes, there were people dressed as the characters, magic shows, and a replica of Daigon Alley. It was pretty fun to walk around - even if you aren't the biggest HP fan.
Grace wore her Hermione cape from Halloween. She also got a lot of compliments on her wand, which lights up when you cast a spell. She was working on a "skinny and tall" spell for me...still perfecting that one!
Oh, and yes, she got her first henna tattoo! Yikes!
Speaking of first...Grace also got her first back massage. We went after her last day of summer dance intensives. The Chinese couple who run the spa told her that their daughter is also 10 and named "Grace" and they wrote Grace in Chinese so she could see what it looks like.
We have also been getting Blue Apron - a box of fresh food delivered to your door. Grace has shown an interest in cooking and she is much better at trying new foods if she took part in the preparation. Her outfit cracks me up!
Although I try to snap a few photos here and there, most of them these days are on my iPhone rather than my DSL camera. Someday I plan to get back to more frequent use of that expensive equipment. I envision street photography - portraits of the every day - while traveling with Kyle to every country we can think of. But for now...the iPhone it is. Which brings me to this "catch up" of a few events in July.
Annalise came over for a 24-hour playdate and sleepover. These girls really connected at Hudson Conservatory of Ballet. Unfortunately, they don't see each other at dance any more, but we hope the remain good friends. While Annalise was here, we made some #NortheastOhioRocks.
And hid them on Sunday. We keep checking the Facebook page to see if anyone found ours. This time, I was smart and made sure there were some for me to do...I always want to do the craft project the kids are doing. Can you guess who made each one?
Another BIG thing we did was the Potterfest in Kent, Ohio. This was the second year they turned Kent into Harry Potter-land. The stores had different themes, there were people dressed as the characters, magic shows, and a replica of Daigon Alley. It was pretty fun to walk around - even if you aren't the biggest HP fan.
Grace wore her Hermione cape from Halloween. She also got a lot of compliments on her wand, which lights up when you cast a spell. She was working on a "skinny and tall" spell for me...still perfecting that one!
Oh, and yes, she got her first henna tattoo! Yikes!
Speaking of first...Grace also got her first back massage. We went after her last day of summer dance intensives. The Chinese couple who run the spa told her that their daughter is also 10 and named "Grace" and they wrote Grace in Chinese so she could see what it looks like.
We have also been getting Blue Apron - a box of fresh food delivered to your door. Grace has shown an interest in cooking and she is much better at trying new foods if she took part in the preparation. Her outfit cracks me up!
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Ballet Theatre of Ohio...let's begin
If you haven't noticed, Stow, Ohio is not New York or LA or Chicago. But, there is a lot of access to the arts in this area. In fact, within 30 minutes we have Playhouse Square and Severance Hall in Cleveland, Blossom Music Center in Peninsula, and the Civic Theater in Akron. Not to mention all the colleges and universities in the same radius. There is a lot of exposure to music, dance, and theater - from local, state, and national performers. For Grace, each winter since she was 3 years old, we have gone to the Akron Civic Theater to see the Nutcracker. And, many springs, we have attended ballet performances such as the Wizard of Oz and Cinderella. So, it was a real dream come true when she auditioned this spring and was offered a place in the Ballet Theatre of Ohio's performing company. This means she is going to be dancing at the historic Civic Theater in a show she has seen 7 times!
As part of her commitment to the company, Grace participated in summer intensive classes. She loved every minute and was sorry to see those classes end just as she was starting to form bonds with the other dancers.
After not dancing for almost a month, Grace was reunited with the other dancers today at the annual BTO family picnic. It was held at Crystal Lake, a private lake with a beach and pavilions for picnics.
There are 35 dancers in the company (2 boys!) this year. The new BTO company members were introduced and each one received a fleece jacket with the logo and their name embroidered on it. It is a big honor and the young dancers seemed very proud.
It was fun to listen to the older dancers when they told stories of getting their jacket and how big it was on them...but now it fits! I guess these "newbies" also have big shoes to fill!
After lunch the kids swam, jumped off the diving board, built sand castles, and ran around. The parents also had an opportunity to chat and get to know each other. I am a little overwhelmed with the expectations for volunteer and rehearsal time, but everyone assured me we will get through what the next year has to bring and by this time next year we will feel more comfortable and confident.
As part of her commitment to the company, Grace participated in summer intensive classes. She loved every minute and was sorry to see those classes end just as she was starting to form bonds with the other dancers.
After not dancing for almost a month, Grace was reunited with the other dancers today at the annual BTO family picnic. It was held at Crystal Lake, a private lake with a beach and pavilions for picnics.
There are 35 dancers in the company (2 boys!) this year. The new BTO company members were introduced and each one received a fleece jacket with the logo and their name embroidered on it. It is a big honor and the young dancers seemed very proud.
It was fun to listen to the older dancers when they told stories of getting their jacket and how big it was on them...but now it fits! I guess these "newbies" also have big shoes to fill!
After lunch the kids swam, jumped off the diving board, built sand castles, and ran around. The parents also had an opportunity to chat and get to know each other. I am a little overwhelmed with the expectations for volunteer and rehearsal time, but everyone assured me we will get through what the next year has to bring and by this time next year we will feel more comfortable and confident.
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