George's New Look

William George decided to change up his look by adopting a new hair style. It's a little shorter and has a little more lift on top. He ran over to me after the cut, and said, "We gotta get that stuff she used on my hair." 

Well, of course. For that smile, anything.  

Stream Night

Last night, George's school had "STREAM" night, a quick come-and-go event where we looked at the science, technological, reading, engineering, artistic and mathematics activities they have been working on. Also, it gave everyone a chance to check out the newly opened building. The new building houses third, fourth and fifth grade classrooms so George is one of the lucky ducks who get to finish out his elementary years in the new space. 

We loved getting to see his new classroom and new work space and remain thankful for this investment in his school. 

Civil Rights Institute

Today Grace and Lauren's class took a field trip to the Civil Rights Institute. They have been studying the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the civil rights movement and the Bill of Rights so this field trip is perfectly timed. 

Since middle school field trips are incredibly rare, I immediately offered to chaperone when the opportunity arose, much to the girls mortification. (It wasn't bad... I kept some distance.)

This was a cold, but beautiful late winter day, and getting out of the classroom to explore the movement was a great experience.  

Growth at George's School

For the past 18 months there has been construction at George's school. The school will expand, by some estimates almost doubling in student population. Certainly, these are exciting times at our little school. Today there was an official ribbon cutting ceremony, a tour and a small reception.  

I thought I had successfully avoided the camera, but there I am, third from left (in black, of course). 

George's class is so excited about moving in. George is also third from left (below) with gold sleeves.  

We are so happy for George's school for all of the opportunities that growth will bring.

Pixie

Pixie is fresh from the groomer and is looking forward to spring, when she can shed her sweater.  

Robotics

We were double booked on February 15th. While the girls were competing in Huntsville, George was competing in his last robotics competition and vying for a chance to go to the state competition.  George's team came up just short of qualifying, but we are so proud of his hard work and how much he learned during his first year of robotics.

Scout Sunday

Today we celebrated "Scout Sunday" with our two favorite scouts. A local church generously hosts George's scout troop each week, and we always look forward to opportunities to help serve in return.  

Science Olympiad

Grace and Lauren had their regional science olympiad competition this past weekend in Huntsville. We woke up at 5:30am, left at 6:15 and arrived at the campus by 7:30am.  

After a long and grueling day, we left the campus at 5:30pm and got home at 7. We are so proud of their hard work at this very challenging competition. You know, when a school has "Boeing" and "AdTran" listed at the top of a long roster of sponsors, and when that team's school happens to be located approximately two miles from the Huntsville Space Center, they probably take their science and space exploration seriously. They set the bar, and we can only congratulate them.  

Regardless, we are incredibly proud of Grace and Lauren for working hard to master the categories they were given to study, and they learned a lot.  

Valentine's Day

These guys had fun celebrating Valentine's Day with Gran and Poppa. 

Thanks, Gran & Poppa!

Valentine's Day

How was your Valentine's Day? 

Lauren and Grace report theirs as being great, and George mainly enjoys all the treats and goodies.  Although George is the only one who still gets to have a party, complete with a Valentine's box, the duo like to make candy bags to share with their friends during morning gym. Soooo glad that they all still want to celebrate.  

George's school had Valentine grams again this year so he surprised everyone with lovable little monkeys to pass out to us at home.  

Happy (belated) Valentines Day!

Broomstick Challenge

Recently we woke up to find a late-added homework assignment from George's teacher. So at 6:45am we jumped on the broomstick challenge trend, and George was glad to see that it worked for him. 

We also checked into NASA to see what their thoughts on the challenge are. Alas, no special broomstick gravity.  

Eagle Awareness with the Scouts

Lake Guntersville... one of the most scenic views in our state

George's Cub Scout Troop had an activity planned with Lake Guntersville Eagle Awareness. While there, the Scouts completed a service project (cleaning out bird houses so that birds have nice homes), and they watched an Eagle presentation and had opportunities to observe the eagles during a busy time of year. 

Ready for the show

Sweetest little owl

A barn owl that is very regal

This little guy flew right over us! His wings literally buzzed my hair!

This trip was a wonderful break from a busy winter. 

In total transparency, we stayed in a chalet. The temperatures were just called to camp, and when we woke up Saturday morning to snowfall, we felt good about our decision. 

George was loving getting a glimpse of some snow. 

Then, as if things couldn't get better, a State Trooper came through while Skip and George were outside, and George got to climb in the SVU, sit in the passenger seat and check out all the gadgets. He loved it, and this officer was so nice to spend a few minutes with George.  

Grace and Lauren have attended Eagle Awareness in the past with my mom. Six years ago, they went up to the Lodge, spent the night, saw the same eagle presentation and observed the eagles.  

We had a great weekend, and enjoyed seeing George with the Scouts.