Claire, America's Next Top Reader!

Claire finished reading and reporting on six books. As her reward, she got to walk the red carpet, an invitation to the end-of-the-year party, and the fun t-shirt and sunglasses you see her wearing. They always do such a nice job at this library!

Claire's 2nd Grade Art Projects

I'm not very artistic, so I really appreciate the direction given in the K12 art curriculum. Here is a sampling of some of Claire's art projects for 2nd grade.

This one was done w/ crayon and watercolor. The boats are cutouts from construction paper. I believe Claire was learning about horizon lines and reflection.

This one Claire had a lot of fun doing. This was part of a study of architecture. The buildings and road are cut out of construction paper. The black squares, circles, lines, etc are made from black ink on found objects from around the house. The antenna were made using the side of a piece of cardboard.

Self portrait made out of construction paper. Claire HAD to have the blue hair :)

This started as a large watercolor project. After the watercolor page was done, she traced the sleeping cat over the watercolor, and then cut it out. We both like how this one turned out.

Happy Birthday Nana!

One whole minute of Ellie singing goodness just for Nana.  

Happy Birthday!!!!  

Ellie singing at her school talent show ... aka... why I need a new camera!

Here is the first minute of Ellie singing at the "upper grader" talent show today.  It was such a cold day and I was really worried about her singing in the cold, but she did great!  

As you can see, I really need a camera that can ZOOM!  

The people sitting around me let me know that I missed out on a real show cause Claire was behind me smiling at Ellie and giving her lots of positive encouragement and "thumbs up" throughout the entire song.  

Ellie, you did a great job and we are so proud!

Happy 10th Birthday Ellie!

Ellie had a very specific list of everything she wanted to do on her birthday.

The first thing on her list? Pancake breakfast!

Then, after dropping Claire off at cheer practice, we went to Vons to pick up some California Rolls for lunch.
Ellie's favorite!

Ellie's birthday included performing at church in the show "Praise Rocks". Here they are, dressed as, um, rocks.

After the show, Grandma and Grandpa took us out to eat at Ellie's favorite, Red Robin.
It's her favorite because there are
a) hamburgers
b) french fries
c) they come to your table and sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY! really loud.

Ellie wanted to help make her cake. Here is the chocolate cake she helped to mix and frost.

Happy Birthday sweetie!

Fourth Grade Open House

Ellie at the Reflections display holding the photo she submitted.

Second place in photography!!!

For open house the kids were assigned to complete a 3 dimensional display about something they learned. Most of the kids chose pioneer themes or the gold rush. Ellie decided to create a model of a blue whale using paper mache. She did a great job!!!

Ellie and her teacher, Mr. Mangold