Off and running...again!

It's been a mightly long time since I've been able to post. Tomorrow Chris and I leave for a 12 day trip to Europe. The two of us (no kids) will be chaperoning Seabreeze's trip. You can follow our trip here: Tourlink Both of our journals will be here, plus journals written by students. We are combined with two other schools, both from Minnesota, who will be on the bus with us. Their journals can also be found.

While we're gone, mom is here and is watching the kids. Benjamin will be leaving for LSM before we get home. His camp will also have an online journal, which can be found here: Online Daily Journal. Each day a different student will post an update. We will eventually be traveling to Iowa to pick him up and to hear some of the final concerts. Yes, it is once again going to be a busy summer for us!

Medieval Faire

Jonathan's only field trip this year was to the Medieval Faire in Gainesville. Both Alexander and Benjamin also went when they were in third grade, and they loved it. We decided to make a family day of it and we all took the day off from school to go. It was a blast. Here, Benjamin and Alexander are throwing stars.

This is one of the performers we watched, who looked mysteriously like a certain reporter from Jon Stewart. He was very funny.

Jonathan had saved his allowance, and used it to buy this shield and sword. He had made the vest (and "chainmail" hat that got too hot) at school ahead of time.

One of the big highlights of the day was the jousting tournament.

Chris and Benjamin trying out axe throwing.

What we did not realize is that there are many people who make their living going around the country from faire to faire. This one lasted 2 weekends. Many of the workers travel in RV's, but we met others who sleep in a tent at each site. What a life. They reminded us a bit of the workers who travel with the carnival games, but maybe a step up. We threw down quite a bit of money that day at the different booths. but had a good time doing it.

Pinewood Derby Time!

Last month, Jonathan participated in the Cub Scout's Pinewood Derby. Two weekends in a row, he, Benjamin, and Chris carved and created their cars. Benjamin and Chris were very precise, while Jonathan pretty much just made a design he thought looked cool. Here is the set-up at the church. They even have a digital timer at the end so you know what place each car was in.

Jonathan's car is second from the right.
Speeding down the track

In the end, Jonathan's car came in first in every heat. In the final race, he came in second, which means he still got a nice trophy at the next pack meeting. Both Chris and Benjamin's cars made it into the "sibling" and "parent" final races. It was quite a fun day!

Jazz Band

Benjamin is in the back row, farthest on the right, playing the trumpet.

Alexander's piano

While trying to upload Benjamin's trumpet solo, I accidentally uploaded Alexander playing the piano. So here it is, for your enjoyment.

Alexander, the tuba player!

This weekend was the solo and ensemble festival for middle school. I played the piano for both boys' solos. Both of them got a "superior" rating! Today at church, they gave a mini-recital afterwards where people could stay and hear their solos. Here is Alexander's solo, called "Tubador."

More tap

This piece was just their warm up. I loved it!