Phoenix Zoo

At the school Ryan and Spencer go to, they only get to go on one field trip a year. The same week of Valentine's the first grade went to the Phoenix zoo. Soo, I surprised Spencer by coming. I had told him I didn't think I would come -- "I know mom, you are too busy" was his response, so I had to surprise him, and surprise him I did! It was a blessing to the mom who was assigned FIVE ACTIVE boys to take to the zoo -- I would take the tail end of the group and we made it without losing anyone!

The last time I went -- when Ryan was in first grade, someone had given me the pass to ride the carousel for the boys I had -- we didn't take advantage of it -- but, I kept the pass -- so, Spencer and his friends rode the carousel. We also took the tram around the zoo, and then went and petted the sting rays -- we were going to have to pay for this exhibit, and we didn't want to do this -- soooo, they let us do it for free. Spencer didn't like the smell, and wasn't going to go in, but it actually ended up being his favorite activity!

 

 

 

 

 

The first grade studied Arizona animals, so we were treated to seeing and touching -- if we wanted to -- I chose not to touch some -- and Spencer thought the snake was the bomb. -- I on the other hand, thought it was the bomb -- literally :) -- I was glad that I emptied my schedule and went!

It's Whats for Dinner

On Sunday, I had a really bad headache and came home early from church. So, I kind of slacked on taking care of my family. Sooo, Jake was deciding what he would prepare for our family, when spencer came into my room with these three cans and said this is what he would make for dinner.

 

I guess it might taste all right. I loved to get glimpses into my boys heads.

Valentine's Day 2012

I took some pics on my phone, but I am too lazy to upload the pics, so you will have to use your imagination for some things.
Valentine's this year consisted of:

 

for one of my boys -- don't mind they opened the package :)
and these for Spencer:

 

These have been tradition for about eight years -- yep, we started with Jacob. I like to make the shovel valentines, I guess next year I will have to find another little kid to do them for :). Spence loved taking them to his class, he said one girl chased him after she got her Valentine -- but then she threw up. I love first grade.

For my family, we had our traditional heart shaped pizza, and I bought a giant cookie for Jake and a giant cookie for the boys. We also made full size candy bars for our friends and the boys that I work with in scouts. I adore Valentine's -- something about red and pink that makes me smile! I wonder how long I can keep my Valentine's up? :)

Happy Birthday Arizona!

On Valentine's day, Arizona turned 100! Happy Birthday! So, in fourth grade in Arizona, you learn all about Arizona, and do a musical program. . .so, we celebrated in style the birthday!
Ryan did a great job, he sang, he danced and even smiled a few times :). One of the songs they sang, was new, I liked it. I wished I knew that I would like it I would have taped it so you could hear ;).

 

 

 

When Ryan was done, I let him take some pictures, and he took one of his buddy Henry.

 

I wish they had done the hat dance that Ryan participated in on the stage so I could have gotten good pictures, it was really fun to watch him have so much fun (he will probably read this post and disagree with it all.)

Basketball

Ryan played his first season of basketball at the YMCA. He loved it! We really were a bit concerned about how it was all going to go down for him. It ended up being a good experience for him overall. It helped that he had lots of friends on his team. He learned a lot and enjoyed it enough to play again in a few weeks. I liked it beacause his coach and his kids are Ryan's super friends and they took him to and from practice each week. I really can't thank them enough for that!

 

 

 

He really does have athletic shorts, he just refused to wear them. I guess I will go and buy a pair (again) maybe he will wear that pair :)

GG's House

When we go to GG's, the boys LOVE to pull out the Tinker Toys. They hate to break down their creations when it is time to go home. Ryan built this one of the last times we went over. . .

 

 

 

He was a little put out when he had to demolish it. I love the creativity that Tinker Toys provide!