The Kassel Family Project Life 365

I found this in John’s folder at preschool today.  His writing is doing so amazingly well!

Today was John’s turn at FlipzUSA for a birthday party.  One of his preschool classmates, Elaina, had her party there.  He was very excited!  According to John, he jumped (on the trampoline), ran (everywhere!), and swung (on the rope).  He declared, “It was super fun Mommy!”  He also told me that he was sad when the hour of playtime on the floor was up and he had to go upstairs for cupcakes (NOT cake).  However, judging from the photo, I *think* that he *maybe* enjoyed his chocolate cupcake with purple frosting…

The first of two visits to FlipzUSA this weekend was for Gretchen’s 7th Birthday Party.  Gretchen is Laura’s classmate and Laura was so excited to get to go.  John was disappointed that he could not go, but he has his visit tomorrow!

As always, Laura had a blast running, jumping, and playing in the foam pit.  She commented after the party that one hour of play time on the gymnastics floor is just *NEVER* enough!  I did manage to get her to stop long enough to take a picture of her in the foam pit, which happens to be one of her favorite places at FlipzUSA.

After tasty pizza and cupcakes, we headed for home.  Laura was sad to leave, but she was one tired girl.  She stared out the window the whole way home and said, “Mommy, I think I need to go to bed.”  Yep, she was done.

This evening was just fun!  It was complete with bike riding, basketball, friends, great food, good drinks, and a fire.  We started the evening by spending a little bit of time outside enjoying the beautiful weather.  Laura is riding her bike like an old pro now!  In fact, we can’t get her off her bike now.  I’ll take it!  (By the way, I managed to snap this beauty of a photo in between her riding.  I’m getting better with that Digital Rebel!)

John’s latest obsession is basketball.  The neighbors have a hoop that they let John use, so we got him a basketball.  John spent about an hour shooting and dribbling.  He is developing a pretty good jump shot for a four-year old.

After an hour or so of hanging out, we headed out to Clark, MO, to spend some time with great friends.  The kids were so excited to see Kyler and Kathryn and they played the night away.  It occurred to me about midway through the evening that I hadn’t even seen our kids except as they ran by to go inside or outside.  Such a change when they don’t need you all the time!  The adults spent the evening chatting and enjoying the fire.  It was a great way to spend a beautiful Friday night.

Laura finished her first year of the Extended Educational Experience (EEE) program today.  She wrapped up the year with a Medieval “Feast” in Medieval Times class.  She got to wear a crown and eat all kinds of finger foods.  She declared it “awesome!”  She was very excited to receive a certificate signed by her EEE Homeroom teacher, Ms. Richardson.  It is so hard to believe that next Friday is the last day of school.  She will officially be a Second Grader moving on up to Unit B!  Where has the time gone?

…more coffee is a necessity.  This is one of those days.

Laura had IGE In Action Night at Ridgeway Elementary School tonight.  IGE means individually guided education, which is the teaching method used by Laura’s school.  Also, the entire school is turned into an art show, displaying one piece of work from every student.  This year, Laura showed us her writing portfolio and told us all about her favorite things from Unit A (both Kindergarten and First Grade).  She showed us her chosen art piece, a still life of a fruit basket.  It will be proudly displayed on Laura’s art bar in our house.  I took a picture of Laura and Mrs. Hanney and I’m sad that Laura moves up to Unit B next year because Mrs. Hanney is an amazing teacher!  At least John gets to be part of her class next year!

I think that Laura was most excited to take us to the Media Center to see her iPad project.  It was all about the different types of teeth and even included videos.  John was very amazed at the project and said that he can’t wait to use iPads when he starts Kindergarten.  In case you don’t know, John is a lot like Andy.  I think we have another computer geek in the making…

While I am sad to see Laura move on to Unit B, I know she will have another amazing teacher and another amazing experience.  I am very much looking forward to John starting Unit A as he has changed so much since starting Walnut Street Day School.  I am also looking forward to all the amazing experiences that he will have in Mrs. Hanney’s class.  So, it is onward to next year!