2nd Annual Multicultural Night

Last night was Multicultural Night at the boys school. It turned out great, just like last years. Our friend Keri was in charge of planning the event (she did an amazing job!). I helped promote the event, along with getting other PTA members to come in and help with set up (last year, it was just Peter and I. I nicely made it clear that more needed to show up). Peter and I arrived at 4 pm to help with set up, while the boys got to run around with their friends. The event was in full swing by 6:30. As we did last year, we tasted delicious food dishes from various cultures and enjoyed performances from students. My only complaint, which is the same from last year, was there weren't copies of the recipes!!

Peter and Erik creating a sign for the 2nd grade classes

Kristjan's class

 Clifford's class 

 My (sad) contribution. I had intentions to bake up a traditional Danish dessert, even going as far

as borrowing a special pan from Pete's sister. Then I got busy and decided I would just bake up a batch of 

butter cookies like I did last year. But then I got even busier, so I had to settle for this. 

 Misc pics of the various booths

 Kristjan cheesin' it up for the camera 

as we waited in line for food

 The crowd...estimated over 500 people came!

We made a trip down this weekend to Yakima to celebrate my Grandpa's 82nd birthday. On our way down, we made a side stop in Selah to visit our friend Grace and her little family. It was so nice to visit with her and husband, and to play with their son Eli. Afterwards, we spent a few hours with my family, treating my grandpa to some Miner's for lunch. Towards the end of the visit, a good family friend of ours, Maria and her daughter Bella, stopped by to see us. We had a nice visit before everyone had to go their separate ways. We then headed over to Pete's parents house to spend the night before having to come back home. Our trip was short and quick, but pleasant :)

Eli fixing his Jeep

 Me posing with my little buddy

 Peter catching up with Grace

 Boys with Grandma Jane

 Boys and Uncle Roddy

 Boys with Grandpa

 Grandpa enjoying his birthday cake

 Boys with Maria and Bella

 Kristjan on the drive home

Puppets, Critter Creations and Armpit Fudge!

Last night was a fun night at scouts for Clifford and Kristjan. Each den had fun activities planned (it's not always the case some weeks). Kristjan's den made puppets out of brown paper bags (he made a witch!). As for Clifford's group, since Pete is now the den leader, I therefore planned the lesson (funny how that works). I didn't have enough time to gather materials for an elective, so I instead came up with something entertaining for the boys to do...Critter Creations and Armpit Fudge! Both of these were technically for requirements they've previously completed, but they sounded fun and no one would really care if these went towards an arrow point or not. And the boys had FUN!! And they thought it was the silliest thing to use their armpits to make fudge!! So it was a good night for everyone :)

Field Trips

In the last three weeks, I've chaperoned two class field trips. The first was for Kristjan's class. We traveled down to the Seattle's Children Theater to watch Pinocchio. The second was for Clifford's class. We made a quick trip up to Everett to watch Stuart Little. Both trips were a pleasant experience, and I of course loved spending time with both my boys!

 My group of boys I was in charge of :)

Dr. Seuss Day

March 2 is National Read Across America Day, or otherwise known as Dr. Seuss Day. This year it was on a Sunday, so the boys' school participated the Friday before. Kids were allowed to go to school in their pjs, and depending on each teacher, could bring a pillow, blanket, stuffed animal and/or favorite book to read. Kristjan's class was going to take the last hour to read and enjoy some snacks. I really wanted to get creative and whip up something fun and yummy, but I didn't have the energy, so I bought a bag of Pirate Booty and Oreos for the class (the kids honestly didn't mind). As for Clifford's class, it was the same thing except his teacher, Mrs. Marks, had the students make their treat - The Cat in the Hat treat, to be exact (using oreos and gummy lifesavers). I was already planning on coming in to help the teacher with the treats, so she asked me if I had the time, to come in earlier than planned to read the class a book. So I did! Mrs. Marks said it was the quietest the class has ever been during story time, and that she greatly appreciated the small break. It was a good day. And I had fun helping the kids make their treats :)

The school does a Dr Seuss decorative door contest. I helped my teachers put together theirs. 

 The Cat in the Hat treat

 Kristjan in his pjs and with his owl

Clifford in his pjs

Clifford snapped a shot of me. I figured since I'm usually the one behind the camera, I'd share a pic of me :)

Clifford after he made his treat