Mother's Day

As has been characteristic, the most excited person for the holiday was Brooke :) She had big plans, and if they weren't followed ... everyone would definitely pay the price. My morning began with breakfast in bed, where I was given about 2 minutes to eat (and had to share it all with Luke). I was then presented beautiful flowers and three of my favorite candy bars (which I had been quizzed about in the days prior).  The kids immediately started asking me about Father's Day - when is it? what should we get dad? The anticipation of a holiday is enough for them, once it actually arrives they're already pretty much over it :)

Later we went out for lunch at a place of Brooke's choice, specifically because they had a cookie skillet dessert. Lunch was delicious, however Brooke ate about 50% of that skillet! I'll have to go back without her sometime so that I can get more than a bite or two. We also played at the park and had a generally relaxing and fun day.

Brooke and Ryan also prepared me cards and presents at school.

Here is Ryan's

Brooke gave me a card (these are the three sides) and hand-made soap that has a ring inside of it. She's very excited about the soap, I assume because once we get the ring out she plans to snag it from me.

Ryan's story 5/4/15

Ryan's story

One day a bear had no friends. And he looked and looked to make some friends. Then he found one. And it was a bunny rabbit. And, suddenly, he (the bear) turned into a rabbit. And the water came down. And they ate the rain clouds. And then he turned into a 7. And then he turned into a coffee. He turned into a worm. And then he turned into an eyeball.

When he found his friend it was in a forest inside of him. Another version of him went inside himself.

The end.

Birthday Lunch

We did a little birthday celebration for Luke at a train themed diner in Downers Grove. There are several restaurants like this in the area we have heard about, but we've never been to one before. Seemed like a good time (and occasion) to try! Overall the big kids were super psyched when we first got there, but by the time we left they were bored and itching to leave. Luke, on the other hand, seemed to think everything was pretty cool. Seemed to be a good choice for a 1st birthday boy.

Luke got to sit and watch the train come by as it delivered food. He thought it was pretty cool. There was also a train that circled up high in the restaurant that caught his attention when the counter height train was not running its course. 

There were tables along the walls and stools up at the counter. We were lucky enough to sit along the counter, and in a part where it curved so we all had the opportunity to see/talk to each other. The train came by many times because the place was really busy. The counter and train were enough attention for most of us ... but Ryan could not keep his eyes off the wall of con-you-outta-your-quarters games behind us. All he cared about was those games! Before we left he got to play two of them and walked away with two bouncy balls, which he (of course) immediately bounced all over the restaurant.

On the way out, each kid got to pull the rope to the train whistle. I think that was probably the highlight for them. The rest of the diners might have not been so thrilled with the excessive noise, but the kids left with some huge smiles on their faces!

Star Student Award!

Brooke was selected as a the "Star Student" for her classroom this quarter! This is such a big deal for her - it is something she has been yearning for all year. Since the beginning of the year, she has been campaigning in the classroom to get nominated :)

Students are asked to give examples of a peer who has shown one or more of the following traits:

• Student sets high expectations for themselves, working hard at both school and home.
• Student is on time for school and has good attendance.
• Student displays kindness and acceptance toward everyone; they are always an Upstander.
• Student respects and listens to their teachers and friends.
• Student develops and uses creative thinking to learn and solve problems.

They are asked to give examples and write down why they believe their peer deserved to be nominated.  Then each classroom anonymously voted for a class representative. 

I think this is definitely the proudest moment in her life thus far!