trampoline park

There is a certain amount of energy that each of my boys exhibit daily.  BUT when you go to a trampoline park the energy goes up exponentially!  The formula of good friends, climbing walls, jousting and trampolines equal two very tired and very satisfied boys.  What a fun treat at the start of Christmas break!

festival of trees

A second grade tradition, the Festival of Trees.  I remember Ambrose receiving his wooden tree (that a guy from school cuts out for each second grader) and decorating it.  Blaise thought and thought about what he wanted to do and decided he wanted a car theme. 

He spray painted the tree black, used duck tape to make the roads, hammered in some finishing nails to help hang each matchbox car.  What a wonderful school tradition, too bad it is our last one.

swimming class

His head was barely above the water and his body always looked like it would sink; to Blaise knowing how to do various strokes.  He is still working on 'diving' and not belly flopping but overall Blaise has made tremendous strides.  He says 'now I'm ready to go to sailing camp'.

first penance

During classes for First Penance Blaise labeled a rock with words that described various sins.  While going to first Penance with Father Matthew he held the rock and used it as a guide if necessary.  Then at the conclusion of his first penance he 'threw' away his sins into a bucket.  It was obviously symbolic but each kid throwing a rock into a bucket made for some interesting noise during the ceremony.  Blaise's candle was lit and our entire family was blessed by Father, which made for a beautiful day.

after school

Upon taking a full time job I thought how will the boys handle me not being in school?  Not coming to our house off the bus after school?  Well . . . . . I think they are having more fun after school because they have 'built-in' play dates each day.  On Thursdays they stay with a friend of mine at school in the science lab sometimes where she teaches or to their house.  This past Thursday, they went to her house and went on a hike through Washington Grove and enjoyed the beautiful weather!  I believe this is working out pretty well.

campfire program

Collect sticks on a hike in the woods, whittle sticks, roast marshmallows and enjoy eating SMORES!  Write your own skit, perform around the campfire for your pack and enjoy the applause at the end.  What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday - Cub Scout campfire program!