6th grade retreat

Ambrose along with 17 other classmates went on a 6th grade retreat.  All of the kids were so engaged, extremely helpful, and really allowed for the spirit of the retreat to be a real part of their two days together.  The theme was one of "Service" - serving others, our community, and ourselves.  Ambrose shared with us at dinner all of his 'highlights' while referencing a small paper where he wrote items down throughout the retreat.  He told us he didn't want to forget anything that was really good, so he made the list (my little engineer, cute).

day to vote

I voted today.  Susan B. Anthony helped provide this right.  Her grave site made history today in Rochester.  Hundreds of people lined up and stood in line for hours to put their 'I Voted' stickers on her grave site.

The boys asked questions about the right to vote, parties and opinions they have heard.  We discussed and gave the information we thought appropriate for their respective ages. 

I made a conscious effort to 'keep them young' and go for a walk in Highland Park for some good old-fashioned fun.  Running in, kicking up and jumping in leaves.  Rolling down a hill together, hiding under a tree and pointing out beautiful leaves.  Small but important.

Without intention we were steps away from Susan B.'s grave site.  Although we didn't stand in line to put our sticker on, the boys recognized the importance.  That is making history for them.

godspell

It started with a movie shown after school and next thing you know Ambrose is on stage as part of the cast of Godspell.  This was his first time in a large production.  Memorizing lines, helping behind the scenes move props and furniture, singing on stage and most importantly being very excited to go to each practice!  What an amazing opportunity . . .can't wait for next year.

nine minutes and 32 seconds

Spinning round and round, drop, pick up and try it again.  I remember as a kid trying to get the rhythm down.  And then it happened, it clicked and I could do it for hours (well, that's 'kid' hours).

Tonight it happened again, but this time it was Ambrose.  And his record was nine minute and 32 seconds.  Pretty impressive, right?

I know you are wondering what I'm talking about .  .   .

hula hooping.  What a simple pleasure to figure out.  To see the smile on his face when he couldn't believe his time.  Precious.

spring musical

The spring musical highlighted the 4th graders playing recorders, 5th grade bucket drums and 6th grade a variety of instruments to a song of Goyte.  This is the first year I've heard Ambrose comment that he didn't like a song that they were going to sing.  I love that!  Maturing, forming and articulating one's opinions . . . of course when he is a teen I will probably have a different take on this.  For this moment I enjoyed the concert watching him sing and play recorder.  And just for the record I did not care for all of the songs.

chili garlic fish with tom tom sauce

Webelos I, Cast Iron Chef assignment:  plan a menu for a balanced meal for your den or family. Determine the budget for the meal. Shop for the items on your menu while staying within your budget. 

After finding the recipe in the Wegmans magazine, setting a budget, shopping for the ingredients . . . welcome to the kitchen Chef Ambrose!  (Please note we were so busy cooking that we forgot to take photos of this amazing chef, sorry).  Boiling the yu choy, searing the tilapia, chopping scallions were all part of the process in this dish. 

The result:  DELICIOUS!  The yu choy was not too bitter, the tilapia flaky and perfect with a spicy kick of the tom tom sauce - WOW!  Two thumbs up Ambrose on a great job!

catholic schools week mass

Today kicks off Catholic Schools Week with a mass at Our Lady of Lourdes.  Ambrose choose to be in the choir and even had a solo.  Blaise wanted to help take up the gifts.  The church was full of students in uniform and every part of mass was lead by the students.  Of course if you ask the boys the best part was the food afterwards . . . go figure.

mlk day fun

Just the other day we were going to Strong Museum all the time.  Now my boys are older, bigger . . .the Berenstein Bear exhibit seems tiny, they seem to tower over some of the toys.  Elmo isn't very cool anymore but the arcade is.  I'm not sure when this happened, I must have not been looking . . . my boys are growing up.  BUT they still had plenty of fun at the museum - racing cars, slanted mirrors and yes they still squeezed their bodies into the train.  I admit it was humorous watching them ride around in the train where I used to have to hold their hand and 'talk' them into sitting in a certain car.  Not this day, they ran to the engine and were busy talking the whole ride (occasionally giving me a wave). 

Later in the day on MLK, we met friends at the trampoline park, Altitude.  Us and everyone else in Rochester was there.  I spent the whole time counting and recounting (making sure I could see all the kids). . . they came home nice and tired!

enjoying gifts

The latest in posing . . . cover your faces with one of this year's Christmas gifts.  Ambrose the Meccano robot and Blaise the Guiness World Records Book.

mini maker faire

At the Rochester Convention Center we attended the second annual mini maker faire.  It was a day full of wonder . . . circuits, 3D printers, taking apart bikes, computer technology, robotics and so much more!  We can't wait for next year!

4th grade mass

The 4th grade class hosted mass today.  The theme was Saints and Ambrose helped with the mass intentions.  What a beautiful mass!

happy birthday ambrose

Double digits this year, WOW, time sure does fly by!  You are so thoughtful and caring; always asking how you can help and helping your brother.  You are inquisitive and detailed in telling stories (and on and on . . .hee hee).  You love science, legos, building and you want to be an architect. Tonight for your birthday dinner you requested shrimp and pumpkin pie.  Excellent choices!  For your birthday celebration you are inviting 2 friends to go see the Peanuts movie and out to dinner . . .should be good!

pumpkins in the park

Ambrose and Damian ran in the Pumpkins in the Park 5K this morning.  Ambrose beat Captain America by a couple of seconds with a time of 31:45!  Awesome job Ambrose!

Blaise ran in the Kids Fun Run 1K.  He set a good pace and did a great job; he should be nice and tired later today.

carving

This is how carving is done this year at our house:
- pajama bottoms - check
- no shirts - check
- boys full in and wouldn't have noticed if I left the house - check

The result:  two very happy boys and two carved pumpkins!

chores

'The box is overflowing, we need to return the plastic bags to Wegmans', Blaise proclaimed.  Next thing I know they are jumping up and down in this huge plastic bag in order to fit all the bags in.  I think they all fit and 2 boys.  But I would never return them!

pack camp out

Me 'n' these here scurvy scallywags had us a grand great adventuaaarrr! We took to th' High Seas and get yer fish, aye.  Took meself on a hike through them woods.  And if yer didn't have no fun, aye, you better be walkin' the plank.

 view from the deck of the ships

 nest found outside the bunkhouse

 first 'pirate' to catch a fish

 me mateys

 some orange swashbuckling animal

 where ye sword, aye?  no, bow?

 yer selfie

 keep yer eye on the target

 fair ships and lighthouse

 arrr, sponge wars

 

yer mateys tellin' stories