End of March!

Today went a little better than yesterday. We got started by 10am. Still not early enough to get all of our readings done, but I am committed to having a low-stress first week back.

The kids had a playdate this afternoon with two brothers that they met through YMCA swim classes. They had a great time!

This evening we went to our Community Group and studied Scripture and prayed. It was a good meeting, but without much social time, I didn't feel as connected tonight as I had been at previous meetings. :( I hope that I will find a balance there between corporate worship and personal social time. Maybe I just need to have playdates separate from our Tuesday night meetings. Next week we are not meeting due to First Tuesday, a monthly time of communion and prayer for our church body. The elementary age children participate in a Perspectives class, which apparently is mission-focused. Will report on that next week.

First Day of School After Spring Break

It was a bit of a trial to get back into our school routine this morning. I don't think we even got started until 11am! We managed to do our Bible study, language arts, math, and some literature, but that was about it. We had to go to the library to make a return and pick up a reserve item, then the kids had swim classes, followed by the Transformer's soccer practice immediately after swimming.

He has been struggling with his asthma in the last week or so, so he was coughing a bit during swim and soccer. Having them back to back didn't help. Next week, I have him scheduled for an earlier swim class so that he can have a break between activities. The Kitty Cat will continue her swim class at the current time since there is no concurrent earlier time option with her brother.

Speaking of swimming, the Kitty Cat is enrolled for another month at the beginner level, while her brother is enrolled next month in the advanced beginner level. Go, Transformer!

First Day of Soccer

Well, today began the soccer season for the YMCA in Austin. The Kitty Cat is in KinderSoccer and the Transformer is in 1st-2nd grade soccer, so they are on different schedules. Fortunately, we managed to get the Transformer onto a team that would allow us to spend most of our Saturdays together as a family.

However, today we had to split up since each of their teams had a 10am game. I took the Kitty Cat to her game, and Kirk took the Transformer to his game. It was freezing! I think the temperature was around 50 degrees by 10am. They both had a great time. I got some footage of the Kitty Cat, but I need to get some footage from my husband for the Transformer. You can see her on the left with the pink sleeves.




The Kitty Cat was having a ball just running all over the field. She took a few shots at the ball but hesitated at other times. She stayed pretty close to the coach while on the field. (In KinderSoccer, there are few rules, and the coaches and referee are all running around on the field with the players.) They have 15 minutes of practice just before games, meeting only for an hour on Saturdays for practice and game.

The Transformer will have practice for an hour every Monday evening as well as a game every Saturday.

Galveston for Spring Break

We got back late last night from our trip to Galveston. On the way back, we dropped in on an old high school friend whom I hadn't seen in 20 years. It was a great visit with a wonderful family that showed us a lot of hospitality.

Below are some videos and photos of our trip.




This video is a brief shot of the beach nearest my parents-in-law's house in Pirate's Beach. It is shorter by about 30-40 yards than it was before Ike swallowed it up. You can see that houses are on the waterline; those are condemned, now state-owned. The ones just behind them may also be state-owned due to their proximity to the new waterline and vegetation line.



Here we all are, enjoying ourselves on the beach. It was pretty overcast the whole time, with rain pouring down by Thursday and Friday. We did, however, get to be outside on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a bit of sun peaking through on Wednesday. The dogs managed to stay out of the camera's view each time I took a shot, but you can see evidence of them by the rope leash that is encircling my husband.



Above is a video of us fishing in the bay by the Pirate's Beach Country Club. There was a lot of renovation going on there, of the clubhouse as well as of residences in that area. Fishing was slow but fun.

Here's a picture of our catch for that day (Wed). A catfish got caught with squid bait, while the croaker was caught with shrimp. He actually hitched a ride as I was reeling in my line for the last time! My husband elected to let them go at our daughter's insistence that they be allowed to live.





The next day, we went to Rosenberg Library to check out the water damage and to access their wi-fi network. It was really sad to see so much of the library closed down for repairs. The children's section had been on the ground level (which is actually below ground level) and had suffered 10 feet of flooding during Ike, along with other rooms on that level and below. When we visited, they had half a floor open for use with no bathrooms available. The children's books filled less than a quarter of the shelves in a room set aside for them.

The kids insisted on climbing onto Henry's lap so I obliged them and made them pose for a photo.

Here are the kids once again atop a hill of dirt (to be used to replenish the beach) on another day spent at the beach. They couldn't get enough of that sensory experience despite the cold wind and dark skies. It was too cold for me after about 1-1/2 to 2 hours. My husband and the kids spent another hour there and then our daughter returned to the house with me when I came back out. My husband had to insist on going back to the house another hour later because the Transformer was having too much fun to leave. This may have been the pivotal point at which his coughing was exacerbated. He is continuing to cough loudly as I type.

My parents-in-law came down on Thursday so we got to spend time with them as well from then through Friday. Thursday night we went to The Rainforest Cafe for dinner, going on the Rainforest Ride beforehand. Despite the poor weather forecast and the downpour finale, we had a great time.

Last Monday's Field Trip to the Capitol Building

Well, last Monday seems far away. We went on a tour of the Texas Capitol Building with the Transformer's Cub Scout Den. It was a great trip; pretty much everyone enjoyed him or herself. Here is a picture of the Capitol Rotunda.

We were split into two tour groups. Although our group had a good and lengthy tour, the second group apparently had an abbreviated one, ending at the same time as ours though they started 15 minutes after we did.

At the end of the Capitol Building tour, several of us (some elected not to go) headed over to the Capitol Visitors' Center (CVC) where we saw a video on the history of the Capitol and were able to look through telescopes at key architectural elements, as well as do some interactive projects by hand and computer. Because of our scheduled spring break, we could not stay as long as my son wanted to. He was really disappointed that he couldn't browse through more of the online links. When we asked, we were told that those links were not available on the internet, only at the CVC.












A photo of the Kitty Cat
and her Capitol tour
buddy.








The left picture is a view of the session in progress from the Gallery (you can see the Gallery on the other side near the top of the pic). The Gallery encircles the session floor. On the right, you can see my son and a fellow scout sitting in the Gallery seats.

This last picture shows the scouts in rapt attention to the video that is playing. It featured "secret places" in the Capitol Building that are not open to tours, including a historic office space and a staircase that leads up to the top of the dome.

Most of what the tour guide told the scouts went over their heads (well, the Tigers anyway), but that didn't stop them from asking questions! All in all, a fun trip.

Spring Break

Well, it's Sunday night. I thought I'd drop by and let you know that I'm taking the week off from blogging. We will have school tomorrow, then we have a Go-See-It at the Capitol Building. After that we'll make a stop at the library, trade out some books and videos, then off to swim classes. After that we're hitting the road for a mini-vacation. I'll post some pics and update some stories after we're back, which may not be immediately since soccer will start this coming Saturday morning. Have a great week!

Blacksmith Shop

This was my son's favorite stop at Pioneer Farms. We stopped there
three times! The third time, the shop was closed as the farm was
closing for the day too. The gentleman in the center is the
blacksmith. Happy to answer all the many questions that the kids were
asking him. The Transformer was just transfixed at seeing how metal
tools were made. He was content to just watch him heat the knife,
shape it with the hammer and anvil, reheat it, reshape it, and so on.
I have to admit, it was pretty cool watching metal be manipulated like
plastic.

Weaving and Spinning Room

Here's one view of my favorite place at Pioneer Farms. You can see the
baskets in the middle with all the uncarded cotton and wool (with
seeds removed). The carding brushes are on top. Both of my kids really
enjoyed trying them, especially the Transformer.

James Bell Homestead

This is a picture of my children in front of the children's room in
the James Bell home. It is a circa 1858 Greek revival home of
well-to-do cotton farmer James H. Bell.

Pioneer Farms

We went to Pioneer Farms today for Homeschool Day. It was great. We
got there about 10:20am or so and left after 2pm when they shut down.
Got to see several homesteads with working kitchens, lots of
volunteers in costume, horses, cows, donkeys, hogs, cats. My son asked
lots of questions and got lots of answers. His favorite was the
blacksmith shop where he got to see the blacksmith heating up a knife
and shape on the anvil.

My favorite rooms were seeing the working kitchen with the woodburning
stoves, as well as the weaving room and seeing all the tools used to
make rugs from cotton (mostly) and wool, including carding brushes, hand spinners and
spinning wheels, a swift, and weaving looms.
What fun!

One of those days...

...where it feels like you don't get much done in the way of school. We actually did get the basics done, but I had hoped to cover more than that because we will not have "school" tomorrow due to our field trip. Also, we will have school on Monday, but the rest of the week will be Spring Break.

We didn't start school until noon today. Noon.

We did manage to get our Bible study, Language Arts, and Math done today. We then had to eat lunch, I had to get showered and dressed, and leave for KinderGym. I had hoped to get back to some books after KinderGym, but that was not to be.

My son was almost out of control again at the gym class. I don't know what it is about that kind of environment that just makes him crazy. Maybe because it is indoors? He's fine in swimming class. I'm going to guess that it is the fact that he is not contained in water and that he is allergic to four walls and flourescent lighting. My daughter was also a bit aggro. Just a little bit.

Anyway, tomorrow we are off to Pioneer Farms for Homeschool Day. I think it will be great fun. Then we are supposed to see some bands perform at South by Southwest (SXSW) midafternoon. Then we'll have dinner, and the grownups will play volleyball at the park.

Sick Day

Our homeschool routine was disrupted by my poor soon having a severe asthma episode beginning the middle of last night. He coughed from 3am and is only now (5pm) getting to a point where it is not continuous. We went to see his doctor, and she has recommended several things including antibiotics to fight the infection building in his ears from fluid build-up. Apparently there is already pus on the right side.

We did some read-alouds today, but that was it. We'll try to pick up somewhat tomorrow, but then Friday we'll be off to Pioneer Farm.

Soccer Kids

Well, I had not signed my boy up for soccer thinking that he would take flag football instead (his preference). The class did not start as scheduled and turns out to be moving to a later start date. I got a schedule for the soccer games for my daughter, and in speaking about her playing soccer, my son started demanding to play soccer too. Well, long story short, I signed him up today. So both of them will be playing. It should be fun for all of us!

As for flag football, since it will run concurrently with soccer, we have elected to not sign him up for it right now. We will instead register him for Upward Flag Football through a local church in the fall.

Swim Classes Cancelled for This Week

This is the alternate activity for my kids today since swim classes
have been cancelled for this week due to Spring Break. Yes, apparently
around here, Spring Break has capital letters. Back in CA, it was a
lot less formal. Spring break was whenever you called it. Here, it
seems that everything is rearranged or cancelled to allow for all them
schoolin' folk to take some time off from school. We have, therefore,
succumbed to the pressure and will be taking our Spring Break next
week. To be confirmed later. ;)

Arts and Crafts for St. Patty's Day

We went to Poquito Picassos this morning, and the children made crafts
to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The clover is my son's work while the
necklace is my daughter's. In her usual style, she donated her work
(to me).

After their class, we went to Michael's to pick up some more pipe
cleaners (or chenille stems or whatever else they are called) to
finish the weaving baskets that the girls at GirlsClub started last
week. They will serve as handles. While we were there, we picked up
more yarn for the Transformer blanket, a 3-D chalk set (really about
the glasses than the chalk) that was on sale, and 2 plastic canvas
kits. As I considered having my daughter learn embroidery, I just am
not comfortable with her handling such a tiny, sharp needle right now.
So I will have her begin with plastic canvas (which is also a badge)
and then work on knitting embroidery before I allow her to learn
proper embroidery. My son also wanted in on the plastic canvas
projects so the 2nd kit is for him.

On a final note, I ordered Far Above Rubies on CD today. It was priced
at half off until Monday so I wanted to take advantage of that deal.
We won't be able to use it for many years, but I just couldn't let
that deal go by. And since I think many years into the future, I
figured it would come in handy in other ways until my daughter can
actually use it. In a few weeks, Blessed Is the Man is supposed to
become available on CD as well. I imagine for a similar price.

Friday Learn Your World

Today's project apparently had the teacher make some green goo while the children looked on. Then they each got a piece to play with. I'm still working on the educational component of that one. Primarily because, as soon as we had exited the building, my son said, "How did she make these?" I told him to ask her tomorrow when they saw her again for Saturday's class. Watching how to make it did not register anything for him at all apparently.

KinderGym Today

That's my little girl doing a supported backflip. Her brother is waiting next in line.They were working on somersaults, balance beam, and backflips today. Fun!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

I am happy to report that the new behavior system is working great! Today was more representative of reality than yesterday, of course. However, all disagreements were resolved quickly and relatively easily. A gentle reminder that a certain course of action would take them backward on the trail was sufficient to stem the tide.

At this point, both children have made their first goals, which is the privilege of choosing a movie that they would like to see, whether in the theatres or on television. The Transformer is holding out for either Speed Racer or the new Transformers movie, which apparently isn't out yet. The Kitty Cat has decided on Wonder Woman, even though it is an episodic series. They will get to fulfill their wishes next week.

The next goal on their journey of obedience is 1-on-1 time with Dad. Looks like he's going to be busy!

In addition to this morning's lessons, we made a quick run to the library to return a bunch of books and videos and to borrow more. Then it was off to the YMCA for swim lessons, a quick trip home to drop off the wet gear and have a hurried dinner, then off to another library branch to watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars for their monthly family movie night. It was pretty good. The kids particularly like that they get popcorn and lemonade there. :)

The weather has turned from hot and windy to cold, rainy, and gloomy. As this forecast seems to go through at least tomorrow, possibly Friday, I'm looking forward to slowing down our activities somewhat. Tomorrow's agenda includes KinderGym in the afternoon. Friday has us at the YMCA for the Science and Nature class. We probably won't go to Park Day due to the weather, and I imagine that our volleyball game will be cancelled due to soggy sand.

Behavior Incentives Map

Here is the map. Ignore the silly napkin in the center. It was the
most expedient way to cover up my daughter's name. The paths go in a
clockwise direction. HOME is at the top, followed by Movie, 1-on-1
Time with Dad, Activity, 1-on-1 Time with Mom, Treat, and finally
Field Trip.

Behavior Incentives Chart

Here is a pic of the chart uploaded from my phone. If you click on it,
you should be able to see a larger image.

Behavior Incentives

This morning, the first order of the day was to establish a new system to motivate the children to want to be obedient and behave in a positive way regularly. With input from my husband, I established a "game" of sorts to encourage positive behaviors while minimizing negative ones. Since today was the first day of implementation, the children have been quite enthusiastic about pursuing it. They have been doing well, but as I typed, they had started arguing. After reminding them about the repercussions on their charts, they have now made up and are playing well together.

So, what is this system, you say? Let me explain.

First of all, I made up two lists: one labeled Backward (for negative behaviors) and the other labeled Forward (for positive behaviors). Basically, they each have a map on which they follow paths that lead to certain goals. There are a total of six goals and Home. They start at home and have ten "steps" to get to the first goal, which is "Movie." For each positive behavior, that child gets to move forward one step towards the next goal. For each negative behavior, the child moves backward away from the goal. They cannot move backward into a goal. Only forward. The only behavior that nets them more than one step is obedience at the first request, which earns them two steps.

I'm going to try to upload an image of the behaviors and maps so that you can see how it is laid out.

Each of the six goals, in order, are: Movie (get to choose a movie to see), 1-on-1 Time with Dad, Activity (get to choose an activity to participate in), 1-on-1 Time with Mom, Treat (get to choose an edible treat outing), and Field Trip (get to choose a place to visit). When they get back to Home, they might earn a new toy or something. I haven't figured that part out yet.

Between each of the goals are ten steps. It seems like it would be easy to get ten and hit each of the goals quickly, but the negative behaviors taking them backward on the steps slows this process down. They determine how quickly they get to each goal.

I elected not to include all behavioral aspects in this system (such as saying "please" and "thank you") since those are acts that we all do anyway. I really tried to focus on those things that we parents end up repeating until we turn blue. The system and its details will change over time, I suspect, but so far it is working like a charm.

Monday's Child

Today we got started a bit late with school. We covered the basics and then had to go to Cub Scouts where I was leading the GirlsClub activity for this week (as well as for next week). The den's Circle Time was for working on the Texas Badge.

The girls, in the meantime, were working on basketweaving. Yeah, it sounds simple, but it's not. I even got a cheater kit so the little ones wouldn't struggle too much. I'll try to post a picture of it next week, then you'll see what it looks like. The girls start out with plastic rectangular baskets (looks like a portable drawer) that have vertical rails along the sidewalls. Then they weave long rainbow-colored paper strips between the rails' vertical posts. They alternate the posts that they weave around with each subsequent row of paper.

Well, some of the older girls did great with it and completed a good portion of it. The younger ones struggled more, as did some older ones. One got really frustrated so I worked with her for a while, observing her technique to see where she might be making her errors. Her persistence paid off, and she improved quite a bit.

When we pick up next week, the girls will finish up what they can of the weaving strips. Then we'll add pipe cleaner handles and felt for inside the base of the baskets to finish them off. Then they'll have cute baskets to hold trinkets in as well as experience in basketweaving.

After scouts, we got to come home and rest for almost an hour. Got dressed for swim class (kids) and exercise (me) and went to the YMCA. After the kids' swim class, I put them in Childcare so that I could work out for 1/2 hour. In that time, my son managed to get put in time-out twice. I won't go into details here except to say that the rest of the day did not fare much better.

I had my virtual class to attend just after dinnertime, during which time I had the children watch the Eyewitness: Rock & Mineral video that we had borrowed from the library. They both liked it, my son in particular. As soon as it ended, though, he started asking me if he could go on the computer (to look up something on a Transformer robot). He had started the day with that question, to which I had said that today was not a good day because of our tight schedule. He continued to ask me the rest of the day, and by evening I had had it. It was 9:30pm by this time, and he couldn't seem to understand that the day was over, his bedtime had passed, and he needed to be in bed, asleep. Well, he's asleep now. I pray that these trying-behavior days come to a close soon. It's exhausting.

ASNC Take 3

Here is one of the many large birds that are housed at the ANSC. I'm
embarrassed to say that I just don't remember what kind of bird it was
except to say that it was a hawk. There were many other birds of prey
there, including a variety of owls, vultures, and hawks.

ASNC Animal

Here's the resident coyote. Unfortunately, at the pace that the kids
were setting, I didn't get to read about its history. It's amazing how
its nose looks just like a fox's, but the body coloring is very much
wolfish.

Austin Nature & Science Center

This is a bobcat taking a snooze at ANSC. So cute! It is pretty big,
about the size of a medium dog (on the smaller side). He was
apparently raised in captivity and declawed (???) and so can never be
released back into the wild.

I took the children to the ANSC today to meet a friends and her kids. We all enjoyed it quite a bit. The kids were running all over the place. They got to see fossils and other natural objects. They enjoyed digging in the Dino Pit as well as looking at all of the animals.

We were there for about 2.5 hours, after which I am exhausted. Great field trip!

Mithing Teef

Another tooth finally came out this afternoon! Eating is definitely
continuing to be a challenge for this child.

Teaching Little Ones at Church

I'm back from my first morning of teaching at church. I was told that I would be teaching older 3-year-olds, but apparently most of the kids are early 4s. Most of the kids were also boys. And being my first day, they didn't know me, nor I them. The ingredients for a tough morning. I know it will take a few months for the kids to get comfortable with me. I felt a bit frazzled this morning. But now I know what to expect for next time and for whom I am praying.

After a few months, I should know if teaching is one of my spiritual gifts. And if it is, if this is the right age group for me to be using it with.

Poquito Picassos Arts and Crafts Class

The kids went to their arts and crafts class this morning. This was the one that we thought was also on Wednesdays due to a typographical error on the registration website. They made little construction paper ducks. My daughter gave hers to the teacher as a gift before I even got back to get them so I didn't get a good look at it. It was creative, in the way all of her projects are. My son had a very cute, realistic yellow duck (okay, except for the yellow part). They really enjoyed it. The teacher was the same on that they had yesterday for the Learn Your World class on science and nature so that is great that they can have some consistency there.

As an aside, I'm getting a bit frustrated with Blogger. I chose this service specifically because I could upload posts (including pics and videos) directly from my cell phone. Initially it worked great. I could post things in realtime. But something changed on Thursday, and I am no longer able to upload directly. ??? So now I have to send posts to my email, then sit down at my computer and email them to this blog. No more realtime.

Saturday Morning Green Thumbs

Impromptu gardening lesson with Dad. They're planting watermelon and
tomato seeds.

Friday Fun Day Finale

Finally getting to ride the Zilker Zephyr! It is 90 degrees right now.
As you can see, we've been quite busy today. In fact, we had an encore
after the finale in which we walked down to the Barton Springs Pool
and dipped our feet in. The water was the perfect temperature and felt
so good! There were a bunch of people down there, bikinis, trunks, and
day clothes, swimming around in the water with their dogs. We saw the
cutest little Boston terrier named Millie who loved to swim out and
fetch her tennis ball. But then she wouldn't relinquish it to her
owner to the point that the owner would pick up the ball AND the dog
with it! The dog dangled in midair and refused to let go of the ball.
When she was put down, she still refused to let go except to get a
better grip on it.

Anyway, that was our "field trip" outing. The kids had a great time, as
did I. Now I'm exhausted and trying to regain some energy to play
volleyball tonight.

The Wheel and Its Possibilities

The perennial engineer. I found out later that he was using the wheel
to sand some twigs down and make them smooth. So where I saw a rubber
tire on a retired fire engine, he saw an oversized rubber sanding
attachment to a drill!

Music Lesson

Does this count?

After Class Stroll

On a bridge crossing Town Lake. We decided to finally make our way
down to Town Lake and see the ducks and other creatures that abide
there. We got to the pedestrian bridge and crossed over, making a
U-turn to come back to the car.

Let's Go Fly Our Kites!

Testing the newly made kites. Great wind for kite flying!

YMCA Pet

Lola Bunny

Learn Your World

This is the science and nature class they started this morning at the
YMCA. They are making kites to fly outside. Behind them is a beautiful
bunny named Lola that they were observing and learning about just
before class.

Natural Planet

The Kitty Cat and Dad at the restaurant tonight. The Transformer had
already gone to play in the playscape. This restaurant promotes
natural food and green materials and policies.

Blanket Update

Here is the first complete strip for the Transformer blanket. Once I
get the medium blue skein untangled, I'll begin the next strip/block
which will feature the Autobot sign. "At last!" my son will cry.

Thursday Gymnastics

Roll call at KinderGym. The kids were excited! Not only was this our
first class, it was the instructor's first class as well. Apparently
there were eleven children signed up for the class with no instructor
(the last one had left), and Jason didn't want the class to get
canceled so he stepped up. They had fun. I hope they get good
instruction. We've only have 3 more classes anyway.

Botany

Here are some ongoing science projects that the kids are doing. Really their part has been as observers because I end up watering them. The nearer one is the Transformers' strawberry plant. The further one is the Kitty Cat's lavender plant.

Wednesday Night Wrap-up

After this morning's disappointment, we have recuped and moved on. :)

This afternoon took us back to the YMCA (another branch) where the kids have been having their swimming lessons. Little Miss Kitty Cat apparently put her face in the water, as well as jumping (with hands being held by the instructor). Yay! The Transformer I didn't get any reports about.

Why don't I know what's going on with them? Well, I decided to exercise while they were in their class, at my husband's suggestion. I'm sorry to not watch them but also wonder if it's good for them to not have me there. All the other kids' parents remain by the poolside. I did get back a few minutes after my daughter's class had been dismissed. I came in to her beginning to cry because "I didn't have anyone to help me shower." :( Her teacher said that she had helped her. I felt bad, of course, that I wasn't available when my baby needed me.

As for "school," we finished up Bible study and the 3 Rs this morning before heading out to the nonexistent class. While out, we also read a book for Cub Scouts and began a child's biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, which we will continue over the week. Back at home, I then had them watch a video on bicycle safety that stressed the importance of using a helmet at all times when on wheels.

I had gotten that video at the library earlier today along with another on Phonics and one called "Rock and Mineral" for one of the Contenders badges. We'll then go to the Science & Nature Center and look at their collections to enhance the Contenders badge and finish up the requirements for the Cub Scouts Geology AND Collecting belt loops. Isn't homeschooling great?

Well, I think that's it for today. I'll try to be better about getting pictures up with my posts again.

Disappointment

So we got to the YMCA this morning for the kids' arts and crafts class. There wasn't one. Apparently it was a typo on the website. So it's only on Saturdays. Additionally, all of their materials say the age range is from 4-5yo. So now I'll need to double-check to see if the Transformer can even participate. argh

Slow Day

Today was a pretty easy school day. We got the skeleton subjects done but had to quit early so I could get to an interview for volunteering at our church. I left the kids at home with their dad, working on different computer programs. I'm just going to let the kids play for the rest of the afternoon.

As for the outcome of that interview? I'm going to be co-teaching 3-year-olds at church this Sunday and will be doing that 1-2 times/month. It's going to get crazy beginning tomorrow!

The first day of a new extracurricular schedule

We had school this morning. Seemed like we weren't getting much done efficiently, but it turned out that we got everything we needed to get done today done. Unfortunately, my Transformer is having some behavior difficulties lately, so direct discipline was a main theme for today.

The children began their new swimming classes today. My son is in a larger class this time, combined with some other level swimmers, being taught by a male teacher. My daughter is in a class with all boys, unfortunately with two of them being very rambunctious. We'll see how they progress this month. The Kitty Cat did jump in the pool today having only one hand held. Her face got in the water (perhaps not her eyes). She was quite surprised at that but recovered nicely.

My little girl is also improving in producing the "s" sound individually. A little more practice, and we may get to practice words soon.

Volleyball Badge

Just like my dad predicted, the visual confirmation of blood vessel trauma from playing volleyball last Friday for the first time in many years has arrived. Yeah, my arms are still tender. This one is more so than the other.

Massive Kite

Yet another kite at the festival. This one was one of those parachute-type kites, huge.

Blue Kite

My accomplished kite flying Transformer. He was quite determined to get that kite up as high as he could. Had a few tangles with other kites, but he did great! His was also made there.

Pink Kite

My happy little Kitty Cat flying her first kite, made at the festival at the HEB booth.

Kite festival cont.

Here is a better pic of some kites...

Annual Austin Kite Festival

We're at Zilker Park (I'm taking the pic). It's hard to see all the kites in the background, but there were hundreds of them flying! More pics to follow...