Spring Break: Paradise Island

I haven't posted anything lately because I've been held up by the enormous amount of pictures we took on our trip to Paradise Island for Sring Break. Overwhelmed might be a more appropriate word. Suffice it to say that we had a WONDERFUL time and we have many photographs that captured every memory.


Here are a few of my favorites...

Guys Read

I began a guys group this year at K's elementary school. We formed our own Guys Read club, meeting after school once a week. The goal of the club was to create an environment where boys would feel safe to explore reading and writing and have lots of fun on the journey. Basically, I wanted to allow "boys to be boys" and show them that their kind of literacy does exist. It was an awesome learning and bonding experience. I hope to continue it next year. We had a photo contest in the spring semester. I asked the boys to submit a picture of themselves reading or writing in an unusual, funny, or special place. My guy decided to read while going down the zip line in our backyard. Our group dwindled a little in the spring as sports and other commitments took over for some of the boys. This is a picture from our last meeting of the year. Our latest adventure was participating in a reader's theater performance for Reading under the Prairie Stars. The guys were REALLY into it. Hopefully we will have more opportunities like this one.

Blue and Gold Banquet

The boys have thoroughly enjoyed Scouting this year. We worked hard all year to earn the Tiger Cub rank and the Bear rank, complete with a billion electives. Along the way, we discovered a family love of camping. I use the term family rather loosely. Let's say the males in our household love camping. I'm a work in progress.

The Blue and Gold Banquet had a "space" theme this year. Our dens worked hard to make cool centerpieces that reflected the theme and the boys' individual personalities. K's group made a solar system, complete with a planet designed by each boy. J's group made astronauts walking on the moon.

We were even able to see a "crossover ceremony." Our boys were mesmerized by the ceremony. On the way home, their dad told them about his crossover ceremony as a scout. He claims to have very vivid memories of it. His ceremony was in the woods with what he believes to be real Indians. We'll have to ask Mer and Pop about this one...

A Visit with the Recycle Truck

Mighty is very fortunate to have wonderful teachers who absolutely pay attention to the interests of their students. Out little guy has been obsessed with garbage and recycling for most of his life (and his interest does not seem to be fading at all). When the class began a two week unit on transportation, his teachers arranged for a visit from a recycling truck. Mighty was excited but somewhat apprehensive. I couldn't really understand why he was being reserved. Later we figured out that he was really hoping to see our garbage men. His "Buddies," as he likes to call them, are cowboy garbage men. They are extra special to him! At this point, he truly aspires to be just like them.

K's 9th Birthday

For K's 9th birthday, he chose another air soft/military theme. I tried to persuade him to do something else. I guess he really knows what he loves!

We kept it low key...just 3 friends for a sleepover and air soft. They were planning to camp in the backyard, but we decided it was way too cold. They settled for tents in the upstairs living room, complete with video games and a late night pantry raid. The party came to an end after chocolate chip pancakes and s'mores for breakfast.

Snow Day

In February we had a couple of weeks of crazy weather (for our area). We had a couple of "late start" days and one "snow day." We managed to capture a few fun photos of the boys playing in the snow.

Snorkel Lessons

As we prepared for our Spring Break trip, the boys took snorkeling lessons in Nan and Gran's tub. Mighty even caught a fish with his bare hands!