The kids had their drama performances this week. I had some technical difficulties during the recording. Someone called during Elliot’s and I had to leave during Andrew’s because Rose was ready to explore.
Climb Iowa
This year for Christmas we gave the kids a one-month membership to Climb Iowa, an indoor rock-climbing gym about 10 minutes from our house. Yesterday we made our first trip. The kids had a great time. We hope to go about twice a week for the month of January.
Winter Drama Performances
This week the kids had their drama performances with their homeschool enrichment classes. They all love drama and enjoy being in the plays.
Moving up in the (music) world
This year Andrew and Mari both started playing new instruments – Tuba for Mari and Cello for Andrew. In recent weeks they have both progressed beyond the entry-level classes that they were in. Mari started playing with the full fifth grade orchestra a couple of weeks ago and yesterday in class she was particularly proud of being called out for her skills. She was asked to come to the front of the class to play a solo of Jingle Bells.
Andrew will join the full seventh grade orchestra at Indian Hills Junior High next week. His friend Will is already in this group and Andrew is excited for some more complex work.
Neighborhood Sports
Yesterday we wrapped up our summer season of Neighborhood Sports. Since the Olympics start today, we finished up with some Olympic-type activities & games.
Tennis Lessons
This week and next the kids are taking tennis lessons with the City of Clive. They all like to play tennis and are glad to be out on the court.
End of the Soccer Season
Today we wrapped up the spring soccer season. Andrew & Mari finished last week and Elliot had his last game today – a make-up game. It was a fun year and we are already looking forward to the fall.
Drama Performances
All 3 older kids love their drama enrichment class. This week we got to see the performances for the plays they have been working on this year.
Home Depot Kids’ Workshop
The kids still love to go to the Home Depot Kids’ Workshops. They usually remember on the first Saturday, unprompted. This time Lucia made her first craft – a mailbox for valentines. She painted everything while the other kids worked on theirs, then when everyone else was done they helped Lucia assemble hers.
Fun Day!
The weather has been beautiful lately and we have been enjoying some nice days. Thursday tends to be one of our busier days, and yesterday was no exception. By the time Bean Sprouts started at 8:30 the kids were off to their homeschool enrichment classes. Mimi picks takes them and Papa picks them up and they all go to lunch.
They arrived home as we were still eating lunch with the Thursday Aftercare crew. Madeline, Stella, Veda, and Evy all stay after school on Thursday to play. This certainly makes Thursday afternoons lively and Lucia loves having the around.
When Evy got picked up at 4:45 the kids and I loaded up the bikes and rode to Neighborhood Sports. It is an 8 mile ride, mostly on trails, and it takes about an hour. This was our first time and it was nice. With just a few street crossings, most of the way was easy passage.
Neighborhood Sports is always fun when the weather is nice. This evening we played soccer. There were about 24 kids there and most were ready to have a good time.
After Neighborhood Sports it was time to make up for our missed dinner, so we headed to Snookies for some soft-serve. The Reagens joined us for our first visit of the year.
Neighborhood Sports
Tonight we had our fourth session of Neighborhood Sports for the winter season. The kids have been loving the gym time and playing all sorts of games. We are fortunate to be in a school with a great supply closet!