Max’s Run…

Today we participated in the Max Silver Memorial Fun Run which served as a fundraiser for a scholarship set up in Max’s memory.  Max is a Skyway kid who died in a tragic drowning accident in December.  We started at Cheyenne Mountain High School and walked around the high school to Skyway and then to the Little Dipper Pool (Skyway’s neighborhood pool).  My parents, Jerry, Elaine and I participated and enjoyed seeing 400 people come together to remember this remarkable young man.  I loved seeing people I went to high school with I hadn’t seen since then, old friends you never seem to see enough of and spending time with family.  Elaine swam at the Little Dipper for the first time, enjoyed being in the sun, running on the high school field and spending time with the neighborhood kids. 

At registration with the Chisesis

Sporting her event t-shirt–it’s the smallest size!

These are all the participants who live on our street

Warm-up running on the high school field

LOVING the baby pool!

Splashing around

Cold and hungry and tired!!!

 

Life Is Good…

Tonight we met our good friends, the Chisesis, in Manitou Springs for dinner.  We ate at The Keg, which is kind of a dive bar with GREAT food!!  They have the best salmon berry salad around and from what I hear, the burgers are the best in town. 

After our yummy meal, we walked the main street in Manitou and found the Life Is Good clothing store.  They are MANY great finds in this store, that’s for sure!  This evening is what summer is all about–good friends, good food, being outside and spending time relaxing!!

Megan and Elaine–what smiles!!

Life IS good…

What shoes do I get????

Watching the creek that runs through Manitou

 

 

Musikgarten…

Elaine took music classes during the school year every Wednesday morning.  My mom took her most of the time which Jerry and I appreciated so much.  Her friend, Lane, was in the class as well with his grandma, Kathi.  Elaine has always loved music and we are pleased that she has had the opportunity to learn in this environment.  The teacher is fabulous with the little guys and Elaine learned a lot.  The last class she went with Jer and they both look like they were having fun!!

Getting ready for class

Gathering bells

 

TA-DA!

Singing in the microphone

Lane and Kathi

The truth comes out…

Jerry has always gathered the trash on Tuesday nights for our Wednesday pick-up and I always feel a little guilty for not helping more with that chore.  That was until tonight when I saw the truth (at least, the recent truth).  Jerry sits in front of the staircase upstairs with the bag of diapers.  Our poor 2 year old daughter goes from room to room bringing the trash cans to him for disposal in the bag.  This has been happening for so long that she has a routine and gathers the cans in clockwise order from all the rooms upstairs.  All kidding aside, she LOVES being a helper and does seem to enjoy helping her daddy. 

Sitting down for a break after only 1 trashcan–Morgan is doing her best to help

 

Proudly showing off her second haul

Poor thing!! Doesn’t she look tired??

Waiting to return the basket to its proper place

Do you see how happy Jer looks?

 

Memorial Day…

Today was your run of the mill day around here.  We went to breakfast with my parents who are just back from their vacation.  Elaine loved spending a few minutes with them while we ate.  Her adoration of them is as strong as ever even after 3+ weeks of them being gone.  Jerry and I cleaned up part of the garage and I went to the grocery store.  Elaine continued her quest for potty training and has had some success.  She understands the basic concept, although she is having a hard time putting all the pieces together in the correct order.  My parents and Ms. Shirley came over for dinner.  And, Morgan is getting adjusted to her new home and is beginning to show us her personality.  Morgan LOVES the water.  We’ve never had a dog who would do ANYTHING to get to water in any form.  She loves the sprinklers, the hose, watering can, puddles and Elaine’s bath. 

As the day draws to a close, I am reminded to be thankful for the freedom we enjoy and know it didn’t come without great cost.  Both of Jerry’s grandfathers were killed in WWII, my dad was in Vietnam, my brother is facing his third deployment in June, several of the cadets we sponsored have been deployed (or are currently) and, living in Colorado Springs, we are faced with military stories constantly.  To all the veterans and active duty military, I say thank you.  It seems to me the very least I can do!!

At breakfast with Mom and Dad

Sitting on her big girl potty

Morgan trying to get as close to the running water as possible

Elaine letting Morgan drink from her bath toys

 

Introducing…

Jerry, Elaine and I have added a new member to the family–a beautiful red husky named Morgan.  She is 18 months old and still very much a puppy.  We got her from a family that is splitting up and couldn’t keep her.  Morgan has already shown she’ll fit in well–she’s walked the neighborhood several times, played with all the kids, been sweet with Elaine, gotten out twice AND come back to her new home. She will definitely add to our family and we are excited to have her!

 

 

School’s out…

Yesterday was my last day of school.  I love the thought of summer–spending lots of time with Elaine, traveling, getting things done, being outside, etc. etc.  Right now, the possibilities are endless.  Friday afternoon, as I looked around my bare classroom, a tinge of bittersweet sets in and I always feel a little sad.  Hopeful, relaxed, filled with anticipation, exhausted, happy and a little sad–it comes with the job, I guess. 

 

My normal, sweet, calm 2nd graders….

     

Now that’s more like it!!!!

Cory’s Birthday…

Jerry’s sister and her family were in Denver Wednesday night.  They are from Grand Junction so we don’t get to see them very often and were excited for the opportunity to spend a few hours together.  To make it even better, our nephew turned 5 today so we all got to celebrate.  We had dinner at Dave and Buster’s and got to play a little afterward.  Elaine and Cory had a great time entertaining (and tormenting) one another.  They really do love one another and that shines through, especially during good-byes. Happy 5th Birthday Cory–we’re so glad we could help you celebrate! 

Elaine was more than glad to help Cory unwrap his gifts.

At dinner

Cousins playing Skee-ball

 

Our goodbyes

 

Skyway Marathon Finale…

I am blessed to work in a school that still looks at the whole child, that cares about more than just test scores and that believes in creating community.  As hokey as those things sound, it is the best possible public school scenario.  I bleed Skyway blue and love being a part of Skyway as an adult. 

One of our yearly “projects” was put together last year by our counselor and PE teacher.  The Sky is the Limit Marathon is a great way to get everyone together, emphasize healthy living and build community.  Every Tuesday and Thursday morning starting on February 14th, students, staff, parents and community members gathered to run or walk a mile.  Those miles are accumulated to equal 25 miles–just 1 short of a marathon.  As our culminating activity, the whole school walked to our high school track and completed the last mile for our marathon status.   This year almost 200 people completed the marathon (our school is only 300, so it’s a good turnout).  Jerry, Elaine and I are 2 time finishers, although most of Elaine’s miles were done in the stroller.  She is also, for the second year, the youngest participant.  We enjoy our morning walks and I love seeing my students outside the classroom.  

Our 2nd lap

Elaine walked the last part and finished strong

Participant picture

The Cross class participants:

 

Valerie, Jeni, Andrew, Ethan, Ryan, Dylan, Sam, Elaine and me

 

Ticklin’ the Ivories…

Elaine, with the help of Grandma Sherry, found the piano.  She loved to play with 1 finger on each hand and the “melodies” were interesting, for sure.  I guess Jerry and I will have to look into a piano teacher!!