Guest Teacher

 No school today for Greta and Fieldin. Greta taught the kids some music and they loved it. A few kids were a little nervous around her, which was funny. She did a great job and the kids enjoyed her except the two that told me they were scared of her:)  

Lacrosse Practice/Hurdle Practice For The Eldest

 Lil’ man is gearing up for lacrosse season

Cello Video

A First And A Last Symphony Concert

I am sad to see Fieldin's cello days over. He is sooo darn cute playing it. Finally, hauling the big cello around got old and he opted for something smaller. 

He had a wonderful symphony concert. I was very impressed and the cuteness factor of all those kids was almost too much. 

Jazz Fest #1

This year when Greta made it into Jazz band we knew that it was the start of Jazz Fests for us. This Saturday she had her first all day Fest. It was just a fun one with other Oregon schools to listen to each other and get feedback. The award fests come later. She looks SO grumpy when she plays music and it makes everyone laugh. She can't help it and has tried harder to smile :) 

 On the drum set..below.

 with her best friend.. she plays guitar so she and Greta keep the beat. 

"Heavy Metal" Mouth

After years of hearing that the eldest would not need braces, things changed. Just some quick fixes and she will be out of them within a year. She made a deal with the orthodontist. He could fix what is needed but keep her genuine smile the way it is. She wants to keep the gap in her front teeth because that is what her smile is supposed to be. The orthodontist was thrilled with this and they made the deal. When it is done she wants to still look like pre-ortho Greta. That is some self confidence for you! 

 Before braces (above) 

With braces.. We spent extra and let her get the clear braces she asked for. No bright colored bands for this girl she wants these braces as understated as possible. Shes doing well with them. She is having some trouble eating but otherwise doing ok.. 

Robotics State Championship For The Eldest

 What a day.. A very long and amazing day. I ran these girls around all day to 3 large presentations in front of professionals to small presentations. Three trips to the main stage for robot runs where they were so excited to be on live stream you tube. With no rest time in between because they cheered on others, sold themselves to judges, handed out swag bags for a give away and cheered and cheered some more. They were up at 4:30 and didn't leave the tournament until 6 p.m. Fieldin slept through the closing ceremonies. So proud of these Fin-Tastic Fish. Only two teams got to go to worlds out of 120 teams. They did not make it to worlds but they did get First place in State For Inspiration and Core values which was awesome. they came home with a coveted Lego trophy. 

 Carrying their well known fish on sticks. Singing songs and handing out swag bags. 

 Waiting to go into one of their presentations 

 having a judge look over their robot and answer questions before they compete on the tables

 robot competition 1(above) cheering their way back up stairs to the pit area 

 extra one on one judging time

 Round 2 on the tables 

 Photo op 

 these girls are loved in the world of robotics and while they were prepping for their next presentation they stopped and did a song or two at the request of people from other teams. Their songs were loved.

 Greta and her fish. She picked the only fish that had a snarl:) They each made their own lego glasses. She gets to keep all the garb. Once a fintastic fish, you are always a fintastic fish. 

 They ended their day 17th in the 3 robot challenges which was great! They competed against  55 other teams for robot competition. 

 Below, performing their songs during closing ceremonies 

 The judges needed extra time crunching numbers so they would have dance time for the kids while they waited.  The fish started a very huge conga line to kill time. There is Greta and her fish! 

 Below, winning their first place trophy and photo ops. 

 The girls and Mr. G after their win 

 Gret with the trophy and her state medal 

 waiting to enter one of their timed presentations 

In a rare break relaxing and playing the uke. 

Love you Greta and so proud of you! 

Around Here

 Around here, there is not much free time but when there is, this girl is drumming and playing piano. She now teaches beginning drumming! She loves teaching young kids and it is a fun way for her to earn money. Don't worry she cleans up the music mess before a student comes... 

 Around here, things are falling apart. The cat loves to micromanage as you can see. Jeff has been busy. After 8 years in this house, we have had to replace the fridge, garbage disposal and dishwasher recently. My camera died today too... Time for some upgrades. 

 Ball kids.. I have lost track on how long Gret has been a ball kid for the OSU women's basketball team. We are guessing 5 years for Greta and 2 years for Fieldin. They do a great job. They were going to take this year off but the coach called.. and you can't say no to such a nice guy :) 

 I love the treasures I find in Fieldin's backpack. Artwork, notes from girls (!) notes from friends, crumpled up multiplication tests, etc.. I can't help but hang up the artwork I find. 

 He is still taking ukulele and cello lessons. I love hearing him play the uke. 

Puzzles. We are still doing lots of puzzles round here. It may become a year round hobby.