Sarah and Magra on the Farm

One of the reasons I went to Colorado in May was so I could go on a field trip with Sarah. I was honored that I was asked to come. There are two kindergarten teachers at Windsor Charter. I'm sorry I can't tell you her teacher's name . . . .something like Randazzio?

The children were divided into small

groups with a grown-up to watch them.

Our grown-up was Mrs. Jones.

The first thing they did was take a hayride.

This was a "teachers only" activity so I stood with the parents and chatted while Sarah's class took their ride. We were a little disappointed because we thought I would get to go along. Bummer!

Sarah waved good bye

along with the other children

she is such a cutie!

This young lady was our guide.

Her shirt is emblazoned with

"Farm Chick"

She was very patient with the class.

After a few preliminary remarks we made our way to the pen with the cows. Sarah wasn't so sure about getting close, yet.
The light colored cow is a new mother and the dark colored cow produces. . . .steak!! YUM! I'll take mine medium rare.

Still not sure about the whole getting too close thing. Sarah donned her jacket with hood ~ it was a chilly day. We were lucky that it didn't rain.

The goose and duck don't fly.

Not because they have their wings clipped

but because they are too fat!

No, they didn't put the children

in a pen.

They were looking at the chickens.

Everyone got excited when we got to the sheep and goats. They climbed on the fences and paid close attention to our guide. Earlier in the day each of them got a small "wad" of wool to take home. ( I know every one's mom was probably thrilled to find that in a pocket!)

One of the kids took a special liking to Sarah.

I think he was trying to nibble her buttons.

They got to see the ponies and horse but weren't allowed to ride them or pet them. I thought this was a cool shot of Sarah on the fence.

Sarah was very brave when

it came time to feed the sheep and goats.

They would eat out of your hand.

(Kind of slimy)

Sarah was very sweet and shared her

feed with a little girl that spilled hers.

The goat appreciated her generosity.

I totally enjoyed the day ~ of course the chance to get a hug was well worth the smell, the heat, and the noise.

I met some of Sarah's friends. Little girls always seem to wrap their arms around each other when they pose, don't they?

At the playground there was another group from a different school. The girls didn't mind ~ it was a see saw for goodness sake!

Looks like she is climbing with "no hands"!

There were bubbles to blow.

And chalk to draw with.

Sarah drew a hop - scotch

Then we had popsicles!

What a great group!

(Hey! How did that boy get in this shot?)
"Here's looking at you!"
This young "dude" said

he likes to eat his stick!

That's all folks!

It was a great day. I'm so glad I got to share it with Sarah. When she headed back to school, I went to the sitter's and picked up Claire. We had a little "one on one" time before we went to school and picked up Sarah.

School's Out!

School is out for the summer for all of our grandchildren. Sarah became a first grader last Thursday and today Topher is a third grader and Jakob is a fifth grader! WHAT!?!? Jennifer would like to put them in suspended animation so they stay small longer. Kim has always wanted to home school. Time stops for no man (or child). They are very smart and will go far I'm sure (and that'a not just a Magra's opinion)

Sarah in uniform for her last day of kindergarten.

Those legs go on forever!

Topher in all of his awesomeness

on the last day of school.
Jakob flashes his smile
check the baby blues!

Hangin' Tuff

Topher's impression of my blackeye?Yesterday at school Topher was running around with his classmates just minding his own business when "POP" his eye made contact with a little girl's head. Poor guy! I can sympathize. His tough and will be playing baseball this weekend with one eye if necessary!

While I was visiting in Colorado Sarah had a "field" day. She and Jennifer came home early BECAUSE Sarah got a pop to the nose ~ they were playing under a parachute and her nose connected with someone's elbow, foot, head, not really sure. Anyway, she had a nice bruise across the bridge of her nose for a day or two.

Thank goodness we haven't had any broken bones (yet).

My granddaughters ~ the Super Heroines

If you are EVER in Fort Smith, Arkansas

be sure to stop at "Sweet Bay"

for a French silk. Yum!

Nothing at "Starbucks" can compare!

When I arrived at Jennifer's house the girls were waiting for me. Claire and Sarah were on the front porch watching for my blue car. (Which, by the way got EXCELLENT gas mileage) What a way to start my visit hugs all around from everyone ~ even Arie!

What's a visit without a snuggle? Both girls will come crawl up in my lap and want to snuggle ~ no arguments from me! I read their bedtime stories to them each night, just another perk of Magrahood! Sarah is reading on her own and she read a couple of books aloud while I was there. Claire can't hear "The Princess That Never Laughed" too many times. I think I can recite it now. :-) We were in the middle of a Boxcar Children's mystery when I left ~ hope they let me know how it turned out.

One day the girls played outside for most of the day in swimsuits. They played in the pool, with the water hose, cups of water. . . .you get the picture. When it was time for pj's they decided the goggles were good for Super Heroines. Any suggestions on their "super names"?

Never again (I hope)

I left Colorado on Sunday at 1 p.m. Usually I do my LONG drive the first day but this was not my usual. We got up and went to Sunday school then worship. The girls were playing with a friend and I went over to tell them "bye". Sarah was fine ~ but Claire . . . .hugged me tight and said "Magra, I don't want you to go". Made me want to unpack and stay a few more days.

Obviously, that was not possible. I drove 'til 11 p.m. on Sunday. I stopped in Blackwell, Oklahoma (never heard of it). Monday I was on the road at 6:30 a.m. after stopping for a McMuffin and coffee. Pulled up to the house around 6 p.m. where I was greeted by two of the dogs. Buck met me at the door with a BIG hug and he had picked up a pizza for supper. Nice reception.

Let me tell you ~ it was HARD to find coffee yesterday. The first McD's mocha machine wasn't working ~ so I opted for coffee. After I drove away and got on the road I tasted it ~ tepid! The second McD's didn't have a mocha machine so I opted for an iced coffee ~ BLAH! Finally on my third stop at a McD's I found a mocha ~ I know, I know I'm not supposed to be drinking a lot of caffeine but it was for medicinal purposes ~ no headache from the stress of leaving Jennifer and fam ~ no headache from driving at 77 mph while getting buffeted by 18 wheelers ~ no headache from worrying about what was waiting for me when I got home (Mother, knee high grass, unpaid bills ) but hey NO HEADACHE.

So, on future trips, I will plan better and do the long drive on the first day ~ saving the short end for the second day. Less fuss, less stress, done and done.

There Will Be Photos

Greetings from Colorado! I arrived on Sunday to welcoming hugs. Monday was a good day ~ Jennifer went with Sarah to field day and Claire and I hung out around the house. Tuesday was The Field Trip. It was GREAT! I was the last vehicle following the bus AND I didn't get lost! We had fun at the farm and learned quite a bit about the animals. Then it was off to the adjoining park to burn off some energy and enjoy a picnic lunch. The bus took the children back to school and I swung by the sitter's house to pick up Claire. We picked Sarah up after school and came home for outside play and to wait for Jennifer and Arie. I know I slept well last night ~ I'm betting the girls did too.
Well, it is Wednesday and the day is waiting. There will be photos when I return to Alabama.

On the road again

I'm outta here!

Taking the camera

Packed a few clothes

Loaded the CDs

I'm ready to roll

Don't need a map

I know the way

I'll be back on the 24th day

Honeysuckle

I was out mowing the other day and the honeysuckle were "divine". It was great riding by them and getting a good nose full of their aroma. We have quite a lot along the outer rim of the yard. I may have to go out and sit for a while today just to center myself and refresh. I will be traveling to Colorado this weekend and I don't want to leave tired and stressed. Jennifer would like it if I had left yesterday and Buck asked me this morning if I was in Conway yet (in Arkansas). I think in my mind I'm on the road already but I don't have a THING packed so my physical body has to stick around until Saturday.
This afternoon I'm going out to Kim's to play with the boys. They are so funny and don't mind if I mess up. Sometimes they "help" me on the video games when I get stuck.

Random shots and comments

The calla lillies have new blossoms.

Here we are, the Monday after Mother's Day and I am wearing a long sleeved thermal shirt because the temperature dropped over the weekend. I need the sun to come back for a few days so I can get the grass cut before leaving for Colorado on Saturday. That's correct ~ I'm heading to Colorado on Saturday. I will be driving the P2 so I'll let you know if it gets phenomenal gas mileage as advertised.

Those Daddy buds have bloomed.

(is that correct grammar?)

As you can see ~ Topher missed on his

first try to dunk his mom.

I paid for the privilege of dunking

Kim the first time. She was a good sport

about the whole thing and got dunked

several times after that by students.

Mother's Day roses

I have a cool blue water bottle

that matches the P2

Topher and Jakob

with lion in front of

Chinese restaurant

The lion seems to have a "hold" on Jakob

Peace