Count Down

We are counting down the last days of KINDERGARTEN!  I can't believe another year has come to an end!  Are you ready for us FIRST GRADE?

As you can see from the picture, we just came inside from playing.  It's our first 80 degree day today!  We are loving it!

101 Dalmatians

What I love most about spring is all the culminating school activities.  From performances to picnics, it's all so much fun!  Last night, Dawson's school put on the play 101 Dalmatians.  It consisted of all the kids in grades K-6.  Now that sounds like a ton of kids, but she goes to a small school.  The kids did an amazing job and it was a first class show! 

 I was very surprised to see Dawson dancing and singing her heart out on stage in front of a full crowd.  No fear at all.  In fact, all smiles!

 Every parent was responsible for creating or buying a Dalmatian costume with the only stipulation of long sleeves.  I bought a white dress and leggings online then cut out LOTS of felt spots.  I love how all the costumes looked so different!

 AS you know this movie has lots of singing.  In this show, they had lots of singing, dancing and moving around on stage.

 There was lots of movement.  They did seem to know just where to go and what to do!  

 My sweet puppy.

The final bow! 

 All smiles and giggles!

 And the whole cast....it's hard to see but, it goes all the way to the back!  There's one benefit to being short....you are always in the front row so your mom can ALWAYS get some good pictures!

After every performance, their must be flowers.  Congrats Dawson on your Kindergarten musical!

Flipping Around

We spent a few hours in Columbus today for a family event.  My sister happens to have a trampoline which, I am seriously opposed to.  But, I usually give in when she's there and watch her every single second.  Today, I practiced taking action photos with my camera for something to do!

 Lots of back handsprings and back flips.

 This girl loves to jump and flip all day long.  In fact, when I picked her up from school yesterday, she did cartwheels all the way to the car.  

 No fear!!!  

Ezra Jack Keats

Dawson's class took a fieldtrip to the art museum as a culminating activity to their study of author and illustrator "Ezra Jack Keats."  Most of us know him best from his book "The Snowy Day."

Here's a little info from the museum....

The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats is the first major exhibition in the U.S. to pay tribute to award-winning author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats (1916–1983), whose beloved children’s books include Whistle for Willie, Peter’s Chair, and The Snowy Day, published in 1962. The first modern full-color picture book to feature an African-American protagonist, The Snowy Day inspired generations of readers. The exhibition features over 80 original works by the artist, from preliminary sketches to final paintings and collages, including examples of Keats’s most introspective but less-known output inspired by Asian art and poetry. 

A space in the gallery was transformed into a reading room inspired by Keat's art and stories.

 This was a wonderful place for the kids to listen to a story and get a feel for urban life.

 This was a room full of class books from various schools.   The students wrote about one of Ezra's books and also created an illustration.  The art museum scanned everything and made a compilation of stories into a book created by Snapfish.  I really want to use this idea for my own classroom!

 Dawson came home with this book which she said was her "favorite" story by Ezra Keats.

 Apparently, her teacher had read this story to them and taught them how to make paper hats.  When she got home, she created a hat for Teddy all by herself! 

Easter Preparations

Grammy, Dawson and I spent yesterday afternoon preparing for Easter.  We dyed eggs, made cookies, baked a cake and now we are ready!

Cayman Turtle Farm

This year, on a windy day, we headed out to visit the Cayman Turtle Farm.  It was a very cool place to visit with lots and lots of turtles.  In fact....that's all they had!  

These were the large sea turtles....they liked to climb and swim all over each other.  These are the turtles you often see while scuba diving in Cayman.  They are super friendly creatures and amazing to swim with!  We had the chance to feed them so they were all crowding around!

 The Turtle Farm had many touching pools.  You had to reach in and catch the little turtles which was not easy.  These little guys have fins and can swim fast!  Who knew turtles could be fast!

 We loved catching them and touching them over and over.  In fact....this was the highlight of Dawson's trip.  If it has to do with an animal....she loves it!

Cayman Beach Bunny

We had a beautiful week in Cayman swimming, relaxing and just soaking in the sun.  I could not keep this kid out of the water.  From 9 in the morning until I forced her back to the room at 4, we were in the water.  All day long we went from the beach to the pool over and over again! 

 Cayman is known for its clear, calm water.  One of the reasons we pick this island is so that I can go diving....I can hit 110 feet under and still be able to look up and see the bottom of the boat!  That does not happen any where in the world.  The clear water is amazing!

We did have one windy day that did create a few waves.  Can you find Dawson?

I could not keep this girl on her feet.  She was constantly on her hands! 

 Looking out into the deep blue ocean.....wonder what she was looking for?

 Lots of sand castle building.  Our friend Scott did a great job making some creations.  Dawson was his helper every step of the way!

Dawson made the face on this octopus!  

 Our hotel hosted many fun family activities during the week.  One was a pool movie night.  We watched Alvin and the Chipmunks while relaxing in our innertube.  They also served bags of popcorn to everyone!

 One of Dawson's highlights of the week was making a movie with her friends.  Cami brought her mini iPad and was the producer.  Every day they created a new scene to their "Mermaid" movie.

Another fun family activity was roasting smore's on the beach.  Not only marshmallows but, PEEPS in honor of EASTER!  What  a great idea!  When they were cooked, the sugar melted and hardened....  Delicious!

 On our hands again.......

 One of my favorite pictures....the two of us together!