Emory's World

It's no secret, I'm not a reader and I've certainly never modeled reading behavior, so I can't take credit for Emory's love for books. I did, however, work on letter sounds with him at age 3. When he turned 4, we would find him sounding out three and four letter words all the time; before we realized it, he was reading traffic signs, then signs on store fronts and soon after, books. Emory started reading fluently at the beginning of his PreK year (this past Fall). 

Emory loves to read. He's read all of his books,100 times over; okay, maybe a small exaggeration, but the kid DOES love to read. And go to the library. And Half-price books.  

Today Emory decided he's ready to start reading chapter books. So here he is,  book in hand (Magic Treehouse series , book #3) and all is well in Emory's world. 

#LoveMustWin

 On April 28, the Supreme Court will at last hear oral arguments in cases that could bring marriage to the entire country. Join our family and raise your voice now to show that all of America is ready for the freedom to marry. You don't have to be gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender to show the Supreme Court that #LoveMustWin.

 

Celebrating Everett Today

I got a personal call from Everett's teacher today. Miss T was calling to let us know Everett tested at a level "m" on his final Reading test! THIS is exciting news, because he read at a level "c" (Reading 3D program) at the beginning of the year; an "i" is required to promote to 2nd grade. 

Emory and I rushed to get ready and headed for the store. With only minutes to spare, we were able to get Everett a new book (the next chapter book in the series he is reading : Magic Tree House #4 / Pirates Past Noon) a box of m&m's and a happy face balloon.  

It's reasons like this, I am so grateful to be a stay-at-home mom.  ❤️

Giants of the Jurassic at the Dallas Zoo

 a good day for it...

 

GOOD NIGHT STAAR!

 It's WEAR YOUR PAJAMAS TO SCHOOL Day!!
We are putting STAAR (and other required testing) to bed and saying good night!!

"Captain America" (Everett) with principal, Mr. Figueroa 

THANK YOU TO ALL THE WONDERFUL TEACHERS, administrators and staff who continue to find ways to inspire and celebrate our children. You handle this insane testing pressure with compassion, perseverance, creativity and grace.   

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River Legacy Nature Center

It's been a while since we visited the actual "Nature Center" at River Legacy. 

Gotta say we saw and learned more than we have in the past. 

Did you know all the flagstone used on the floor was quarried locally?

How about the massive tree trunks supporting the entire roof structure? 

Those were removed from the Texas Ranger stadium site, during clearing & construction, 20 years ago.

And speaking of roof....

When the Center was being designed, the architects drew the roof structure to resemble a giant leaf from the sky:

As usual, there are always cute little frogs, with sticky feet to visit. :)

Emory and I really enjoyed reading this book:

Book Description: When Billy left his pet spider, Helen, at the Zoo, the animals suddenly became happy and contented. The lions snoozed all day long, the elephants enjoyed their baths, and the zebras ate their hay in peace -- all because Helen was spinning webs and catching flies.
But one day Helen's webs were swept away. The Keeper had the cages cleaned for the Mayor's inspection tour. Soon the flies were back again and the animals were miserable once more. But not for long.  Helen solved the problem and won a permanent place of honor for herself in the Zoo.

A Texas Fence Lizard, on a fence!...

When you visit early, you get to see reptiles in their natural habitats. Awesome!

This just for fun...

Emory, 18 months: 

Emory, 5 years old: 

I apologize our photos are terrible...we only had cellphones with us.

Another great visit at River Legacy Nature Center and hiking trails.  If you are local to the DFW area, plan a visit, I think you (and your family) will thoroughly enjoy it. :)

Mixels: Instructions Optional

I'm the first to admit, I brag too much about Everett & Emory. Well, I'm afraid I'm gonna do it again.  :) Why? Because they're awesome! And creative. And QUITE resourceful. 

About six months ago Ori (their godmother), bought them each, their first Lego Mixel* . 

Emory's 1st Mixel was Slumbo (from series 2): 

Everett's first Mixel was Lunk (series 2):

*LEGO® Mixels are funny, creative creatures made up of the basic building blocks of LEGO matter: Fire, Rock, Electricity and more. The Mixels live in tribes spread across a vast world and love to mix and combine. By using the special cubits they will be able to mix into new characters with hilarious and surprising results. NIXELS are swarming, colorless creatures of deconstruction. Nixels tear apart everything in their path – including the mixed up Mixels.

Since then, Mixels have been what they save their money for, or request for birthdays or Christmas.   Building and "Maxing" tribes has been the "go to" activity during free time at home. They are obsessed, to say the least.  (Thanks Ori) :)

So, what do two little boys do when they are not able to buy series 1 Mixels, anymore? 

                                                    Ev & Em create their own!

                           These without instruction books (and not from a kit)....

(Top- Boys' creation; Bottom- actual Mixels kits)

Pretty fabulous, right?  :)  Reasons like this, is why I give myself permission to brag. 

P.S. Can't wait to tell them I found online instructions, for ALL of the Mixels, today (even Series 1). 

HA!

Ladybug Photoshoot

Well, we went looking for Bluebonnets, but ended up playing with ladybugs.  Just as well; we didn't find many bluebonnets, the sun was too bright and the wind was too strong for a photoshoot. Ladybugs are way more fun, anyhow.

Cub Scouts visit Fire Station #17

This is Everett's first year in the Scouts. Today our Pack visited the neighborhood Fire Station.

The Scouts learned all about the firefighter's shifts (A,B & C). We toured where they eat meals, sleep, shower and watch  t.v. Each fire station is on duty 24 hours /day. 

The city map on the wall is complete with every fire station and  hydrant in the city of Arlington. Cool!

Little brother Emory enjoyed learning and participating, as well.

Fire trucks are cool! We learned each truck carries 750 gallons of water, has seat belts for six firefighters and cost approximately $500,000!

Everett got the chance to try on the oxygen tanks. Firefighters carry these tanks in to burning buildings / houses. 

A photo of Everett's Den (2 not in photo):

Thank you to the firefighters at Fire Station #17; the boys had an awesome time and we all learned a great deal. We appreciate your commitment to your jobs and for saving lives!

Happy Birthday, Emory!

Emory is 5!

Emory chose a strawberry cake with sprinkles!

Height: 44.75"
Weight: 43 pounds
Shoe size: 13 youth
Shirt: 5/6 or YS
Pant size: 6
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Strawberries
Favorite drink: orange juice
Hobbies: build Legos, read books & puzzles
Favorite book: Another Monster at the End of this Book
Favorite place: home
In his bed: Biscuit (stuffed dog), Snowball (small, white stuffed dog), quetzalcoatulus (stuffed flying dinosaur), books
Personality: Sweet, snuggly, stubborn, polite, helpful, inquisitive, smart, loves to read (fluent - Level 2), loves animals (especially his pet cat "Gray Kitty"), playgrounds, camping and playing with his brother and cousins.
Talent: memorization
Quirks: laughing = hiccups, TALKS CONSTANTLY. :)

Happy Birthday, our Beautiful Boy!