it's a zoo out there!

Bryson's kindergarten class took a trip a couple of weeks ago to the NC Zoo.   Not much different from being at the elementary school, but a field trip none the less!!!

B and his friends!

so sweet... friends checking out the baboons...... and their red butts!

B and his friend AND the BEST kindergarten teacher EVER.....  But, we LOVE you too Mrs. Park!!!

Mom and B 

(thank you Elionaid for taking this photo for me!)

just loved this shot!

Fun fun day!

our winner

Our fifth grader has been involved with our county's DARE (drug resistance program) program for the past nine weeks or so at the elementary school.  I did not grow up with DARE, so , I must admit, I was not that familiar with it when he started talking about it.

The more I heard Cameron talk about it and the excitement in his voice, I knew it must be a really good program for the kids.  Our instructor, a lieutenant with the Sheriff's Dept, was "off the charts" good with these kids.  They loved him.  He taught them, hung out with them, helped them at school with homework, really formed a relationship with them.  I think Cameron really developed a "connection" with Lt. Comar.

So, at the end of the program, the kids must take all the notes and info they have collected and form a written essay about the DARE experience.   These essays are read and judged.  There are classroom winners and ONE overall essay winner for the entire school.  This winner is recognized at the DARE Graduation ceremony and reads his/her essay for the audience.

So, I got a phone call the night before the ceremony that CAMERON WON!  I cried!   What is wrong with me?!  I cried!   I just felt like Cameron had worked so hard on this essay and seemed to "want" this so bad, and he got it!  He won!

The ceremony was so special and so great to watch.  And Cameron did a fantastic job reading his essay. I could not have read in front of all those people like that!

We are so proud of you Cameron !   You are always our winner!!!!!!

the "goods"on Easter

Photos of the Easter treats we created and enjoyed over the holiday weekend!

A little treat for family and neighbors.  Sugar cookies "hidden" in a cute little duck!

Easter bunny pizza kit!

My take on the Easter cake.  There has been a cake floating all over Pinterest lately featuring a cake using Kit Kat bars (in chocolate) around the sides and then topped with Reese Pieces!  Such a cool cake!  I used that idea and made my own version for Cameron's birthday cake (photos to come later on that!).  Then, for Easter, I took it a step further and created this little cutie!   Same idea with the Kit Kats, but used white chocolate version, then added "Peeps," chocolate Cadbury eggs, and a homemade handle.  Would have done the handle different though next time!

Love Easter treats!

Easter weekend 2012

A collection of photos from our Easter weekend this year.   We had not one, not two, but THREE egg hunts, wayyyyyy too much candy, a visit from the Easter bunny, and, a special treat.... real bunnies stayed with us for Easter!  (They are just "rentals" and go back to their farm home tomorrow!)