Last Day of School 2020

We did it!! Today seemed anticlimactic and surreal... but is was still very emotional for this momma, for lots of different reasons. I am so very proud of  Evelyn and Matthew for continuing to work hard at their studies from home and finishing the school year strong. 

Love these goobers!!

Morning hot cocoa for the win!

Not what the "last day of school picture with the teacher" was supposed to look like, but here we are. Fir Grove had a little parade today for families to come say goodbye to the amazing teachers and staff. It was sweet and well done. Yes, I cried (shocker)! I am thankful for Ms. Calafet, for her care, creativity and leadership, especially in the past few months. Matthew loved being in her class and grew in so many ways. 

We met Jen and the Stenehjem kids for ice cream and a walk this afternoon to celebrate the end of the year. 

SO thankful for these friends and this crew!

While this summer will continue will be different and quieter, I am looking forward to making more memories with my crew.

Black Lives Matter

There is so much tension in our county right now. So much sadness. So much division. It is just heartbreaking. 

BUT... things are being talked about that have needed to be talked about for a LONG time. I confess I tend to not think about it.. racial injustice... and tend to just stay in my little world. But that in and of itself is white privilege... something that I am working on and learning about. We have had difficult but good talks with the kids and hope to grow as a family as we learn about this issue and how prevalent is still is.

Tonight we walked as as family with our community to stand up against racism. It was peaceful and meaningful. I wasn't sure about going (mostly because of COVID), but Matthew was adamant that we go. For his black friends. For their future. For the love of our neighbors.

 

Thankful for this kid and his big heart!

Oregon or Bust... COVID Style

Oregon or bust!

Matthew is missing out on our school's amazing 4th grade Oregon Trail simulation due to kids not being in school. I was planning on doing own at home, and the 4th grade teachers were encouraging kids to do so also and created an amazing online curriculum for the kiddos (I cannot tell you how much I appreciate teachers right now.. they are doing an incredible job!)

My friend Jen (mom of Ellie and Sam, Evelyn and Matthew's close friends) reached out and asked if we wanted to do something together. Of course I said YES! With Jen's help (and her amazing creativity) we did our own simulation this week! Over course of three days (and using three different parks) We stopped at and signed Independence Rock, made butter, climbed over the Rocky Mountains, hunted and walked a lot before making it to and staking our claim in Oregon! It wasn't the same as doing it with all of their classmates but we all had fun and the boys learned lots along the way!

Meet Benjamin McIntyre and Waldo Fluchel (they each came up with a trail name)

The Morris family came to Oregon with a horse cart, not a covered wagon. When Evelyn did the trail 3 years ago, Doug and the kids built a replica of it. Also, "Benjamin" is a blacksmith who is looking to use his skills to make a good living in Oregon!

We sang songs on the trail.

Yes, Evelyn and Ellie dressed up and came along.. they were both good sports!

Made it to, talked about, and signed Independence Rock, just like the real pioneers did!

The boys made their own butter. It was delicious! 

Made it up and over the "Rocky Mountains"

Ready to go buffalo hunting!

The "buffalo"...haha!

Had to get some photos of my pretty girl... 

We made it to Oregon! We celebrated with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

We did it! Yay!

The boys' final task was to "stake their claim" with string and wooden pegs. We hope they both are successful in the new territory..haha! :) 

"Ma" was pretty proud of her boy Benjamin and was also happy to make it to the end of the trail! :) 

It was a super fun week with friends, and  I hope the boys will always remember this!

5th Grade Pledge

 Every year at Fir Grove, at the end of year assembly, the 4th graders stand up and take the "5th Grade Pledge", a commitment to be a good and responsible leader in their last year of elementary school. It is a special tradition at our school and it is a BIG deal to 4th graders!

Obviously this year is different (thanks to COVID), but our Principal and staff still wanted to give the 4th graders the honor of doing the pledge. So today there was a "all 4th grade" zoom call and Mrs. Miles led the kids in the pledge. 

I both filmed and took photos.. all while crying. Shocker..haha! Sad tears that Matthew doesn't get to take this pledge the "usual" way, and happy tears of pride and thankfulness for this boy. I cannot believe he will be in his LAST year of elementary school next year!

Love him so much!