Addendum

I had a request to the editor to make a correction for the last post. 'I didn't rush in as soon as they were asleep. We were in the tent for about 3 hours. Half the time they were asleep. Also, I never said I wouldn't camp in the backyard in the whole history of forever. But with the neighbors light on and the wind I wasn't going to this time.' This is a guy of strong character and a good sport; so I relent. You are perfect backyard camping companion, Dear. Love you!

Camp Fun and Games

I forgot to write about our backyard camping during spring break. The kids and I decided we should camp in the great outdoors, 4' from the back door for convenience. As we were setting up I was reminded that last time the boys did this they watched a movie with Dad in the tent. I was sort of thinking that that really isn't camping. However, in lieu of a creek to explore or a mountain to hike there wasn't too much else to keep us entertained.
So, I designated Alex as camp director. I told him he had to come up with a name for the camp and a camp song or cheer. When he asked Macey what we should name the camp, she supplied 'Camp Fun and Games.' Ah, so now we needed fun and games!
Remember the camera was lost last week. Dan has videos on his phone that I'll share when that device is back in town, but I wanted to at least get the text down before I forgot!
The boys helped set up tents and folding chairs. They collected kindling. This was the windiest day of the month, so our fire was a variable thing. Luckily no cinders up and flew off to start unwanted fires! We warmed hot dogs and enjoyed a simple dinner around the fire.
Then came the 'Program'. Dan does the program for church and I think Alex was inspired by this. He made a program and wanted to make copies (which I only allowed one of since Macey and Ryan don't really read). We started with an FHE lesson on the sacrament (for a Faith in God requirement). We all played a tune on the harmonica. My kids now have a new favorite instrument! Then Alex told jokes, Ryan twirled a stick (I'm not sure where he got this idea from), and Macey and I performed Elephant and Piggie's, 'I Will Surprise My Friend' skit. Dan had to spontaneously come up with an entertainment. He went in the house and came back out with his phone playing circus music. And then he juggled. Juggling is something special at our house. Back in the day, Ryan believed that people who could juggle were geniuses. Also, last year the boys learned juggling in elementary school. Anyhow, it was a great hit!
Just as it was getting dark we toasted marshmallows. After a round of s'mores we then had ghost stories. Macey told us one where Rapunzel had a pet ghost and then she proceeded to tell the entire Disney version of Rapunzel. The boys both said they wanted a ghost story, but not a really scary one. Ok, not at all scary. So I told them I'd tell them a true story about Lazarus. Dan scoffed when I started telling the story, but I think it had the right amount of thrill for my gentle spirits. And we got to talk about the power of the priesthood from it.
After that we got ready for bed. As soon as the boys were asleep in the boy tent, Dan took them inside and went to bed. He had no intention of sleeping outside. Ever. Macey and I were snug in the girl tent. If it hadn't been the windiest night of the month I might have enjoyed sleeping outside. But the rattle of the tent every 5 minutes from the wind gusts forced us inside as well just after midnight. We all woke up smelling like campfire well rested and happy!

Spring Break

Here is Ryan showing me his work at the Open House. Apparently all elementary schools in Texas have their open houses on the same day. Ryan worked very hard and was excited to have us come. The days leading up to it Ryan would say things like, 'I'm so tired. I worked and worked and did my best today.' I love to see his enthusiasm.  I love to see how small things to adults are very BIG things to children. He is awesome.
We also visited Alex's classroom. He and a classmate made a video book trailer using laptops in class. I don't have a copy to post here, but it was very cool and made me want to read the book! The open house landed on the same day as the Texas float parade, so although there wasn't much art work in the classroom, we still got to see Alex's creativity that day. Oh, and our school has a kiln. (Really!) Ryan made an owl and Alex made a bowl. I can't wait to get those home and put them on display.
The Open House was the Thursday before spring break. We started our vacation with play dates, 2 soccer games, the sabbath and then we had a week to do whatever we wanted. The camera was dead or misplaced the whole vacation, so I have no images to share.
The boys mostly just did whatever they wanted. We did have to grocery shop, and shower. Ryan was genuinely surprised when I asked him to shower (But, Mom. It is spring break!), but he agreed to it when I told him I wouldn't take him anywhere unless he did.
We had a picnic lunch with Dan on the temple lawn. We went to the science museum and the zoo. We watched movies. We played with friends here and there. Mostly we took the week off. A very nice stay-cation.

Texas City Float

The Fourth Graders at our school participate in a Texas City Float Parade. They pick or are assigned a Texas city that they then create a float representing all the interesting facts pertaining to that city. Alex was assigned Denton. Quoting an Ensign article, 'children procrastinate when they lack confidence.' I told Alex, 'you are just standing there like a deer in the headlights, and that means roadkill. Don't be roadkill. Move!' He felt the pressure of a test grade and just couldn't fathom how he could ever do it. There was much cow prodding by Dan to keep the kid going. But Alex was the master of the project. I made him ask for specific help before I would give him any aide. I don't know if this is his absolute best, but it was a good effort. I think if he had to make another float, say next week, he would get right to it without any problems, and really put his best into it.

Megan is the girl next door who Macey loves. Always Meg is at daycare. But not on this day. They played nearly the whole day, including watching their siblings in the parade.

 Insert Video

 



The videos are of some of my boys, Matt and Nico were both my primary kids and scouts. Love those guys!

Alex walking away.

Another friend.
The floats were very cool. Most were done by kids, a few were aided by grown-ups, but a fun project enjoyed by everyone.

Party videos

Alex's Birthday Party

 Alex had his birthday party last Saturday. In the morning he had a soccer game. Go Strikers! They are undefeated so far. He brought home these two friends from the game. Peter and Andrew both play soccer and basketball with Alex. They are great boys and good friends.

 Alex planned an outdoor sports party. It was very cold this day. I think they would have all preferred to be indoors; nonetheless, they played football, soccer, and basketball.

 I picked up some Lil' Caesar's for lunch at the park. This is a great image of the diversity of our fine city. Here are some nationalities photographed here (these kids are all Americans, but their parents are immigrants): Mexican, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese, Sri Lankan.

 Dan did some 1 on 1 bball contests for prizes.

 Nico and Rakesh dueling.

 Boys waiting patiently in the cold.

Macey waiting patiently in the car. Ryan had 2 friends tag along with their big brothers. They likewise hungout in the vehicles mostly.
I've got some videos that I'll post as soon as they are ready. But for now Alex had a great day with his friends. He got some more Legos and other cool stuff. He is a happy and satisfied 10 year old!