Last Day of School

Today is our "official" last day of school.  As usual we had a breafast/mid-morning celebration.  This year we went to a new place on Cave Creek called "Coffee & Cupcake Bar".  Micah got a red velvet cupcake and Lilly got a triple chocolate cupcake.
We spent time talking about our favorite parts of the year, and also areas where we struggled and want to improve next year.
Micah's favorite part of the year:  "cursive"
Lilly's favorite part of the year:  "handwriting"
Mom's favorite part of the year:  The Miller family chapter books

Please update your bookmark for the continuation of our homeschooling adventures to:  http://richhomeeducationgrade4kindergarten.blogspot.com/

Meet my "KINDERGARTEN" and "4TH GRADE" students for the 2013-2014 school year!!

"Snow in Summer"

So many of our flowers are blooming.  It's so pretty in the backyard.  The most 'fun' name is a cluster bush of white flowers called - 'snow in summer'.  Yes, it's still spring, but we have had enough days in the 100 degrees that we can feel it coming.


Snow In Summer



Rose Bush

Lantana

Piano Recital - Micah

Thursday evening Micah had his 3rd piano recital, via his teacher Mrs. Amy Cline.  He played 2 pieces:

• Moonlight Sonata Op. #27, No. 2
• Beethoven
• Arr. Margaret Goldston
• Sonata in C K. 545 (1st Mvmnt)
• Mozart
• Arr. Margaret Goldston

We thank all the family and friends who were there to support him - Aunt Alice & Uncle Charlie Rice, Jim & Kelli Taggart, and Phil & Janice Cook.

Garden Make-Over

In speaking with our neighbor, Dave, we devised a plan to enclose the garden area by the house.  Our goal - no more critters eating the fruits and vegetables.  Dave was thrilled to have a project and he began measuring and nailing at 7:45am on Monday morning.  He built a structure, hung netting to roof it in, and put in a 'screen' door (with a handle and latch).  He spent a few hours each morning through the week and we had a final product on Friday afternoon.  We had a SOMA (Dave calls it Sitting On My A**) time early Friday morning with Kit-Kats and Reese Cups.  Here are a few pictures.

Orange Tree

We have an orange tree!  Dave donated it to us, it was a gift to him after Ruth's memorial service.  He doesn't have any room in his yard.  We have put it along the wall between our homes.  Once it gets big enough, we'll lift a limb over the wall and he can have all the oranges he wants.  Great deal!
This week we took a few days to plant the tree.  Here she is.

AZ Game & Fish Expo

Today we took an Eastside Explorers' field trip to Ben Avery for the AZ Game & Fish Expo Youth Day.  It was a gorgeous day and perfect to be outdoors walking around.  This was our first year to attend - we are looking forward to next year.


Micah's favorite activity - archery



Lilly's favorite activity - crayfish catching

Most impressive activity- Lilly petting the anaconda

Spirit Week

Lilly liked having to wear green for St. Patrick's Day, so she declared Monday "Blue Day".  It has become a whole week of silly things to wear - our own Spirit Week.  Maybe you can join us.  If so, take a picture and send it to us.

MONDAY - BLUE DAY (or you get a spanking)
TUESDAY - PURPLE DAY (To cheer on the Rockies - Micah's baseball team; game at 5pm)
WEDNESDAY - PAJAMA / SPORT DAY (am/pm - since we have PE in the afternoon)
THURSDAY - CRAZY HAIR DAY (North Valley Gymnastics is doing this all week)
FRIDAY - HAWAIIAN DAY (Dad's choice)

Another Invitation

Today after Lilly's gymnastics class, coach Zach and coach Jenna, handed me a slip of paper.  It was Lilly's invitation into the "Flyers" class.  She's moving up again!  I was shocked and excited and proud.  The "Flyers" class is by invitation only, so that's a huge accomplishment on her part.  They were looking for handstand, cartwheel, and chin pullover.  We will begin the "Flyers" class on Thursday March 14th, 11:30-12:30pm.  CONGRATULATIONS LILLY!!!!


pullover with coach Zach

By Invitation Only

Lilly has been practicing her handstands in, and out, of her 'Flippers' gymnastics class diligently.  On Valentine's Day, she was invited to the "Handstand Party" by her teachers at North Valley Gymnastics.  The party was today, Saturday (2/23/13) from 1:30-2:30pm.  They had 'open gym' for half an hour and then snacks upstairs for the second half hour.


Lilly and Coach Jenna

Art Fair

Both of the kids had entries for the Eastside Explorers' Art Fair this year.  Entries age 7 and under are for display only, but it was a terrific experience for Lilly to prepare.  Micah had 2 entries:  painting (acrylics) with his "Evergreen" and photography with his "Sleeping" photo of Lilly.  Lilly had 3 entries: jewelry design (using her pop beads), painting (she painted ceramic horses to look like 'my little pony characters'), and sewing (she designed and did some sewing on an outfit for Nibbles - her Build-A-Bear rabbit).
This year we had a professional, contemporary artist come in and do the judging.  Her name is:  Misty Mulleneaux (www.mulleneaux.com).  One of her creative outlets is producing adorable doggie and kitty Christmas ornaments, the sales of which benefit the Humane Society. She works in various mediums, including painting, sculpture and jewelry design.