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Mt. Redoubt Dust

Kindergarten Days

Portfolio Share Day at Aquarian

Today was Portfolio Share Day at Maren's school. We were invited in to see all of Maren's accomplishments- reading, writing, math skills, artwork, poetry and Spanish. Maren woke up and put on her favorite dress, " because it's portfolio day!" She then preceded to spill orange juice all over it at breakfast. Luckily we had an Easter dress lying around, ready to go. Maren was in charge. She gathered her portfolio, sat us down and showed each page of her work. She noticed how last October she was just writing a few letters here and there to express her ideas and how now she is writing multiple paragraphs to explain her ideas. "I've learned a lot!" She was quite proud of her work and her school.

Our portfolio tour

One of her journal pages (The biggest toy store in NYC!)

She read us a book.

Then the girls took us on a tour.

Sadie stopped to see Sophie and Tess, the school Labs- about 17 times.

Breakfast with the Fraggles

The Good Life as Little Sister

Being the little sister is a pretty good deal. Big sister shows you the best hiding places.

She drags you around the house on a silkie.

And, she feeds you ice cream sandwiches on the couch.

Pretzel Eyes

"Mama, eyes."

Easter Decor

Maren came home from school today ready to get the Easter festivities started. She drew and colored and painted and cut and created.

Not sure how tying up the bunnies fits into all of this!

Sun Yesterday, Snow Today

Six inches of new freshy snow to ski in!

Sun in the Mountains

Up to the mountains to bask and play in the sun.

Eating Cheerios Upside Down

Cats & Unicorns

I want to go to school too...

When Maren was getting ready to get to school this morning, Sadie decided she wanted to go too. She insisted on a coat (see leopard vest), boots like Maren and I even had to put some snacks in her mini-lunchbox, just like Maren.

Easter Basket

I am sewing!

Ski Buddies

Iditarod Fun

We watched the ceremonial start of the Iditarod run through the neighborhood. One of my favorite days in Alaska!

Iditarod Dogs

Afterschool Project

Maren came home from school last week and had an idea. "I am going to make something for all my teachers." I am always fascinated with Maren's ideas and their origin. A week ago we made duct tape sculptures with our friends- maybe that idea is lingering in her mind. But what happened at school that makes her want to make something for all her teachers? I may never find out. She shares her school time with me in such strange and random ways. Just as I try to accept living in constant mess, I try, even harder, to accept that there will be lots I do not know about what happens during Maren's school day. At least these projects give me some insight into her feelings about the teachers in her life.

Ms. Rita, the Spanish teacher, received a microphone. Spanish involves lots of song and dance. Maren was very resistant to this at first. But when she handed this microphone to Ms. Rita, Ms Rita, smiled and hugged her and called it the magic microphone! At Spanish that day, all the kids got to sing and hold the magic microphone. Maren was pleased.

Mr. Pat, the art teacher, got an ice cream cone. Not sure why.

The computer teacher, Mr. Greg, received a replica of a computer.

Ms. Debbie, Maren's kindergarten teacher, a heart of course- Maren LOVES Ms. Debbie. But this heart came with two arm bands- you can wear it.

A number chart for Ms. Lisa, the math teacher.

Ms. Robin, the music teacher received a maraca. It was made with duct tape, a Pringles can and dry pinto beans. I didn't get a photo.

The challenge came with Ms. Lauren, the kindergarten assistant. "What should I make her?" It was clear that Maren really couldn't come up with an idea that suited her. Moments later, Maren ran into the bathroom, grabbed a wet wipe and colored it. "What is it?" I asked. "A decorated wet wipe," Maren replied. "Ms. Lauren likes to wipe down the tables." PERFECT. This is what I love about her projects.