The McMahon Family

One word for both.  Dead

Let me back up.  Patrick’s class did a unit on planting.  He brought home a cup of four planted baby sunflowers.  I was so excited.  Each year, I plant sunflowers with my students, but I never get to see them grow. I’ve had former students send me pictures of their sunflowers fully grown (taller than them!), but I’ve never experienced it.  So I decided I would nurture these and plant them once we’re moved this summer and watch them grow!  It did not go well.  I guess sunflowers need more sun than my front window sill??  This is what they looked like by the end of the week.

As I was sharing my woes with Patrick’s teacher, she told me that they planted a whole tray of extras and she didn’t know what to do with them.  So she sent one home with me today.  I was so happy!  A chance at redemption!  Then getting out of the car…we had a little accident with the replacement…

The poor new sunflower lost its head!  I was beginning to think it just wasn’t meant for me to have a sunflower survive.  Then I got home today and this is what I saw in the original cup Patrick brought home.

It seems one survived!!!!   🙂

Both the boys’ classes went to the Decatur Zoo this year.  Usually, they go to Bloomington’s Miller Park Zoo, so I was a little apprehensive to go somewhere new, but was pleasantly surprised with how great Scovill Zoo in Decatur is! If you’re looking for a nice small zoo to take the kids to, this is a great one.  It’s very easy to walk, has a petting zoo part, a train and carousel to ride and a fabulous playground right outside! Oh and the animals are pretty great, too! 🙂 Mac’s class first went to the Scovill Children’s Museum. It was wonderful as well.  Not quite as big as Bloomington’s, but had some different things that the kids really liked.

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And I forgot how incredibly slow turtles are.  It was fascinating to watch them walking around.  I felt like we were stuck underwater or in slow motion or something… 🙂 Patrick, is that you??

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 And souvenirs…even got one for his brother!

I’ve put tons more pictures, especially of the animals, you can see in our photo album.  Check it out!

Mac had to memorize his first chapter from the Bible this year in first grade.  His class presented a chapel on Psalm 23.  His chapel presentation happened to be on Patrick’s field trip day, so I was able to be there!  Daddy couldn’t, so I took video of it for him.  First they recited the Psalm along with signing it.  Then they did it with just signing.  It was so great to hear it so quiet while they just signed.

Each student then shared their own Psalm they had written based on what they learned about God from their studies.

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Mac wasn’t saying the words too much as he was concentrating on his signing and nervous in front of all of the people, so I took video of him practicing it a few days before just so you could hear him saying it!

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With the wonderful weather finally here, we decided to make it an outside kind of a weekend.  We started out with Putt Putt in 30 mph winds.  It was interesting, but sooo much fun.

Then we took a load to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and had more fun outside.

On Sunday, we went to first service to maximize our enjoyment of the weather. Park time!

They found a ‘secret place’ at the park.

Then our Sunday ended with kites!!  Why is it that flying a kite gives you such a light, happy feeling?  I love it!

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Easter lead right into my spring break.  Let me take you on a tour.

The Friday before Easter:  The boys had off also.  We enjoyed the first taste of gorgeous weather I would have.

Monday: The boys had off, so we hung out with the cousins and enjoyed the gorgeous weather, again. 🙂

He LOVES to ride in Meme’s car so he can watch movies!

Tuesday: The boys returned to school. I did not!  After manicures, I decided to clear the boys’ toys out and ‘stage’ their room.  It turned out fabulously thanks to Cheri and Nicki’s hard work!

Wednesday: After dropping the boys off at school, I decided it was time to scour the house to prepare it for selling.  I’m so happy Cheri came over to supervise.  I put her right to work!

 Baseboards, windows, doors, walls…all cleaned.

Thursday: At this point, I was pretty exhausted.  So Nicki and I decided on a fun day of shopping in Tuscola!  Unfortunately, it was a bust and we didn’t find what we were looking for.  BUT the weather was absolutely perfect for the outlet stores and the company was one of my favorites.  So…:)

Friday:  At this point, I was beyond exhausted from my week of cleaning and shopping, so I decided on a morning of vegging in front of the TV.

All in all, it was a wonderful break.  I got a lot done and felt very good about my accomplishments!  I think I can now make it through the last 7 1/2 weeks of school…I think…