Family Adventures

We went on a few different family trips last month that were all a lot of fun. I have been wanting to explore more and take more family trips and Joel seemed to be on board as long as I planned everything. I had different plans for the first trip but then it was wet and rainy that day so instead we went to the Boise Aquarium. We had a coupon so we got in for pretty cheap and spent several hours looking at all of the fish. Summer loved it in there. She kept trying to put her hands in the water and then suck the water off of her hands. Brynlee and Annalyn were both brave and touched the stingrays but we never could convince Kyla to do it. We all had a fun day there and ended it with a trip to Burger King. After that Joel spent the rest of the day helping his dad to work on the house he is building. They had a cool lizard the kids got to touch and a turtle. Kyla touched both of them.

 

 

For our second Saturday adventure we went to the nature center in Boise.  It is a free little trail you can walk and then there is a small building you can look around in. The kids had a fun time. We saw some pretty big fish swimming in the water, there were birds and inside we saw a snake. They had several animals the kids got to see and take pictures with. We had lunch at the park right after that and then everyone was tired so we headed home. Then Joel then spent the rest of the day helping his dad with the house. 

These were both simple outings with the family but they were so fun. The girls brought a book on tape for us to listen to on the ride to our destination and it was a fun way to spend a Saturday. I know I sure love going on adventures and exploring this beautiful word with my family.

The End of the School Year

Brynlee is officially done with first grade. There were a few bumps in the way but I would say that over all she had a fantastic year. She made lots of friends. She is beyond ready for summer break (getting her up for school this last month was torturous) but she will sure miss her teacher and all of her friends. Luckily her teacher is doing a book club once a week for any kid that wants to come so Brynlee is pretty excited about that.

Brynlee passed first grade with flying colors and is looking forward to second grade. She has become a great reader and knows how to read with a great storyteller's voice. She loves writing the most. It is amazing how much her writing has changed and how far she has come in just one year. I took a picture of a few of my favorite writings from her. These are from the beginning of the year. These are supposed to be what her teacher called "small moments" so they are just moments from her life. I wish I saved more of these. She had a few that were completely made up. There was one about getting a pet kitten, another about a time when she saw a real mountain lion while she was going for a walk in the mountains and it growled at her. The first one I kept is from August 26, 2016. It says; I went to the park and I made a new friend. Her name was Brooklyn. I love her so much. She lives close to my home. Next page... Love is important. You should love everybody. You see I love you Brooklyn. I will love her forever. Love herrrrrrr forever.

The next writing is from September 20 it says... I was coloring. I am passionate. My color I was using was black.

This one from September 27 says, I was jumping on the bed. It was fun. I said I like to jump on the bed.

Here is a little story that Brynlee wrote about the time we got a flat tire on our van. It says, My mom got out of the car and checked the tire. Well Annalyn was getting out of the carseat... and Kyla was playing on the phone and I was reading my princess book. I like princess books. Suddenly my dad came and.... Finally It Got fixed.

These writings Brynlee did were "How to" writings. Her teacher printed out what she said on the first picture. The second one says "How to make (a) Bed" By Brynlee Hirtle. 1. First you grab the blanket from the closet. 2. Next you grab the pillow and get in bed. 3. Last you make yourself comfortable or make your dad do it. Have good dreams.

The next writings were persuasive writings. The first one is from January 13, 2017 and it says, Dear Mom! Please wash my dishes. Because 1. I think you are a great cleaner, 2. You are special to me. 3. I think you know how to clean. Love, Brynlee.

Her second letter down here is from Jan. 20 and it says; Dear Dad, You have to hang out with me more please do it more every night and day. Love Brynlee

The next letter from Jan 24 says; to God, Next summer make summer stay forever please because I can go (to the) cabin and the zoo and Not be Stuck inside. Love, Brynlee

This letter from Jan 24 says; Dad! Can you please clean my room. Because 1. I think you are a great cleaner 2. I also don't like to clean. 3. and cleaning is boring. Love, Brynlee

Here is the last persuasive letter from Jan 31; Dear Neighbors! Your dog's bark all night. Please make them stop! NOW. Sincerely, Your Neighbor

When Brynlee brought home that love note at the bottom of this letter it had some candy hearts glued to it. Kyla ate them even though they were covered in glue. Before that her note used to say, Dear mom and dad,  UR Sweet mom and dad. My love it you. You have beautiful Hot Lips. Brynlee Hirtle.

The last writing unit Brynlee did was all about poems. Here are a few of the poems she wrote. The First one is titled, Me and it says, I am a volcano getting mad and getting ready to explode on the world.

Cotton Candy By Brynlee

Cotton candy is like a cotton ball rolling away from me.

Cats By Brynlee. Cats, Cats are the best. Cats, cats bit me AAHHHHH.

The last letter I am going to include from Brynlee was a letter she wrote to us a few nights ago. She got in trouble because she wouldn't stay in her bed. She ran out and handed her dad this letter and then ran back to bed. It says; Dear father and mother. The thing you have learned but forgotten it love your kids forever. I say unto you. You should listen to your heart forever. Love Brynlee.

I love getting letter from her. Many years ago I got to teach first grade so watching her go to first grade brought a lot of happy memories to me. It would have been fun to be her first grade teacher.

 Brynlee also brought home several different crafts and art project that she did throughout the year so I am adding them too.

My other kids didn't get to go to school this year but we did do lots of art projects at home and at the library. Here are a few that Kyla did. Her coloring and drawing have improved a lot over the last year.

Annalyn loves crafts and the mini Monet class at the library is one of her favorite parts of the week. She gets to go to kindergarten next year and can't wait. She has gotten pretty got at coloring, cutting, and at writing her name this year as well. I am not quite sure how I feel about the prospect of having two kids in school. For now we are just going to spend our time enjoying summer.