Wisconsin 2008

Our annual Wisconsin trip for this year was definately enjoyed by all. We spent a lot of time around the cottage enjoying the sun, the non-humid weather, boating, walking, fishing, biking, swimming and playing in the sand. We were able to have Grandma and Grandpa Pace come be with us for a few days, as well as Bob's eldest brother Jeff and his son Nathan.

We also went to the Rib Lake Public library a couple of times, for books to read while we were there as well. Why bring books when there is a wealth of them at the library? In front of the library is this cute little dog made from scrap metal and the children really enjoyed playing with it. The bench next to it is a memorial bench of the Tlusty family. After perusing the phone book, there were a few listings, which I brought back to our very own resident geneologist Grandpa Tlustek.

We were also fortunate this year to take a canoe trip down the Flambeau River, which is located one hour north of the cottage. The highlight of the trip was seeing a bald eagle flying overhead and Stephen catching a large mouth bass.

The difficult thing about the trip, was the wind. I often had difficulty steering the canoe, because the wind would hit the front of the canoe and cause us to spin round and go backward. This resulted in us taking too long, thus we ended up having to get out early so we would be able to meet the pick up guy. I look forward to doing it again, maybe when the boys are older. That way we can do a several day excursion with camping along the river. Another big event, was seeing a bald eagle sitting on the shoulder of the highway just a few feet from the car. They are such an impressive raptor and what a treat it was to see it so close in the wild.

On the way home, we stopped overnight in Rockford, IL. While we were there, we went to the Burpee Museum of Natural History and the Children's Museum. The Burpee Museum was interesting but not very big. The Children's Museum had loads of hands on activities and tons to see. This museum is the fourth best in the country and had an outstanding play park on the backside of the building. We all had a blast playing back there in the mazes. All and all, we had a wonderful time and it seemed the vacation ended too soon. Maybe one year we will have more time to spend than just nine days.

Grade announcement!

I got an "A" in my Psycho/Socio Linguistics class. I was so happy. That class was a lot of work and very different from any class I have taken thus far. Since I have never taken a linguistics course, I was a little intimidated. I learned a lot and am looking forward (kind of) to taking another course in the Spring of 2009. Then I will be set for my license renewal. I hope one day I will actually be able to use it in a real classroom setting. Of course, everything I learn is helpful in teaching my own little guys and as I have said over and over there is no wasted learning.

Kindergarten Graduation

Ethan received so many awards in Kindergarten this year. His greatest achievements were Kindergarten Honor Roll, Mastery of all skills, and Accelerated Reader highest percentage in his class as well as the school. We were very happy for his great accomplishments. He was very excited afterward at the graduation party and wanted everyone to see his wonderful cache of awards.
It was a privilege to experience his special day with him.

Extra Baseball Pix

Stephen waiting for someone to send him on.Running Fast to make it home.

Baseball Fun

We are really enjoying baseball this year with the boys. Ethan is playing with the Kentucky Wildcats and Stephen with the Stanford Cardinals. Both are having a great time and improving each game. This is Stephen's first year playing ball and due to his age, had to start with machine pitch. At first, it was hard for him to hit but now, he is able to hit with much more confidence. Ethan opted for T-ball again this year. He is also doing very well. He rarely lets a ball get past him and he is hitting very well.
Ethan hitting!!!

Run Ethie!!!

He made it!

Class Almost Over

It has been difficult for me to add postings due to my psych/social lingustics class and also taking on my very first primary aged student. These two things have caused me to be in Bloomington three times a week, thus taking up precious time I use for other things. I have enjoyed my class so much and learned a lot. The hard thing about it, is all the reading and activities. It will be good for one thing to drop off my list of things to do. Of course, the new student takes time in developing lesson plans. Stephen and Ethan have also started baseball and T-ball respectively, so that will add to the running around. Thankfully, summer vacation will begin next month and that will allow for more time at home, so I can post.

I have really been enjoying the time I have been spending with my new student. Having him has allowed me to be a presence in his elementary school. This is what I would like to see happen, in that elementary schools enlist the help of multisensory specialists to help dyslexic students obtain normalized reading proficiency, like the typical student enjoys.

Thus, these are my paltry excuses as to why I haven't been posting as of late. I plan to remedy this, so I can be more consistent with the blog. I wish everyone a wonderful day!

Hiking in March and April

We have been very fortunate this spring to be able to start hiking in March and April. We have been hiking at Spring Mill and the Avoca Fish Hatchery several times already. There have been some complaints from children who have lost some of their "hiking legs". They will soon be up to speed so we can have many outdoor adventures this spring, summer, and fall.