Michael's Manifesto: October 2014

Thursday, October 16, 2014

October is for pumpkin eating dinosaurs and giraffes, of course.

I was able to head out with the Montessori group to Goberts pumpkin farm this year. I was super excited to spend the day with Michael and his class. Michael was excited to have me there, as well he even asked to sit next to me on the bus. Believe me I'm soaking this all up before the day comes that mom is uncool and embarrassing, Right now I'm the bees knees and I'm pretty fine with that!

We began the morning with siting on the line and reading a few stories while we waited fro the bus. Then we got in our assigned groups, ( I have to tell you I was a little nervous having to be in charge of my group!) We got into our teams and lined up to get on the bus. The bus ride was HYSTERICAL, I had too much fun laughing with these silly kids. It also was a little trip down memory lane for me, I hadn't been on school bus in loooong time!

We arrived at the patch and started with a movie about the farm, after the move we went on hay ride. The kids then got to see the pumpkin eating dinosaur! RAWR! ( the boys watched him a few times) We were then free to go and see the animals that the farm had. I have never heard of a Giraffe on a farm.... but they had one! After that we went to the through the corn maze and the kids got to pick an ear of corn, a small pumpkin, and a gourd. It was a day well spent with my boy and his class.

On the bus!

Time for a short move! They were so well behaved!

Show time!

Pumpkin eating DINOSAUR!

The boys loved it!

Hay ride!

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Feeding the giraffe carrots

Colin and Michael being brave! He has one long tongue!

The corn became a rocket ship.

NSMS 2014 2015 class!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Fall comes to Montessori

The classroom is prepared for October and each area has a little touch of fall. Michael has been so excited to get this year started, which for us, has been great. Last year had a bit of a rough start. He is proud to call himself a
pre - k friend. He has done a phenomenal job helping the new friends get acquainted to Montessori. I keep hearing Barbara Streisand in my head signing I'm five, I'm five I'm a big girl now I'm five! Your not five yet Michael don't want to grow up too fast! Sit back and enjoy it!

Michael has also starting playing soccer, while its only the beginning I'm glad to see that he is showing interest in a team sport. They aren't playing games yet ( I mean they are only four) he is enjoying it and continues to ask me to practice kicking the ball with him in the living room, for now that's an ok place!

I'm looking forward to chaperoning a field trip in early October and volunteering to read to the kids a couple times throughout the year. (more posts to come on those adventures in the future!)

One note, thanks to my job for being so flexible so that I can participate in more than just work and home life. Thanks to my family for supporting us to get to Arlington Heights so we can have these great experiences with the kids and not have to be in the car all the time! Being close is SO FANTASTIC!

In practical life the children can decorate a pumpkin, wash a pumpkin or even
create a witch's brew. There are also small medium and large pumpkins around the classroom so the children can learn sizing.

South America is the new continent add to the shelf. In addition the children can explore about community helpers and dream about careers. What did you want to be???

The life cycle of a pumpkin and parts of a tree are just two of the works in Science. Along with the Human Skeleton which is always a favorite. Composer of the month is Sergei Prokofiev

Along with the new year the school was effected by the storm that came through. Lighting struck the tree right outside the school. The power went out but all the kids did a great job getting to a safe place.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Penny turns two 10/1/14

What a GREAT DAY it was! Last year we had a huge rainstorm but this year mother nature was much kinder to us. It was a beautiful fall day for our little girls celebration. The big treat was that Uncle Steve came up for a visit and to celebrate Penny's birthday. The kids also knocked over the bouncy house not once but twice! It must have been the 12 plus juice boxes the kids drank....

Our friends and family were so generous, we couldn't be more grateful to all of them for their love, support and of GIFTS! We had a great brisket, wonderful fruit bowl and corn bread. I do enjoy hosting the kiddos b day parties, its so fun and they really love every minute of it.

Getting ready to party

Preparty pix

Ready for presents!

Regan and her dad

Great dress from the McDowells!

Halloween bee!

These two goofballs

Opening on her own

Kitty cake from Christine! Yum!

We named the dog Indiana

I have finally gotten my act together and complied a number of pictures of MPG in his Indiana Jones hat. He received this hat from his well to do grandfather after he asked him " Papa I need an Indiana Jones hat, do you have one?" Sure enough my dad had one. ( of course he did!)

Michael enjoys playing different characters, This often resulted in a particular outfit to be worn in order to "get into character" Many of you know that it was a guessing game as to who he was... but you could be pretty certain that if was wearing that hat he was most certainly Dr. Jones.