Outdoor Celebration

Justin’s Outdoor Celebration for Marshdale third graders became a mainly indoor celebration because of several days of rain and left over mud. The day begins with a hike up the open space area behind the school for the opening ceremony and then instead of setting up camp there a return to the school gym.

The third graders have been studying about Native American Indians. Each dyed and fringed a t-shirt for the day. We set up tents in the gym and share popcorn and beef jerky.

Kids break into groups and visit different classes to hear stories, make shields, be part of a buffalo hunt play, and decorate face masks. During one of the sessions I get to read a story about where the Indian Paint Brush got its beginning.

A stick horse race with kids and adults gathers everyone back to the gym at the end of the day. A thankfulness ceremony is the last celebration. Each child tells what was enjoyed and draws a rock on paper in the center of the gym.

Popup Camper

We are now the proud owners of a popup camper. It will sleep 6 to 8 easily with two king size beds and two tables that collapse down into beds. Best of all it is off the ground, has a furnace, stove top, small refrigerator, and outside shower. We have the comforts of home that I no longer want to give up to go tent camping.

In Texas when I went camping keeping cool was a prime objective. Here is may get hot during the day, but at night it is weather for building a fire and cooking s’mores. And as the night progresses it is two sock and knit hat weather. With the popup you just snuggle into your sleeping bag and wake up in the morning still warm and ready to cook breakfast.

Orchestra Finale

Grant has his end of school year orchestra concert. Wow, what a difference from the first of the year. Now the violins all use bows and they don’t make constant screeching noises. They are smiling and happy showing off their new talents for family and friends.

The evening is shared with the band’s concert. One group plays and then the other. So cool to see the kids dressed up and looking grown up. The weather is cold so several girls have on pretty dresses and snow boots.