Future Cities Competition

We had our first taste of crazy competition timing. For something other than sports...we don't do sports.

The firstborn was here, on a field trip for STAR for school.  She has been working on this project for several weeks with her class at school.  They have to design a city, build a model, create essays and papers, and then present it for judging.

I think this is great, it builds teamwork, critical thinking skills, a lot of thinking outside the box, hands on learning.  Janea has had to work in a group(something she is not good at), deal with stresses that she has no control over, and be content with things not being as perfect as she envisions them in her head!  I'm happy that she is able to work on these projects and do this type of learning...she needs it.

The only downside, it's at K-State, a 2-3 hour drive away from where we live, and the competition starts at 8:30 with check in at 7:30....so they had to leave at an obscenely early hour, 4:30 am. The firstborn is not a morning person but she got up, the husband was very gracious and took her this morning so I could sleep longer.  

They just got back and while she didn't win, she had a good time.  Glad she gets these opportunities to grow and learn!

First Day of School--Big Kid Style

My beautiful 7th grader!  Can't believe she is in middle school already!

Jaron, are you coming out to school now too?

Breakfast while waiting to go wait for the bus....little did we know that we were already late!

My handsome 4th grader!  Wow!  Can't believe how old he is!

Ready for 4th grade

Jayden came to wait for the bus with Jaron...thinks he is big stuff!

School is officially back in session!  The first day is always exciting and nerve wracking.  This year Janea and Jaron's schools start at different times.  Janea has to be out the door before 6:30 to make the bus as she starts at 7:30.  Jaron's bus comes around 7:50. 

First day we had the times wrong for Janea's bus and I had to drive her mad cap to school that day!  We have since learned the bus schedule and aside for how early it is daily, we haven't missed it again!    Both kids seem genuinely excited to be back to the normal school schedule!

The Countdown Begins

Today is the beginning of August...seriously, the year is flying by. I remember when I was a kid and time moved so much slower, or maybe I moved much faster I don't know. I can't get over the fact that it is August already.

The kids go back to school on the 17th. Hooray! They need to go back, they need to interact with other children, they need to be away from each other! I need them to quit fighting.

So the countdown to school begins...16 more days...I really hope I know something job wise for me by then...