Festival October 2008

At the end of every 6 week "term" at GPA, they have what they call Festival. This term's theme for Chase was Ancient Egypt. Aiden learned about Native Americans. Today the families came in and viewed the students' projects, watched plays the students had written, listened to the band and orchestra, and watched them sing the Latin alphabet. Here are some pictures from today.

Chase and Aubrie by the pyramid

Chase helped make this small pyramid with paper boxes that blow up.

Aiden by the wikiup--his level learned about Native Americans this term

Aiden playing with an earth model

Chickens

In the spring we bought 10 chickens. They are Aaron's pride and joy. :) The kids love to take care of them as well. Just this past week we have started to get eggs. Aaron built a really nice chicken coop for them, but in the evenings they love to come out and eat bugs and grass (and my garden).

New Charter School

The boys have just started attending a charter school called Gateway Preparatory Academy (GPA). It has a Montessori curriculum and is the first year for the school. Aiden is in first grade and his teacher is Mrs. Kendell. Chase is in fourth grade and his teacher is Mrs. Ganowsky. It is a very hands-on curriculum and it includes Latin and Spanish along with the regular classes (art, P.E., etc.). Starting in fourth grade, you have your choice of band or orchestra. Chase is thinking of playing the piano/keyboard in band. They both have enjoyed it so far.

Flag football

Today was the first day of flag football. Both Chase and Aiden had a game at the same time. Aiden made a touchdown and ran in for a 2-point conversion. Chase played most of the game as center, had a sack, and made a couple passes. Aaron was asked by both coaches to help, but he was only able to help at Chase's game today. They all had a lot of fun.

Aiden running for his touchdown

Not-so-humble celebration after touchdown

Chase right before throwing a pass

Piano

Chase has been taking piano for almost one year and is on level two. He just had his first recital and did great! His teacher is Megan Albrecht, who lives in our neighborhood.

Chipmunk

We had been seeing a chipmunk running around outside for a few days now (which is pretty rare for our neighborbood). The kids had been feeding it bread crumbs. Well, today I looked up to see a chipmunk running through our house! I couldn't see it after it ran out of Aubrie's bedroom. Aubrie decided to make this trap with walnuts, but so far no chipmunk. My only hope is that it ran back out through the back door.

Update (a couple weeks later)--Aaron went to get his hunting jacket today from the garage shelves and it was shredded to pieces. We're sure it's that chipmunk. Now we have to set a real trap for it in the garage.

Iron County Fair

Today is Labor Day so we decided to go to the Iron County Fair. I think you could walk through the whole thing in five minutes! The kids had fun though. Went to the petting zoo, saw some exhibits, rode the carnival rides, listened to music and ate Navajo tacos, fries, and cotton candy.

Aiden at the petting zoo

Aiden and Chase. Aiden did not look this happy during or after the ride! :)

Aiden and Aubrie

Aubrie's favorite ride