Playing catch-up....

For some reason, trying to get around to updating has been quite a task. We've been busy, we've had stuff, but really just haven't been able to fit it in. So here it is, two weeks worth of things we've been up to!

A couple of Saturdays ago, they had an art show at the community center, featuring art from kids from the local schools. Tyler's class made special snowman pictures to display...

Then his school went up on stage to perform a few of the songs they sing in class. This is a mix of all three classes, those who were able to attend.

Their last number was on the floor with lots of dance, you can see his blonde head and brown jacket right in the middle.

After that we headed over to the creating area where they painted pictures and stamped cards.

They also made necklaces using foil and etching a design onto them.
Somebody was being ornery, and having a not so good hair day.

Last Tuesday Cody's school held a skate night at the local roller rink. The boys and I strapped on some skates and headed out for a good time. Tyler had the walking skates (where the wheels don't really roll) and Cody was in the medium speed skates, so the first bit was spent with death grips on my arms trying to get around in a circle. They were doing well and we stopped off for a break.

After a while, and seeing his friends out there alone, Cody found his courage and ventured out on his own. He did great, only fell a few times, but was back up and going again.

Tyler was also going really well, he's requested that he wants rolling wheels next time. Hoping to take him back soon for a morning Tots session.

This last Saturday was free museum day in Sacramento. It was a bit rainy, but we started our adventure at the zoo. Luckily, we missed the storms and had a nice, dry time.

First stop was a ride on the carousel.

We walked around and saw all the usual suspects. The giraffes are always a favorite, can't wait to go back and see them up high from the new observation area that is opening soon. They have a huge new enclosure and much more space to move about. Cool to see this one spreading his legs to get lower to eat.

Zookeeper Tyler

Red panda...

and the flamingos.

After the zoo we jumped on the freeway and headed to Woodland to visit the Ag museum. This is a new one for us, but totally worth the drive. We stopped into Sonic and ate before heading over to check out the old tractors and trucks.

Tyler by the tractor that's kinda like Grandpas, only bigger.

Some of these were huge.

Toy trucks section, found an old Wonder Bread toy.

The wooden tractor, Tyler driving, Cody's the engine.

Today Tyler had a field trip to Petsmart. What a cool place! They did a great tour, going around to the different areas, taking out animals to see and lots of explaining. They all seamed to have a great time.

Petting the Guinea pig.

and a rat...

the turtle...

and the snake. Wasn't sure what that look was all about.

But his hand went right up to pet it.

Then we went over to the vet clinic and they showed them how the animals go to the doctors. The kids disappeared with Ms. Suzanne and the vets for a nice chunk of time. We contemplated a coffee run, but they were just heading out.

Watching a pup get a hair cut.

Then over to see the fish.

They handed out cool little goody bags with coloring books and crayons, and a bunch of papers Ty said were for me.

Next up on the agenda is getting things ready for Valentine's at the boys' school. Tyler's class is having a party complete with cookies and sandwiches, then handing out Valentine's to his friends. Being the typical overachiever I am, I decided to make suckers for him to hand out. Seamed like it wouldn't be too hard, stupid assumption.
I started out using the Wilton candy melts, but as soon as I tried to flavor them, the melts went lumpy, so one batch thrown out. I next tried using almond bark and the first few I made went well. That was yesterday. This afternoon I finished them up and had little success getting the bark to melt to a nice creamy consistency, the flavoring was messing it all up. But they aren't awful and they taste really good so we're going with it!

The messy process begins...

Popped out and needing a shave.

Smoothed out..

Bagged and ready to go.

It always starts out being a good idea.

Cody's class is handing out Valentine's, but not really having a party and we can't take any kind of candy in. So we found the cool Lego cards that gives you a sticker puzzle to figure out.

Tonight we are headed to the school for a PTA sponsored pasta dinner. Can't beat $3 a plate for dinner. They are also holding the Feb PTA meeting during dinner, in hopes of getting some more participation, and to make sure all the officers for next year are put in place. This is where I'm diving in head first! I'm on the list for doing fundrasing next year. After seeing what was done this year, I'm not too afraid and hope to maybe find some new things to bring to the table. We are also gearing up for the annual school carnival that is held in April. It's nice to be able to do things for the school because it hasn't worked out for me to work in the classroom much this year.

No worries though, Cody's teacher has been keeping me busy! I've been taking home things to enter into the grade book, grading tests, cutting flashcards apart and other things here and there. She seams surprised every time I come in with a stack of finished things looking for more to do, nice way to make the evening pass.

So that's our happenings and up-to's over the last couple of weeks. The kids are out of school next week for the Presidents holidays and teacher in services. Hopefully we can keep ourselves entertained!