1st Grade

 Ben settled in well in Mrs. Martin's class.  It has been such a joy to see him blossoming and finding joy in learning.  He had a great kindergarten year, but really needed to be challenged.  We appreciate that Mrs. Martin sees that.  She has a great way of explaining how the basic lessons are still important, but fills the need he has for "harder" assignments. 
First grade has been a big change in responsibilities and that has been fun to see.  It may be where Ben has grown the most.  We have tried our best to let him handle his own concerns and questions and coaching what he might say.  He was complaining about math homework one day and that it was "boring".  We talked about how he got to do some enrichment activities in class and that he might see if he could bring some home as well.  Mom thought that would be the end of it or that she would be emailing Mrs. Martin after Ben continued on this quest.  Instead, the next day he came home beaming.  "Look!  I have my regular math and an extra sheet!"  He had requested extra homework!  HA!  Mrs. Martin said that she wished she could have recorded the moment for us.  She said it was priceless!  

We also hear a lot about behavior tickets.  If you keep all of your tickets you get a prize on Friday.  Ben claims that he has been "on the edge" several times, but never lost one.  We get the full report of who loses them and how often.  Ben even started using it to describe which kids are role models.  "Mom, I am sure that video is safe to watch as this kid that would never lose tickets is allowed to watch it."

Something new this year for us is the introduction of electives.  Ben goes to Art, PE and Music on a rotating basis.  He still also has library and computer time once a week. 

He is really growing up!!

Kid Funnies

We have been talking about the possibility of moving (just a couple of miles away) and Ben has had a lot of questions.  He asked Mom recently if we would still have our memory when we moved.  Mom went straight to a sentimental moment and thought about what a scary thought it must be for a kid thinking that they wouldn't have memories of the old house still.  An imaginary plan was concocted to take pictures in every room and make a scrapbook, but about 2 seconds later - Ben continues - "You know I have worked really hard on my games and if we unplug the Wii will it still remember where I was?"  Oh - that kind of memory.

Elizabeth likes to rename things to how she thought it sounded or to how she would like for it to sound so she can remember it better.  Some current faves......

Asbury church - We drive by every day on the way downtown and E likes to point out the steeple.  One day she asked what it was called.  The next day she yelled out - Raspberry, I see Raspberry!  Close, sis.  Then Raspberry got too hard and she now just calls it Cherry Berry (like the frozen yogurt place).  She has no apologies either when she is corrected.  "I just like to call it Cherry Berry better, so I do."

Hornsby the Tulsa Drillers mascot - We went to a game recently and E was in love with Hornsby.  It was noisy at the game so we didn't realize what she was calling him.  Later at home she said something about "Hornsbeat".  Mom asked if she meant Hornsby.  "No, his name is Hornsbeat! That is what you are supposed to call him!"  Alright, then.....

Mom caught E looking at herself in the mirror recently.  She was posing like she was getting a picture taken and telling herself how beautiful she looked.  It was a sweet moment.  When E realized she was caught, she made no apologies.  "I was just talking about how cute I look for the camera."  You are cute!  We are so glad you know it!

Summer Fun Continues

Since we mentioned it, Elizabeth has talked about the Kiddie Park pretty non-stop.  Except that she calls it the Hello Kiddie Park (like Hello Kitty).  We had planned to go, but decided not to one Friday because it was just too hot.  E was devastated, but was okay with going to Incredible Pizza instead that night.  A week later, it was much cooler, but rainy.  We buckled down and decided to go because we knew it wasn’t going to get much better and we were running out of weekends.  Ben was less than excited since this was for “little kids”.  He can’t ride as many things as he is too tall and apparently too cool.  He came around and enjoyed the roller coaster and some spinning ride that seemed to go on forever.  Elizabeth rode several things by herself which was huge and ended the evening with a train ride which she loves.  We may be outgrowing it, but this year it was very important for Elizabeth.  Hopefully she will remember it!

We have been fitting in as many summer movies as possible.  We have seen Turbo and Planes and hope to see Despicable Me 2 before it is too late.

We have checked most everything off of our list and are moving on to fall excitement.  We are looking forward to starting school, soccer, dance, scouts and a vacation that has yet to be revealed to Ben and Elizabeth!