President's Day, Painting, Blue & Gold, Daddy/Daughter

No school for the kids on Monday because of President's Day.  Quinn and I did some research on the life of United States President Harry S. Truman after reading about G-ma and G-pa P's visit to the Harry S. Truman Museum & Library in Independence, MO.  Quinn has a special interest in the lives of the US Presidents and remembers many facts and figures from US history.  He has a similar interest in geography and spends a lot of time studying the map at our kitchen table and asking questions about the people and politics of the world.

Special lunch after "Screenagers"

With school out, we reserved tickets for the morning showing of a documentary/educational film entitled "Screenagers" our community hosted.  The purpose was to bring awareness to the challenges and opportunities of growing up in a digital age.  Aaron took the older kids then picked up a special lunch for everyone at Panda Express (bribery?) while I got Anna from basketball practice.  The kids had various activities in the afternoon and everyone enjoyed a day off from school.

Quinn - art class

The art program is in full swing.  Prepping for the painting classes is always a work-out but the students LOVE to paint so it's worth it.  And the parent-volunteers are mostly reliable which helps tremendously.  I snapped a quick one of Quinn at the easel - wearing one of the donated painting smocks he recognized - an old Home Care Pulse shirt.

Quinn receiving awards at banquet

Besides history and geography, another FAVORITE activity of Quinn's is working in his scout book. Honestly, I've never seen the likes of it (and I have to remind myself it's a good thing).  He often asks if we can spend time working on another project.  One night this past week, Quinn convinced Anna to hide items around the house so he could practice using a compass to locate them.  Consequently, he racked up the awards at the Blue & Gold Banquet held on Wednesday evening.  He really loves being a Cub Scout!

Blue & Gold Banquet

Each boy received an "Olympic" medal (treat).

Aaron & Elsie - Daddy-Daughter Date

Aaron and Elsie skipped out on a school-sponsored Daddy-Daughter activity recently as it conflicted with other scheduled events, but attended the Activity Days church-sponsored version on Thursday evening.  Lots of goofy games and yummy treats made for a fun night.  Aaron and Brandt (neighbor) noticed the comments on their 'super dad' papers were identical in nearly every way....except that Elsie wrote 'is healthy' and while Aislyn wrote 'is unhealthy'.  They had a good laugh about that one!

As the end of the trimester wraps up this coming week, the kids have been extra busy with school projects.  There have also been some local tragedies with increased avalanche activity in the Tetons.  Jordan's (nephew) roommate lost his life along with a local husband/father in two separate incidences.  It's a stark reminder of how quickly things can change and how important it is to live each day with purpose.  Aaron and I have seen many miracles lately and appreciate knowing the Lord is truly involved in the details of our lives.  We enjoyed spending time with Bron & Wendy L. last night (dinner at the new Hickory restaurant) and for the Lord's guidance in working through challenges.