Junior Kindergarten: Take 2

Today started year two of Junior Kindergarten for Bennett!  We can't believe we are here...starting another year of school and with it new routines for our babes.  Bennett enjoyed a great first morning. He will repeat a short day tomorrow before beginning the full day routine on Wednesday.  

 

 Bennett's junior kindergarten class is a multi-age classroom, so even though we are beginning a new routine, he is returning to the same classroom and has the privilege of once again having Mrs. Harris as his teacher.  One big difference for our little guy from last year...he is one of the oldest in the classroom!  This will provide him the opportunity to lead the younger students, while also spending time with his peer group during small group instruction.
 

 

TROUBLE. 

 

These little guys are the veterans to Mrs Harris's class (along with two little ladies).  They were so very excited to see one another this morning.  Pure joy in those sweet smiles.  We are looking forward to another exciting year of discovery and learning (and perhaps a little reading!).

 

Miss Elly Rose is not far behind - she begins a Young 3's preschool program twice a week next Tuesday.  We meet the teacher on Thursday...can hardly wait!  Also on Thursday, Rose joins her neighbor friend for ballet.  Every Thursday afternoon for the next 10 months - eek!



Take me out to the ball game!

Bennett enjoyed his first experience with organized team sports through the First Baptist t-ball program.  It was so much fun to watch as the entire team evolved from their first practice to the final game!



Mr. Cool in his shades.  3-inning games where everyone bats each inning and rotates through field positions on defense provided the perfect length of time for his age. 

 

First base talking strategy with one of his coaches.  Bennett's coaches (like all coaches in the program) graciously volunteered their time and did so in a wonderful, teaching way.

 

 

The last couple games they practiced live arm hitting in the final inning.  Bennett LOVED this chance to hit with his coach pitching to him.

 

 

Preparing to play pitcher helper.  Little Kate in the background was one of Bennett's buddies on the team.  They talked "playdates" at one another's house and Bennett was thrilled to learn that Kate has "boy toys" because she has an older brother. 

 



 

Sportsmanship and teamwork are part of each practice and game...GO ROCKIES!!

 



 

Hi-fiving the opponent then on to snacks (an obvious highlight)!

 



 

A quick celebration for each team followed their final game.  Bennett is so proud to have a medal of his own.  He has shown this medal to EVERYONE who enters our home.

 



 

We are thrilled that the experience was fun for Bennett.  He is signed-up and excited to begin playing soccer at the beginning of next month through the same program.  

Firework Party

Year after year, one of our summer favorites is the MHCC Fireworks Party!  So much fun to see friends, hang with Zach's family and watch Bennett and Elly Rose enjoy the numerous activities and games. 

 Our sweet little babes before we trade sticky, sweaty, tired and dirt-covered for a night of great memories!

 

 

Elly Rose with her first cotton candy!  Snatched that within 5 minutes of arriving. 

 

 

Bennett trying out the bungee trampoline for the first time!  He waited so patiently in line.  It took him a handful of bounces to figure out the process, but once he did it was high-flying!

 

 

Our night took an unexpected turn when a quick-moving thunderstorm arrived and sent us running for our cars.  We re-grouped (after losing and finding Bennett and a brittney spears-style trip home for poppy and his girls) at the Ford home in time to dry-off and watch the fireworks!

 



Bennett Goes Racing!

Zach and Bennett made their way to the track for Bennett's first (of many I am sure) trips to experience some portion of the famed Indianapolis 500.  Since this was his first trip, we intentionally planned it for a quiet practice day to minimize crowds...it didn't disappoint.  It took a little time for him to adjust to his surroundings, but he had a blast!

 

The smaller crowds allowed him to get up close and personal with the pit areas - which was a highlight.  He also met several drivers (his favorite was Helio - who autographed the bottom of his matchbox race car), ate a hamburger and just enjoyed time with dad! 

 

The next day at school, Bennett was so excited to "share" his experience with his teachers and classmates.  Share is always a highlight for him - he takes it very seriously.  After talking about his day at the race track and showing classmates some memorabilia, there is time for "comments and questions" from others in his class.  The thought of calling on his friends and answering their questions makes me laugh.

Spring Sing and Art Show

We were thrilled to attend Bennett's first (and only) performance of the year...Spring Sing!  Their philosophy on student-centered work and exploration carried right over to his noon performance. 



Bennett was so excited to have his special guest, memaw, there to watch and he proudly reached for her hand to lead her to the JK art show.  The best stop, of course, was the cookie and lemonade station.  And special treat for me - we snuck in a little girls lunch once Bennett returned to his daily routine.

 



 

Each of the three JK classes created their own Jackson Pollock painting.  Bennett's contribution to this painting is yellow...we found it on his clothes and in his hair when I picked him up from school that day!

 

Class photo following their performance!  Each child had a line to say as a story weaved in-between musical numbers.

 

"Join Hands All Around the World" was their concluding song - so sweet.  I joked with Bennett's music teacher who is a dear friend that if it were just the boys up there all we would hear is whispers...thank goodness for those girls!

 

 

Bennett is second from the left.

 

Part of their spring unit on art included a trip to the IMA.  I accompanied the field trip and it was a blast!  The children did a fabulous job of recognizing types of art and responded so well to the many questions the tour guide asked of the students.  It is hard to believe two weeks from today school will be out for summer...we are ready for the pool and parks!