First Day of School

I know, I'm a few days late.  Monday was Grace's first day of fourth grade.  She was very excited about going back to school.  We met her teacher at open house a few days before and learned she'd have lots of new friends in class in addition to a few she hadn't been with since kindergarten.  She also decided that she is going to audition for the Odell Chorus.  We'll keep you posted on that.

So far she loves her teacher and her class.  But we'll see how she really feels next week when the real work and homework start.  Just think next year both kids will be in school!!!

August Happenings

To say we love the beach would be an understatement.  This year we waited a week to go due to schedules and it worked out perfectly.

Our first day was the typical get used to what is onsite and figure out our plan for the weekend.  The next few days were pure fun for the kids and us.  We spent all day Friday at the waterpark and pool.  Adam never meets a stranger and made friends as soon as he hit the waterpark.  Grace on the other hand elected to keep to herself while swimming.

The water slide was a favorite activity for the kids.  Adam couldn't get enough of it and this year did it all by himself.  I just had to get the two of them to do it together for a photo op.

Saturday we spent the day at Broadway at the Beach.  We visited the Ripley's Aquarium, several shops, the Wonderworks Museum and had lunch with Uncle Sammy and Aunt Nancy.  Later that day it was back to the resort for more swimming.

Sunday was another lazy day at the pool.  Between the water park and the lazy river we had a relaxing day.  Of course we couldn't leave without a quick round of golf at the dinosaur mini golf course so Monday before hitting the road, we made our annual stop.

It was a great time for all of us.  We got to relax and enjoy the salt air.  Of course every day since we came home Adam has asked to go to the beach - soon buddy, soon! 

Catching Up

Things sure have been busy since school ended.  So busy that I have not been able to keep this blog updated.  Where to begin.....

Grace's dance recital was held the weekend after school let out.  She was only in one number this year since she only took Pom class.  The best part this year was that she got her year end trophy on stage since this is her 5th year of dance.  Unfortunately she has decided that she is over dance and will not take classes next year.

The weekend after that was my Administrative Professionals Conference.  This is the event that I coordinated.  After 10 months of planning I was so glad for it to be here and of course be over.  The evnt went well and everyone seemed to enjoy the seminars and programs.  I was excited that my chapter won the Best Website award - seeing as I am in charge of our website, I had a reason to be happy.

Once that settled down, it was time for Adam to start swimming lessons.  He loves the pool and we figured it was time for him to learn how to swim.  He did great at his first class.  He was enthusiastic and jumped in with both feet (literally).  This was a big change from when Grace took lessons.

Last week we got to have a long weekend for the 4th of July.  Both David and I had off Thursday and Friday.  We spent the 4th just hanging around the house.  That night we enjoyed the fireworks in the neighborhood - sure fireworks are not legal in NC but our neighbors don't seem to pay attention to the rules.  We just found a spot in our yard and watched.  The kids played with sparklers and had fun.

The rest of the weekend we did our usual errand and things and made our first trek to the neighborhood pool.  It's been open since May but we haven't had time to go.  Adam had a big time at the Kids Waterpark area and after passing the swim test, Grace enjoyed the big pool.

The next fews weeks will be quiet and then we are off to the beach the first weekend in August.  We can't wait.  Until then........

End of Year Awards

Today was the End of Year Award ceremony for the 3rd and 4th grade students at Odell.  I received an email earlier in the week that Grace would be recognized so I didn't want to miss it.

She received a certificate and a special pin for making the A/B Honor Roll for the entire school year.  We're very proud of her especially considering she had two grades to pull up after mid-terms were sent home.

How About Golf?

A few week's ago Grace asked what sports were in her blood.  So I rattled off the sports that everyone in her blood line had involvement with - baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, bowling (lots of that) and golf.  She looked at me and said "golf; I think I'd like to try that".

So off I go on an adventure to find golf lessons for kids.  Even with the likes of google and bing, it's not easy to find them.  Luckily while lunching with a contact of mine, I mentioned Grace's interest and she was willing to dig a little for me - it didn't hurt that she works at a local hotel with a golf course.

Low and behold they have a junior golf program and offer lessons.  A few email exchanges later, Grace was on the books for a lesson.  She was both excited and nervous but ready to try it out.

Last night we got to the course and her instructor took her straight to the practice range.  He asked her to grab the club and was impressed that she knew exactly how to hold it properly.  The rest of lesson was about how to move her body and follow through.  He was a great instructor - praising her for the great shots, offering encouragement when she was a little off and knowing when the change focus to avoid the frustration tears.  At the end of the lesson, he told me she did a good job for this being her first time out.

After we got in the car, she told me she really had fun and likes golf.  She also informed me that she's going to need gloves since she got a blister on her hand.  Her next lesson is next week so we'll see how things progress. 



Grace Made the A/B Honor Roll (again)

Monday was another milestone in the Buckelew household - it was third quarter report card day!  Grace's hard work paid off as she made the A/B Honor Roll for the third consecutive time.

She went up math 98 and science 94; stayed the same in language arts 90; but slipped in social studies 89.  Hopefully she'll end the year on a high note.  Her only worry is the EOGs (end of grade tests) in May.

Her reward was dinner of her choice - McDonald's.  But we have promised her that should she maintain honor roll status for the entire year she can go to Build A Bear.  Only eight weeks of school to go!!

Grace's New Face

Over the past few months Grace has sat closer and closer to the tv and pulled her books closer to her face.  When she went in for her checkup in January, I had the doctor do a quick vision test.  Of course she came back to say that we should probably take her to an eye doctor for a full exam.

We finally did over spring break and learned that she, like most of my side of the family, would need glasses to help her see things far away.  First of all I have to say that Vision Loft is an amazing place for your eye care needs; second VSP vision insurance is awesome!!

Yesterday I received a text that her glasses were ready, so we went to pick them up after school.  She was so excited that she could see.  She is also being very careful with them taking to heart what the lady at the store told her "If my glasses are not on my face, they are in the case; if they are not in the case, they are on my face!"