Ringing in the Second grade

Calvin is continuing with Russian school this year.  

Second grade is much more difficult than 1^st grade.  His literature homework kills me, seriously it’s hard and don't even get me started about poetry, I can barely hang with poetry in English, a second language....not so much. Plus he goes to school on Saturdays, which has took some adjustment.

I recently read an article about how the system here focuses on the past and emphasizes the classics, poetry, etc.  While the west teaches for the future, I felt that was a good observation.  

So it’s a daily battle when it comes to homework.  Mainly because Calvin is such a perfectionist and they write in pen so when he makes a mistake, he falls apart because there is no erasing it and it’s devastating when you get anything less than a 5, the equivalent of an A.

But I am glad he’s continuing.  He really likes his friends.  His teacher is amazing and he loves being a part of his class.  So it makes the daily battles worth it....most of the time.  Pray for us.

Five Year old Ninja

Birthday week/month ended with a little Ninjago fun.  Micah had fun with picking out his cake this year and had so much fun at his party.

We had a few games that tested our ninja skills.  The first game was trying to pop a balloon with a paper throwing star or try to hit the balloons to earn points for your team.  We then found our ninja names and got into order alphabetically.  Lastly we tested our chop stick skills by picking up as many items in a minute with chop sticks.  There were some very skilled chop stick users in our mix.

Our menu was chicken lomein, oriental cabbage salad, PBJ rolls and grapes.  (I’m discovering it’s better to go simple, it’s only taken me a few years to figure that one out.)

His cake was delicious.  It was a chocolate cake with Oreo icing, I am still dreaming about this cake.  I hope he chooses it every year.  It made up for decorating.  

 I tried.  Plus the most important fact was that my 5 year old LOVED it.

It was a fun day where he felt loved and I enjoyed making his day special.

Our Wilderness Explorer is 8

Calvin wanted an Explorer Party this year.  He loves to be out in nature so I suggested we go out to the mountains this year.  We were a little worried it would be too cold, but the sun came out and warmed everything up a bit. 

                                

The boys had a good time exploring the boulders.  It was my least organized party.  I only organized a scavenger hunt.  My boys really were excited about this.  They found some interesting finds.  

I explained in the car that they could earn badges along throughout the day.  They earned a few, but had more fun just exploring and jumping off of rocks.  We even got to share the day with some friends who came a long for the fun. 

We enjoyed some yummy shashlik, kebabs and other picnic foods.  

 While our shashlik was cooking I set out things for a trail mix bar.  Our local friends had never had trail mix before and thought it was a tasty idea.

It’s always great to get out of the city and was a fantastic way to celebrate our 8 year old.

 (How is he that old already?!?!)

He was thrilled with what was inside!  Thanks Mom & Dad for sending the surprise filling.