School Stuff in December

Early in December Noah got to join the other 5th grade classes from his school on a 3 day/2 night stay at Harford Glen. Savannah's class got jipped on days spent there because of the weather and Xander's class didn't get to do the overnighter part because they had stopped doing that by the time it was his turn. But Noah got it all - the weather was decent and the staying the night was back! He was so, SO excited to go!

Noah's wonderful teacher sent us pictures and updates throughout the days they were there, which I, of course, loved! The first day they got settled in the lodges and then examined animals in the stream. I received my own text from her telling me that Noah was "ecstatic! He is loving that they allow seconds"at meal time. Ha ha!!

Day 2 they had a Forensic Ornithology class which involved investigating bird crimes and examining downy barbs on the feather to determine the bird.

They also went on a binocular trek and were hoping to find more than 20 species.

They then removed invasive species from native plants!

That evening they wrote thank you notes to counselors and then watched those counselors perform in skits!

Friday I got an early morning text letting me know that Noah had lost a tooth. At least he didn't get sick on this trip! They went on an early morning hike...

to end their stay.

We picked him up just after noon and took him for lunch at Qdoba to welcome him home. He told us all about his fun trip to Harford Glen!

This guy was on the Honor Roll once again but unfortunately I was working and couldn't make the ceremony. Thank goodness David was able to be there to cheer for our Xander and take a few pictures for mom.

December is also the month for winter concerts.

This year Noah switched from the violin to the trumpet so, due to the change, he had to play with the beginners band which is basically the 4th graders. He wasn't too thrilled about it but he enjoys playing the trumpet much more than the violin. We sat up in the balcony for this concert.

After listening to Xander and the middles schoolers play, I had forgotten how hard on the ears elementary school concerts are. I was videotaping their performance but was laughing so hard because of how bad they sounded that my phone kept shaking. David and I were seriously dying and then the couple next to us started giggling as well. I'm sure other parents thought we were horrible.

Then on our walk to the parking lot this happened!

Our Noah always keeps us laughing!