United Nations International Day of Peace

This is one of the 2 assemblies that I really look forward to each year at Brycen's school.  On a very small scale it kind of reminds me of the opening ceremonies at the Olympics.  All the kids line up behind the flag of the country that they represent as their home country.  They then march into the gym and each grade shows of their Peace project.  It is very moving and nearly brings me to tears.  Without getting all sentimental, I really think that all children should be exposed to such diversity especially when it comes to different countries.  It is truly amazing to sit and watch all these kids from all corners of the world laughing, playing and singing...they know the true meaning of PEACE. 

Today at the assembly Brycen received a Global and Community Appreciation award.  This was given to recognize him for his outstanding work in caring and sharing.  I was so proud of him!



Fellow Americans Ezzy and Bobby

 

Brycen and Mico receiving their awards from their teacher, Ms. Anna



The 5th grade peace project.  These are individual paper doves glued on...pretty cool.



I love rice...

These 3 simple words wouldn't make just any mom happy.  They make this momma REALLY happy.  He likes rice, the white kind, at school.  Even better...the 3/4 of a hamburger that he ate the other night.  Bliss. 
Among all the other great things about his school is that he is now forced to eat lunch with the other kids.  It has been great for him because due to all the nationalities at his school his lunch menu is very varied.  I do believe that for my picky eater of a son this is a breakthrough for him as well.  I have been very patient with him (probably too patient) but I think it is now starting to pay off!  Yippee!!

Antiques can be creepy

My friends and I found this awesome antiques warehouse some time back.  Call it what you want...antique market, pickers paradise...most of it is probably mass produced, antique looking  junk.  We love it!  I took the below pictures a few months ago when my friends and I were on an excursion there. 

The place is dark, VERY dusty with narrow aisles and somewhat creepy.  Yesterday Les took the day off for his birthday (Happy Happy Birthday babes) and I decided this would be a good time to take him to some of the places that I like to visit.  A horrible rainstorm hit as we were on our way there.  When we pulled up there was close to 1 1/2 inches of water right outside the door.  I decided to jump out of the car and see if the inside was dry enough for us to go in.  Talk about creepy.  The roof is made of tin and where there is no roof it is meekly covered with tarp.  When the thunder clapped it banged loudly off the tin roof and when the lightning struck  it illuminated through each tiny crevice of the walls and ceiling.  I walked around for a few minutes but once I saw all the buddah heads and creepy Chuckie like dolls peering out at me I high tailed it out of there.  I will save Les the trip until it is nice and sunny outside:)

First day of Pre-K

I only know one other person that was just as excited as Brycen was to start FULL DAY school...but this post isn't about me now is it?? Ha Ha.

He could not wait for school to start but mostly I think he just missed riding the bus in the morning and seeing his friends!  His teacher this year is Miss Anna.  It was so crazy walking into his room on "meet the teacher" day and seeing how different it was from just last year.  It was like they (he and the classroom) grew up overnight.  All the toys and "kid" things were replaced with smartboards and computers.  He was moved into Level 2 Mandarin....just wish he would use it more at home.  So far he (and I) are really loving it! 

Sun Valley

I think my favorite part of most summers is the trip to our condo in Sun Valley, ID.  It is truly a vacation resort for those that love to take in adventure and nature or just relax by the pool.  I have grown up coming here, summer or winter, and am always relaxed and have a great time. I now love sharing what I love about Sun Valley with my husband and kids.  This summer was no exception (except that Les wasn't with us).  We enjoyed days filled with hiking, paddle boats, walks and sunning poolside.  This was the first year I have taken Brycen on a hike.   He did a great job with minimal complaining but it was Saria who had the best seat in the house, in a pack on my dad's back (which he felt for quite a few days later).



 

nothing beats paddleboating with Dollar Mountin as your backdrop




watching the paragliders