Metcalf Montage

Our table decoration
Jenni, me, Julie, and Beni

The King and Queen of Hearts

(Mr. and Mrs. Shook)

I love Ms. Wilder!!

We had so much fun!!!

Members of the Gamma Phi Circus performing

What a lovely evening! Metcalf's Montage, "An Affair of the Heart", was a huge success!! The BCPA was absolutely transformed into the most elegant space. The tables were beautifully decorated (see our top photo) and the room was lit up in red and soft white lights (see the back of the photo with the girls). On each side were the silent auction items and across the front were the live auction items-small canvasses that were mounted together by class. I am proud to say that Mrs. Gordon's class (whose artwork I held during the auction) brought in just over $600!! We were entertained with performances by the Gamma Phi Circus, a comedienne/magician, and an Impromptu group from ISU. There was also beautiful music and a delicious meal from Biaggi's.

We had an awesome time with our table mates-the Blum's, Mendez's, and the Kawakita's. We were later joined by the Giganti's during the live auction. It was fun to mingle with other Metcalf families and staff.

My favorite part of the night was winning the silent auction for the "Crazy Cooking Class" provided by two cool chicks..i.e Ms. Hatch and Mrs. Nevius. We can't wait to redeem this prize!! We also went in with two other families and won a live auction item-a pizza and pool party for 25 kids with the Administration.

I will say that there is something so special about the Metcalf community. It is unlike any other place that I have ever been.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that next year we will be able to say that all of our children are blessed to be a part of this community.

It is such a great place and we love it.

Rebecca you did a phenomenal job-thank you for a wonderful evening.

The Big Night...

Tonight Derek and I are going to the Metcalf Montage. It is the fundraiser for school and is being held at the BCPA downtown. We've never been before, but I've heard it is a really festive event. I did get a new dress, new shoes, and some jewelry-all for under $40!!! Our main goal is to win the auction item being offered by the 1st grade teachers: a movie night out. Our kids would LOVE it-and quite frankly, so would we!!! I'm sure it will be a lovely evening out with friends!!

Pictures to follow soon.

Donut Date with PaPa and Grandma Pat

The crew (from left) Peris, Avery, Addison, Fiona, Ella, Emmy, Berlyn, and Michael (the lone ranger amongst all these girls!)

*photos courtesy of Aunt Jessica*

We had a Valentine's party this morning with Grandma Pat and PaPa at Dunkin Donuts. They treated for donuts, drinks, and most importantly for the adults...coffee (and p.s. the coffee is REALLY good!!)!!!

What a fun way to start off the weekend.

THANK YOU!!

First Grade Family Reading Night

Fiona greeting other families at the Family Reading Night

YES we are all in our "jammies"

Michael found Mrs. Schumacher's Frog and Toad

Peris and a friend hanging out at the snack area

Derek listening to Fiona read

Last night was one of our favorite school events-the first grade Family Reading Night. The evening was kicked off by hearing the class (and siblings) do choral poetry reading. I think the highlight was singing with Mrs. Schumacher's special singing dog Frank-does this sound familiar.... L is for the way you..look at me...O is for the only one I see...V is very very extraordinary..can you get the gist of the song????

Next came a reading of one of our very favorite books: A Fine, Fine School. Fiona was SO excited because it is one of her personal favorites!! As a side note, we highly recommend it for your reading list!! Mrs. Schumacher did an excellent job of reading about Mr. Fine and his bent towards adding MORE and MORE school days. Gosh, he made the kids go to school on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays-can you imagine?? If you want to find out what happens...check out the book for the exciting ending!!

After our story, we were dismissed to make special posters using the word READ, enjoy a snack, and listen to our first graders read from their browsing box.

It was a lovely evening, and we are so fortunate!! We have one more first grade Family reading night to look forward to next year with Emmy!!

HOORAY FOR READING!!!!

Thank you Mrs. Schumacher for such a fantastic night!!

Happy Birthday Gramma Choo Choo

Pat threw a great party at Kicks!!
Aunt Christine and Emmy

Great-Uncle John and Ella say cheese

The baby of our family (he's on the left)

Gramma and Fiona chatting about the violin

Gramma and Avery share some snuggles

H A P P Y

B I R T H D A Y

M O M

Gym and Swim

A super fun night for the kids at gym and swim!! Free food, swimming, open gym-what more could we ask for on a dreary, winters evening?

PK, PTO and Mrs. Marshall you guys ROCK!!!!!

The Hunger Games

On the recommendation of a good friend, I picked up this young adult book that I have heard a lot about. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but hey....why not? Let me put it this way, if I had to choose between this book and the Twilight series, The Hunger Games would get my vote. The book is set in the future-the main character Katniss lives in the country of Panem (good bye North America). After the rebellion, the Capitol has divded Panem into different Districts, and each year to remind the people of their naughty behavior each District must provide 2 children to participate in the annual Hunger Games. Now obviously there is some fantasty to this story but if you can get past vampires and werewolves you'll be fine! The story reminds me of Stephen King's The Running Man-a story about survival and the lengths that a person (in this case a little girl) will go to in order to survive. I really did enjoy the book-while it pales in comparison to Harry Potter, I would give it a thumbs up for young adults and adults alike!