Last Day of School

When I picture the last day of school, it would be me sitting on the couch enjoying the last sounds of quietness. With Lily already done with school, it's not exactly quiet all the time.

Somehow on the last day of school, I got sucked into staying the entire day. The Fourth grade put on their Medieval Times extravaganza. Jack did his oral presentation for his report on Medieval Tournaments. I asked what he needed for this and he said a sword. Easy Peasy mac n' cheesy. Some of the other presentation were miniature replicas of castles, playing an instrument, displaying fashion of the day, how to bake bread, and information on the Black Plague. Jack totally lucked out and got to "demonstrate" how to joust/fight. What better project for a 10 year old?!

Emma's class had a party at the end of the day and I promised to bring ice cream for the Rootbeer floats. Since it's always a little tricky transporting and delivering cold items, I just waited until the last minute to run to the store and get popsicles. I made an executive decision to get popsicles since I knew there'd be kids that wouldn't want rootbeer floats. Turned out to be a good choice.

As if that wasn't enough, the Scouts also held a fundraiser at Wendy's. In a way it was nice to not have to make dinner.

Whew. Exhausted before Summer even begins.

Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes

For Emma's teacher gift, all the kids in the class put together a scrapbook/recipe book. We had to "research" and decide what recipe to include. Luckily the high altitude wasn't too much of an issue with this and they turned out marvelously. Yes, this is in our family cook book, but here it is again.
Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes

Bowl #1:
1 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
6 oz. chocolate chips (regular or mini)

Cream first four ingredients, then
add chips. Set aside.

Bowl #2:
1 1/2 cup flour (+1 tbsp for high alt.)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Bowl #3:
1 cup water
1 Tbsp vinegar
1/3 cup oil
1/2 tsp vanilla

Combine bowls #2 &#3. Grease tins
very well or use papers. Fill cupcake
tins 1/2 full with batter, then lump in
a spoonful of cream cheese mixture.
Bake @ 350’ for 25-30 minutes.
For mini cupcakes decrease cooking
time to 8-10 minutes.

Review: Emma loved them, Lily didn't, and Jack was diplomatic. The mini ones are better than the full size.

End Of School Projects

Projects have been rolling in left and right. Field trips and field days have come and gone. Teacher appreciation week and end of year gifts are nearly done. We now have less than a week of school left. The kids and I are going to let out a sigh of relief when we don't have homework to get done and places to be in the mornings.

Jack finished up his paper on Medieval Tournaments last night (yes, it's due today). Emma helped make chocolate cheesecake cupcakes in the interest of "research" and a recipe to give to her teacher (end of year gift).

Lily has already finished school and is relieved that she doesn't have school until August.

Mother's Day

We had a nice family day. The kids gave me spectacular cards and we went for a hike. This is us at the end of the hike. Not exactly sure what I was thinking with my "serene" look, but Lily was not in her happy place.

End Of School Blues

Spring Break has been over for a while, I'm just trying to get to the end of school at this point. We're down to two and a half weeks of school until Summer Break. I'm looking forward to Summer but I'm dreading those long hot days where the kids will drive me crazy.

Things to do to get ready for Summer;
Look into the Summer Reading program at the library. Guaranteed activity per week.
Check the tires on all the bikes. Change any flat tires.
Plant the rest of the garden. Don't kill what comes up.
Evaluate Summer clothes for the kids. Who needs a new swimsuit?
Stock up on Icee Pops. Just buy the big box, the kids will eat what you have.

What is on your "get ready for Summer" list?