We were lucky enough to head to Pennsylvania last week with my mom to enjoy Idlewild Park. It is basically an amusement park for toddlers and young children. It contains Storybook Forest, Mr. Rogers neighborhood, and many amusement rides for little ones. Since Brian had taken off time at the start of the summer, I asked my mom to accompany me because I knew I would need her help with the kids.....or shall I just say, Reid??? We ended up making a mini-vacation out of it and stayed 4 days. It was a great time for all, and we really enjoyed our time together.
My own little Raggedy Ann and Andy in Storybook forest.
Reid loving life on the airplanes, and Ellie loving it even more since she was in control of the up-down motion.
Reid not sure if he is enjoying his teacup ride or not. I can tell you, after riding it about 3 times, I had had enough!
Reid in his glory on the train ride.
My little drivers
Reid followed "Ricky" around the whole time. "Ricky" was probably glad to see our vacation come to an end. We spent much time loving on "Ricky" while we were there.
As I said, Ricky was a popular guy!
Ok, this is my favorite. Look closely at the drawing. Obviously, it is Ellie and Reid. This girl did an AMAZING job on capturing the kids profiles. Here is the really AMAZING part....she was done in about 7 minutes. Thank goodness, because I didn't know if Reid would manage sitting or not. He did....with a promise that we would get some ice cream afterwards! I asked this young lady if she was studying art in school because she was so gifted. And she laughed and told me she was a junior in high school. She has no plans to pursue art. It's just a "hobby" of hers. It's an amazing gift is what I say!!!!
After being at Idelwild for 2 days, we headed to the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. Ellie would have liked to have stayed longer here. I am thinking Brian and I may have to take her back another time. There was an entire room devoted to art, and we didn't get to it because with Reid, we have to pick and choose our fun! So instead of art, the kids climbed in what I called the human ant farm all the way to the second floor.
Ellie loved the pulley systems that were there. She was sending up parachutes to another little girl up high. Very fun.
And who doesn't like an entire FLOOR dedicated to WATER play??? All I can say is a big thank you to the lady who told us to do this last....and bring a change of clothes. Great advice!!!!
Reid wondering how to get in the water! There was one point when he had his shoes off and was lifting his leg to hop in the "pool". Gotta love the 2 year old's mind.
Reid loved his swimming time while we were away. He is a little too brave for my liking, but he was just in his glory in the pool.
And little Miss Swimmer did great. She was able to learn to float well on her back, swim without floats, and began swimming underwater on our trip. Swimming lessons are going to be a must for us this Fall to continue with the skills she is really quickly learning after a summer of pool fun. What a great trip it was. Maybe next year, Brian can go, too!
Found this lamp....and had to have it! I went with browns and a soft turquoise blue for my colors this year. 
I am standing at the front of my room looking to one side. My room is very wide but does not have much length. Coming up with a seating plan for 26 was a little hairy!
Just another view looking into the room from my door.
My HUGE desk. I think Reid could fit in the drawers. My mom made me the curtains. I was looking for a homey feeling this year, and I was really pleased with how everything looks.
Standing towards the back of the room looking to the front.
When I saw my class list.....I came to the conclusion that I needed some positive quotes that would bring accountability and positive-ness to my kids. I think this quote is beautiful!!! So true!
I am using this quote as the theme for the year. This is posted outside my classroom door.
Ha! Just because I had to! It's a nice reminder to my 4th graders that I am always looking for honesty. 2010-2011 school year....here we come!
