House Hunting

We have officially started shopping for a home... it's been a roller coaster of a ride, just in the few weeks we've been searching. Unfortunately, homes are flying off the market extremely fast. Usually under contract within a day, fast. This has my anxieties up. I just don't want to jump into something for the reason that someone else will take it if I don't. Not a fun way to make such a huge purchase. So wish us luck...I keep telling myself "it's only march." It really is so early into the high selling season, so something just right will come up!

Progress Reports

Glenwood does their spring conferences a bit different... unless there is an issue or concern at school, you have the choice to schedule conferences with teachers. I thought this was strange, and I had an internal struggle with deciding to whether be that parent that wanted to hear directly from the teachers or wondering if would I be judged if I didn't want to take the time to meet with them. Well, I ended up not going to either. Actually, with Riley I got a letter and declined the conference and with Reece I never got the choice. I assumed if there was an issue I would have been contacted. Both boys are having a great year. I couldn't be more proud of how they have adjusted to a new school.

Reece is doing well in all of his subjects. He seems to be right on target for 3rd grade. He even had his first state testing experience and that first day was a little nervous, but once he took the first test and didn't struggle, he breezed through all of the others. They celebrated testing with pajama days.

"Reece continues to work hard and puts his best efforts into every assignment. His hard work is paying off and he is excelling across the subjects. Keep up the good work, Reece!" ~Ms. Foster (his teacher)

"Reece has been an integral part of our learning community this year by becoming a trusted teammate, supportive listener, developing grammar user, and an interactive reader. Additionally, your child takes the time to read carefully, develop opinions, share feelings, and offers thoughtful input to those wanting to become involved with him. I continue to encourage you to share in your child's reading each night by listening, asking questions, and helping to develop solid reading strategies before such activities as watching television, playing video games, and playing with friends." ~Mr. Hardcastle, Literacy

Riley is also doing a great job in all of his subjects. I'd say Humanities is his weakest subject. It's a combination of Literacy and Social Studies. They work on oral expression, reading, writing, research, history, geography, economics and civics. He does best in his math, science and computer classes.

"Riley is a joy to have in class!" ~Mrs. Chaney, Humanities

"Great job. Awesome student!" ~Mr. Smith, Math (Mr. Smith enjoys Riley and even got Riley a piece of pie for Pi Day...not sure how I feel about him being singled out, but I'm happy for Riley, and Riley was very happy too!)

"Riley, you are such a great science student. Continue to work for excellence and challenge yourself and your group members." ~Mrs. Hassell, Science

Mrs. Hassell even nominated Riley to attend a National Youth Leadership Forum, based on his academic potential and interest in science, technology, engineering and math. It would be a 6 day program over summer, in Pennsylvania, California or Illinois. It sure makes a parent proud, but being able to work something like this out is complicated. Hopefully someday we can take advantage, but until then we can just be proud parents that his teachers really see potential in our child.

The Siffrings Came to Town

Our former "Outback" friends that live in Fort Collins ventured to the western slope for the first time. The funny thing is they forgot that we lived in Glenwood Springs and when she posted a picture of them at the adventure park I got excited and called her immediately. We were able to meet up for dinner then they let the boys head to the hotel with them to swim for the rest of the evening. They loved Glenwood and couldn't blame us for loving it too!

This is Ryann, we hadn't seen her since she was just weeks old. This picture was just too cute to not post.

The kiddos really hit it off, especially Reece and Ellyott who are a year apart. Good times by all! Hope they come back to our fun town!!

March Stuff

Riley finished the second "Hunger Games" book!! Thankfully, Netflix got us the "Catching Fire" movie quickly. He enjoyed it and is nearly done with the last book...too bad we must wait a while for those movies to come out. He watched the movie 3-4 times over the weekend, and liked it, but we all know the books are always better! 

 This was a funny way to wake up on St. Patrick's Day...apparently Reece is a little upset his trap didn't work last year. He left this note on our front door. Watch out, Mr. Leprechaun!

 Lastly, this is Reece's first clay project from art. I miss the art that came home from his McPherson school, but he keeps telling me it will come home at the end of the year. I hope so! Until then I have this lovely detailed clay face to admire! ;)

Impatient

Before I get started... how about that view! Most of Glenwood is slowly turning green, but we have gorgeous Mt. Sopris to gaze at from a distance. It's a huge water source for us, so the longer it stays white, the better.

Jake and I attempted a couple hikes...it turned out you could only go so far. Darn trails that get no to little sun are just too icy right now. We will impatiently wait for another month or so before we really get back into the hiking routine, but until then we will enjoy the gorgeous spring weather!

Sweets for My Sweets

We had an extra sweet weekend... 

One of Riley's favorite days, Pi(e) Day, was last Friday, so we had to celebrate with a very yummy cookies and cream pie.

 The very next day, the boys' favorite restaurant, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub turned 18 so they gave everyone free cupcakes! Double yum!! The boys love this place for their homemade rootbeer. It's a must if you come through our beautiful valley.

Happy Pi Day and Happy Birthday, Brewpub!

Kind Words

Friday afternoon I received a random phone call from Ms. Houchin, Reece's Spanish teacher. She just wanted to call and tell me how much of a joy Reece has been to teach. She thinks he is very mature for a 3rd grade boy and she is so happy to have him in her specials class. Apparently Reece got up with her to do a silly dance in class and he didn't care what anyone else thought...which surprises me so much, because Reece has always been the more self conscience of my two boys. It was a phone call I wish I could have recorded, since it's so hard to remember things word for word when you are thrown off guard a bit. I'm so proud of Reece. He is my child I was so nervous to send to school when he was 5, as he was my more rambunctious kid...turns out he takes rules very seriously, so we've never had a problem. He listens to teachers well and thinks they know everything, as mom and dad do not know it all. I think he is a good example to other peers and now that I see him getting more comfortable in his own skin, I see great things happening!
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The last few weeks we have had Reece in, getting evaluated for orthodontic care. He is missing an adult tooth, which is apparently more common than you think. And of course, it's a tooth that would be noticeable as an adult if we chose to do nothing about it. One opinion we got was to get started right away...to keep his adult tooth from coming in the wrong space. The other opinion we got was to wait a few years, allow that tooth to come in to keep the jaw bone strong enough to eventually support an implant. I'm glad we got the second opinion. It made more sense and we will wait to get started in 3-5 years. Either way it will be a lot of work to get a smile that will keep Reece confident, but it will all be worth it.

Early Season Hiking

We got an early start to the hiking season...maybe it was a little too early, or maybe we chose the wrong trail. Either way, the weather was amazing and we definitely enjoyed the scenery! Half the trail was very muddy and half of it was icy and slick. A little mud never hurt anyone...but maybe we need to find  more solid trails for the time being. We hiked "Mushroom Rock" in Carbondale, and I can't wait to get out more once spring decides to officially arrive.

We found OZ!!

Reece loves to have me take a picture of him... a lot... every hike!

Busted, Riley! Caught giving the bunny ears to Reece... Riley also got some new Rx sunglasses, so sunny Colorado will be much cooler for him now!

"Mom... you need to move, Sopris is over there."

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KU made some history this week... 10th straight year as Big 12 Conference Champs! Woohoo!!

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Have you seen my nephew, Lucas?

He's a baby model... ;)

Love him!