Second Grade Writers and Readers

Rudy's second grade class had to learn about different animals and write a book about the animal. They also had  to make a diorama of the animal in its habitat and then read the book to the parents that visited the class. Rudy chose anteaters because "I don't really know anything about them". 

Rudy was very excited to have us come in. There were two presentations that day. We were coming to the morning one, so that's when Rudy would read his book, but for the afternoon, he was chosen to be the comedian and tell some animal jokes in between the stories. I wish we could have seen that!

He had to dress the part of an animal adventurer that day (Rudy felt he had to, it wasn't a class requirement), so he settled on cargo shorts and a button down shirt (he wanted white but all we had that fit well was white with stripes, so he settled), and his hiking boots.

I didn't get any pictures and the video I took isn't very good, but I wanted to remember the details of the day. He did a great job reading and entertaining us with his story. He put a lot of effort into it and it was neatly written, informative and very well illustrated.

Memorial Day Parade

Rudy's baseball league walked in our town's Memorial Day parade. Parents could walk along with the kids, so Paul and I joined in.  First we walked from our house to the starting area.

Only three members of the red team made it.

Hanging out before the parade.

Walking through town.

In the beginning Rudy was really into waving to all the people watching the parade.

Some of the spectators (in front of Paul and my dream house).

Nearing the end of the parade. Rudy was doing pretty well on the walk, but he'd had a long weekend so far. At the church ahead, if we made a left, our house is just 3 blocks away. So as we approached I asked him if he wanted to just go home, and he said yes. So we cut out of the parade a little early and headed home.

Birch Grove Park Walk

On a recent Sunday, we decided to forgo church and take a walk. Rudy chose his outfit- khakis and a button down shirt so that "people would think I went to church" and to show "I worship God".  So after laughing for a few minutes, we headed out.

When we tell Rudy we're going for a walk, we usually meet with a little resistance- "I don't want to", "I don't like it there", but the minute we arrive he is off running, climbing and exploring.

The roots from two trees formed a natural bench.

Pollen in the water made some cool designs. (and if you look carefully, there's a turtle swimming around).

A curved tree

Some bumpy exposed roots

The King of the World

Oh, and he also put gel in his hair. Hiker and God worshiper extraordinaire.

Lily pads. We never did see any frogs, although the noisily running boy may have had something to do with that!

We may be heathens for skipping church, but we certainly enjoyed being out in God's world.

Spring Piano Recital

Rudy had his second piano recital last week. He played two songs- one was Marche Slave by Tchaikovsky- a song he loves to play and plays all the time at home. He did a great job!

A blurry bow.

The video is in 2 parts because as he began, I was afraid I hadn't pushed the record button, so I pushed it again (and turned it off).