Spring Has Arrived!

I haven't really posted in a while about what we have been up to simply because we haven't been up to much at all! I got sick right after St. Pat's and I'm just now starting to feel better. The doctor said a bad, bad case of bronchitis, but Ron and I lean towards maybe a case of walking pneumonia. And, speaking of Ron, his allergies have gone haywire. We didnt' think they could ever be worse than in the Upstate, but, well, we moved here......

Ben has been playing his Wii like crazy. In place of the Easter bunny this year, he opted for a Wii sports pack. Clay is still learning his guitar. He's doing really great -- writing his own songs as well as learning the songs he loves. He bought a second guitar and an amp a few weeks ago at a pawn shop. He also won the "tomahawk throwing contest" at OA a few weekends ago which means he'll be representing his lodge at the Dixie in April. Clay did transfer to a new scout troop. This one is a little less "high adventure" and he had a good friend from school there. We've been pleased with the leadership. Clay's "bunny" gift is a camping trip with the troop in a few weeks. We also find out next week which magnet program(s) Clay got into for next year and from there we'll decide if we're staying out in this area or moving over the summer.

Not to be left out, Maggie is still being the family baby! She loves to watch the birds outside our patio door.

The boys and I are on spring break this week and taking it easy. Last night was Bunco (more to post on that later) and tomorrow night Ron and I are going to an Indian restaurant with our Jaycees friends. Then, Saturday is the BIG day -- the Carolina Cup! I haven't been to a horse race in a LONG time (Clay was a baby the last time) and I can't wait.

I can't believe that it is almost April! Wow! Time sure has flown....it seems like just yesterday that I was posting about Christmas. Hard to belive that it soon will be summer! :)

the new guitar

Ben thinks Clay is a rock star or something.....

tomahawk practice

the scoutmaster let Ben give it a try, too

How Did You Spend Your Leap Day?

That seemed to be the question of the day on the Internet, TV and radio. Most of my "leap day" was spent just like always.....at school (though we did go to Young Chef's Academy for a field trip and that was different and fun). After school was a different story.......

Ron and I are volunteering at the "March for Meals" 5K tomorrow morning (we have to be AT the zoo by 6:40 AM...CRINGE) with Jaycees. I needed to pick up our tee shirts so we wouldn't have to change when we got there in the morning and so after getting Clay from school, it was very nice outside, the boys and I decided to go on and utilize our membership by spending an hour or so at the zoo before picking up the shirts and meeting Ron for dinner at the Salty Nut.

We had a really good time. Their were way more people than we anticipated (January and February are free on Fridays for Richland and Lexington residents. I'm guessing that explains it), but most of the animals were in rare form. The flamingos were hilarious...they were "talking" and stretching their necks. We saw the lemurs for the first time. Not sure how we missed those. And, then we got to see the new baby koala....it is SO cute!! Maybe they all new today was "leap day" and they were taking advantage of it!

We go to the zoo quite a bit, most definitely getting our money's worth from the membership. And, I have taken hundreds of pictures, but I still always take my camera and take more. It seems that every time we go, there is something new to document.

I'm sure the zoo won't be nearly as great at the crack of dawn in the morning so I am glad the boys and I enjoyed it this afternoon! :)
BubbleShare: Share photos - Safe Baby Toys

First Day of School!

Both boys started off their new school year at new schools today! Clay in the single-gender program at his middle school and Ben in the lower elementary (2nd/3rd) class at CSI, where I also teach. All in all, it seems to have been a great first day for all of us!

Thanking the Friends of CSI president, Kenya, for our gift cards!

Ben participating in an activity with his classmates. The advantage to being at a small school with your child....you can always see what they are doing....and take pictures :)