well, it's about time.

Hi!  This poor blog has been abandoned for so long.  I don't know if anyone is still reading... but if you are, thank you for not giving up on me!  

It's the last week of school!  I have had one of those "chew-you-up-and-spit-you-out" kind of years, but not because of my students.  This has been a unique combination of kids, and I love them.  

Running away from Jaws on a recent field trip to the Museum of Ancient Life

This week in third grade we are: going on a field trip to the planetarium, having a banana split party (for those who have passed their multiplication facts), having a chalk art festival, making summer bucket lists, and putting together books of original poetry.  Plus, remember field day?!  It's still alive and well in elementary school.  Still trying to decide if I want to participate in the teacher dunk tank...

Exhausted gardeners.

Samuel and I have been working so hard on our yard/garden.  We inherited a lot of dandelions and crab grass, among general weeds and bugs-- which Samuel has been so faithfully and fiercely battling.  We also re-purposed Charlotta's/Emily's garden boxes, and hung lights on our patio.  We planted tomatoes!  and peppers! and broccoli! and beans! and zucchini!  and strawberries! and raspberries!  and basil! and rosemary!  I hope things grow.  Our backyard is one of my favorite places to be now.

They look a lot better with plants in them!

Here are some things I'm looking forward to this summer: 

1. HEBGEN. Obviously.
2. Working on some creative projects, parties, and events for The House That Lars Built.
3. Planning some fun times for the Grover family reunion. 
4. Visiting Bailey in DC with my mom!?
5. Teaching the first/second grade book group at The King's English bookshop.
6. Hiking + biking with Samuel. 
7. Moving classrooms and developing curriculum for SECOND GRADE.
8. Partying with my sisters + nieces. 
9. Cleaning out my basement and having a garage sale.
10. Reading some good books.

Anyway, thanks for hanging in there with me.