The State Report

As a rite of passage in Miss Lee's class, every student must complete the state report.  The student chooses the state - California! - and begins a months-long project to learn everything about the state. The project includes creating books, collecting memorabilia, and drawing birds, trees, postcards and more. To read: tons of bribery, threats and work. 

The project culminates in two big events. First, a 10-minute presentation in front of the class, "I get to wear a microphone!" and second, the State Fair, where each first grader stands with his project and answers questions from the other classes as they come around to learn about the states.

Since we already knew California was pretty awesome, Marco conducted a survey of his friends, family and neighbors. "What is your favorite part of California?" He even asked strangers and tallied totals in his notebook.  The research was so good for him... and just happened to keep him busy all afternoon at a winery while we tasted wine. His favorite respondents were a group of Japanese tourists with one translator. In typical tourist style, they even took a picture with him. :)

His speaking gig was great, no jitters at all. He even pointed out people in the room who were born in California, "my Mom, my Dad, my Grandma - even my Uncle Phil!"

And here's the proof:

With the microphone...

With the pointer...

Marco asked the students to vote in his survey to earn a jelly bean.  The students' results even matched his survey!  A future analyst!

Niko visiting his booth...

 This might be my favorite picture pointing to the presentation with his hand behind his back.

Good school folks.

Buenos Dias!

As a kickoff to the best summer ever, we jetted off to Cabo to celebrate the end of school.  The Kimbles joined us in what amounted to five days of sun, fun and relaxing in our new favorite paradise.

We loved the people, the relaxation and the night in for our kids (to read: a dinner out for us).  The kids loved the pool, their new sunglasses and the tortillas.  "We love Mexico!"

And here's the proof:

Even though many of the restaurants had a tortilla station, we nearly had to take Maria the tortilla maker home.  "Maria makes the best tortillas."  She also taught Ben to dance to the mariachi music.

We rented a panga with a driver and spent an excellent day on the water, visiting the beautiful beaches.

 A lot of time at the pool and beach...

And the balance enjoying the local food... yum!

 Handsome little goats...

 Buenas tardes Mexico...

Go Phillies!

Baseball season came and went with Coach Jeff and Coach Taki voted the very best coaches in the league.  I mean, I'm the only one that voted, but decision stands.

Jeff and Taki wanted to coach together, basically forcing the whole first grade to skip an entire level of NOLL/SOLL baseball in their wake.  The decision turned out to be a great one for the players and a fun one for the parents.

These boys had an excellent season with 10 of the 14 kids on the team from their school. They tackled their first kid pitch and kid catch games with gusto and a robust cheering squad looking on.   

This may be their last year playing together for awhile, but Niko and Marco (and ahem, Coach Jeff and Coach Taki) will enjoy this season's memories for awhile.

And here's the proof:

May Crowning

Marco's class celebrated the May Crowning of Mary and mothers everywhere with a very special ceremony and "fancy and frilly" attire.  Grandma Cecchin attended to see this adorable little outfit, leading the prayer and bouquet presentation.

Mom

Measuring project...

Those three circles are my shoulders and my sidebun.  I swear I was wearing a shirt.