Magic Tree House Books

Oh boy...summer reading options are off and running! Trips to the library are now every 3 days. They are reading before they go to bed at night...first thing when they wake up...any time they are bored...BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS! Reminds me of Greg and I growing up. We went camping this weekend and I read them Magic Tree House Book #1 by the campfire one morning. They've decided they want to read one each day of summer break. It's a chapter book series with something like 50 books, so off we go!

It's so funny to see/listen to them read. The teachers are always quick to point out that they read 'with comprehension'. I guess some kids just read but don't follow the story? Their recent IEP had the typical array of people...current teachers/therapists who are trying to relay all the boys ins and outs to the new set of teachers/therapists for the next school year. The reading subject is always funny to watch them hammer out. It usually goes something like this... the current teacher will state Alex/Tanner can read...new teacher sort of dismisses it. Current teacher repeats - 'No, they can read CHAPTER books.'. New staff look up slightly. Current teacher says - 'They read CHAPTER books WITH comprehension'. Then they all set down their pens and talk about it. Something about the 'comprehension' seems to be the kicker. \

Anyhow...so in Magic Tree House #1 we found a few new and interesting words. Medallion was one. Impossible was another (for which they dreamed up all sorts of things that are impossible). Fern was another. They didn't know what a fern was or looked like. So, we went on a hike in the woods in north Muskegon...and found TONS of ferns.

So, this pic represents not only our camping trip this weekend, but also our new book series!

Magic Tree House books #2 is about knights, #3 is about mummies and #4 is about pirates. Should be fun!

Gymanstics Year End Show

Let me start by saying...help parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles...anyone! How the heck do you take decent pictures in gynasium lighting??? I must figure this out ASAP.

But, as with all firsts, this event must be documented despite the lacking picture quality - so here's a few shots from the boys first gynastics show! They have a 1 hour class called 'Boys Will Be Boys' every Thursday 9AM. They've been going for a little over a year and love it. And...let me just say the teachers are true saints for even hosting such a class...knowing full well what kind of kids are going to enroll! :)

Here's the rowdy bunch lined up waiting for their turn to perform. With something like 15-20 gynastics classes to take the stage, the wait was long and they were all cracked up!

Of course, my guys are the only ones who take the extra time to start performing unapproved stunts while waiting in line :) I think the kid next to them is sure these two are in trouble!

This next pic is their first gymnastics move - leapfrog! Yeah...that's pretty tame for my monkeys but they are happy as can be to start the routine. (oh yes..."routine"...used in a sports/performance sense...yet oh so soothing to little AJ who love to perform it on demand...the set order is music to his ears!). But beware - he will ask you to join!

Next comes the somersaults. They look so easy. Until Alex asks YOU to join the routine. When's the last time you did a somersault? I'm honestly scared to do one with him (sad that I have to admit that). I told Jim I think I'll try practicing outside going down hill. The livingroom floor is hard, flat and frightenting!

Now the bridge. Look at those super bendy boys!

Now the kart-wheels (yes, that's what that is supposed to be). Tanner's working on this still (as are most of the boys in the class). Wish I could have got a pic of Alex...he's actually really good at them!

And after a few more little stunts, the grand finale pyramid where the Wooden boys serve at the base.

Then they are presented their Gold Medal and Certificate of Excellence...and we're off for ice cream to celebrate! Nice work fellas!