Fun Times at the "Fun Fair"

Noah's elementary school holds an annual "Fun Fair" fundraiser which we attended yesterday.

Our school district strongly encourages each student, elementary age through high school, to provide 3 hours of community service each school year. Noah eliminated one of his community service hours yesterday by helping Mom with the "Pirate Toss". His "job" was to retrieve the four rings after the kids tossed them. He was a HUGE help!
After being relieved from our "Pirate Toss" responsibility, Noah decided it was time to try out some of the games scattered throughout the high school gym. There are a variety of games to choose from. One of Noah's favorites was the "Sponge Bob Fishing Hole".
Noah was VERY successful at "Bowling". At the conclusion of each game, depending on the child's performance, they're awarded chips. Noah earned a blue chip at this game--the ball went in the blue "hole"--first prize. In the hallway, there is a prize table where the kids redeem their chips for prizes. I assure you Noah didn't go home empty handed!

Noah also tried a throwing game which I thought was extremely tough!

He took aim at a pyramid of cans--came close to knocking them down.

I think this is one of the best "games". The kids use a ticket to select

a lollipop off the tree--can't go wrong here!

Alexander's friend also earned community service hours for helping with the "Blunco" game. Noah knew he could win this game--and did! All in all the day was a lot of fun, we stayed a couple of hours and enjoyed talking with many friends along the way. Noah's already looking forward to next year's "Fun Fair".

Happy First Day of Spring

"Happy First Day of Spring" from Central Ohio. While the temperatures hardly reflect Spring (it was 20 degrees this morning with the windchill!), the sun is shining brightly; no clouds in sight. We were fortunate to enjoy several warm, sunny spring-like days earlier in the week, so at least we enjoyed a small taste of Spring.

Although most of our Spring flowers are not in full bloom, we are slowly seeing signs of Spring. We noticed that several of our trees are beginning to bud and may blossom soon. The vibrant purple crocuses provide a splash of color in the front landscaping.
Noah and I have watched their progress for weeks and were so excited
when we noticed the first blossoms earlier in the week.

The daffodils have buds and should be blooming shortly.And, finally, the daylilies and salvia are just beginning to break ground.
We're looking forward to enjoying the flowering trees and blossoms soon.
Happy Spring to all!

Iditarod Musher Finishes in 2nd Place!

The third grade classes have enjoyed a fun and exciting March assignment. The 2009 Iditarod began March 8 in Anchorage, Alaska. The teams, consisting of a musher and up to 16 sled dogs, travel from Anchorage, AK to Nome, AK--a 1,000+ mile race. Along the trail there are 23 checkpoints that the mushers are required to visit before continuing on their journey. Noah tracked his musher daily--noting his current checkpoint position, the time in and out of the checkpoint and how many dogs entered and left the check point. In addition, each day he tracks the weather for the area and will continue to do so until the final musher crosses the finish line. His musher, Sebastian, finished the Iditarod yesterday claiming second place!! The winning time for the 2009 Iditarod was 9 days, 21 hours, 38 minutes and 46 seconds. Noah's teacher informed the class daily of blog postings. At one check point, it was so cold (-50 degrees F--can you imagine?!) that one of the mushers shared that his sandwich froze during his short walk to shelter! If you'd like to learn more about the 2009 Iditarod check out http://www.iditarod.com/.

Every morning, each student moves his/her

musher to the checkpoint the musher last visited. It's a wonderful visual

for the class to "see" how far the mushers and their dog sled teams travel daily.

Noah, I'm not sure who enjoyed your assignment more--you or Mom! I've thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the Iditarod with you. And, I've enjoyed your enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge regarding this amazing event! Great job on your project kiddo!

Champions to us!

Welcome to Otterbein College--home of the 2009 Westerville League Championship Game

March 14, 2009
Otterbein College is nestled amongst the trees and Alum Creek in Uptown Westerville, Ohio

The Championship games were played at Otterbein's Rike Center

The Storm warming up before the start o their big game.

The Storm's record prior to the start of the game: 9-0!

Alexander's cheering section: Noah, Dad, Mom, Papa and Grammy.

Uncle Chris came to watch a portion of the game too!

Prior to the start of the game, each player was announced.

Alexander shaking hands with the opposing team's coach.Let the game begin! GO STORM!!

Alexander took advantage of his height by defending this player--

good luck getting the ball past those large arms!!

At half time, the game remained tied. The score volleyed between the

two teams for the entire game adding to the excitement.

Alexander passing the ball--look at the determination on his face! Unfortunately, the Storm accepted their first loss of the season today. However, the team

received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the game for their amazing efforts. We applaud you on a terrific season. The team started practicing before Thanksgiving!

It's been an exciting season for Alexander, his team and for the coaches and we couldn't be more proud of the team! In our hearts, you're all champions!

The Storm received certificates and runner-up trophies during

the Awards Ceremony following the game

Coach South and Coach Yoder were absolutely amazing this season! Alexander learned so much about basketball, plays, strategies and most importantly, developed a strong passion for the game. We've joked as to whether basketball or football remains his top sport...

I think it's a toss-up at this point!!

A proud Dad and Papa with Alexander

Mom and Dad with Alexander. Not only did Alexander and his teammates receive a certificate and trophy, but they were also the only team to receive TShirts for winning the League

with a 9-1 overall record
Following the game, we celebrated Alexander's awesome season with a hearty Italian dinner at one of his favorite restaurants, The Olive Garden. Once we returned home with full tummies, Alexander posed with Papa and Grammy

Alexander, we couldn't be more proud of your basketball season. Coach mentioned that you arrived at the first practice a little unsure of your abilites and completely lacking a strong knowledge of the game. Throughout the season, you have embraced every word your coaches discussed and we have watched you transform into an aggressive basketball player, not afraid of taking chances. We have thoroughly enjoyed every game this season--you have an amazing talent and with your continued practice who knows what next basketball season will bring! In our hearts you will always be a "champion"--we love you!!

"Jump Rope for Heart"

Today, any 3rd grader that chose to participate in "Jump Rope for Heart" had the opportunity to jump rope, hula hoop and just have a great time during their scheduled recess. Noah participated in the cause and made a $20 donation to assist in the awareness of heart disease and signs of stroke.

Noah grabbed a jump rope and immediately started jumping. It's entertaining to watch the different jump roping techniques. Noah "runs" while jumping and some children just hop up and down. Regardless of their style, they had a great time!

The school mascot joined in on the 3rd grade fun and led the children around the gym while dancing to the music. Noah is last in line.
I had no idea that Noah could hula hoop. In fact, I think he surprised himself. He's actually quite good and was able to hula hoop for quite a while--very entertaining for Mom to watch!!

WOW--look how high off the ground Noah jumped while jump roping with friends...he must be part kangaroo!

I'm anxious to hear the total funds raised for this event--the 3rd graders were the final participants. If the school raises $7,000+, the principal will shave the PE teacher's hair into a Mohawk. Now that's a sight we don't want to miss!!

Great job 3rd graders!!

"Goodnight Moon"

I started my "spring cleaning" early by sifting through all of Noah's books. There are several childhood favorites that we packed in a box to save for another time--one of the books was "Goodnight Moon". My mother read the book to me when I was a child and I did the same for both of the boys. Last night the moon was amazing (reminding me of the book), so I thought I'd put my recently learned photography skills to work. The first shot is without a flash and my exposure was at -2--I was trying to get the wispy clouds that were sifting "past" the moon. My second attempt is the same exposure, but with a flash. I'm glad I decided to take the pictures when I did because the next time I looked outside the moon was lost behind the clouds--"goodnight moon".

Otterbein Bound!

The Storm played in the Semi-Final game this past Saturday and WON! They advance to the Championship game this Saturday and will play at Otterbein College in Westerville. Needless to say, Alexander, his teammates and his coaches are thrilled!!

GO STORM!!

Alexander intently watching his teammates on the court.
Alexander soaring for his shot! Coach Yoder encouraging Alexander

Passing the ball to one of his teammates

While we were excited to spend the weekend with my Dad, we were sad of the circumstances. Aunt Lucille passed away two days shy of celebrating her 100th BDay. My Dad was in town for the services.

Noah and Alexander with Papa Bill. We had a full weekend, but managed to celebrate Dad's BDay Sunday evening before he returned to HHI yesterday.

Again, we were so sad as the reason for Dad's visit, but so thankful that we were able to spend some time with him.