To Everything There is a Season...: March 2010

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Spring Break in San Diego

We woke up at 4 am to make the most of Eric's two days off and headed to California. First stop, Leucadia donut shop for an apple fritter. They are too good to be true.

The twins received a couple Toy's r Us gift cards for their birthday so we did a little shopping as well. They picked out new helmets, a Wii game, and Yuguyio (spelling?) cards.

We enjoyed the beach in the late afternoon. The kids jumped right in the ocean but I kept all my clothes on including my sweatshirt. It was cold to me. I just enjoyed watching the kids play in the sand and water.

Mr. Boston decided to get in this time. Last time he was afraid he was going to sink.

Kennedy loves, loves the beach! She would've spent every waking moment there if we let her.

This water was freezing! I couldn't believe they could stand it. Kids must have a different thermometer than adults.

Boston kept me warm. I just sat in the chair in my green sweatshirt.

These two could use a bit more sun. They are perfectly happy with who they are. It's a beautiful thing.

We changed things up a bit by going to the Maritime Museums in downtown San Diego Seaport Village. We spent an entire day here learning and touring. Normally, museums bore me but the excitement they provided for the kids made me enjoy them. Here we are sitting on the front of the Star of India.

Here we are in the USS Dolphin - a submarine. The space is so narrow it's amazing that crews lived here for weeks on end.

The boat tour - Eric and Jackson

Kennedy and Boston on one of the decks of the Star of India. This is just a play area.

Kennedy playing dress up with the vintage clothes. Who knows what is living in that hat or those clothes?

Eric inside the submarine. He wouldn't have fared well in this part of the Navy. Neither would I. I am claustrophobic and felt nervous just being in the submarines.

The kids were totally enthralled with everything. The twins tried pushing every button and switch they could get their hands on. It was very interactive.

We also toured the USS Midway - basically a floating city where airplanes land in the middle of the ocean (I can't remember the name of it right now, pathetic). We are going to go back to this because we ran out of time. So much to see and so little time. I would recommend doing the Maritime Museums over Sea World. No lines and educational, plus the kids seemed more entertained.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

It's Great to be 8!

The twins turned 8 years old Sunday but we celebrated last Wednesday because grandparents were in town and dear friends were going to be out of town on their actual birthday - March 21.

We sent this out to friends and family who aren't in our ward and who live out of town. I'm sure the day will be a special one. It's hard to believe they are old enough to be baptized. I can still picture them in their little blessing outfits with their monogram on a little front pocket to tell them apart. My mom sewed their little outfits and made hats to match. Now I hope they have baptism clothes that fit! We might have to custom make those too.

They love the spotlight! Here they are at primary Sunday hamming it up while everyone sang happy birthday to them.

The "surprise" party was thrown together last minute as you can tell from the generic cake and plates. The boys still didn't know why people were over at our house until I got the cake out. They enjoyed every minute of the surprise and didn't disappoint.

The Beckstead's went to the toy store and found the ooey and gooeyest (is that a word?) gifts to make sure the boys loved them. Science experiments and disgusting projects were a hit!

This was Jackson' favorite gift. He has been anticipating scouts since he was kindergarten. I tried the shirt on at the scout office and decided if it fit me then it would fit them. Sure enough - it fits! Leighton's favorite gift was his scriptures from Grandpa and Grandma Bateman. They had his name on them along with a hymn book. I love that the boys were excited about these things.

Just wanted to document who was at the party. As I look back at my pictures, I always enjoy seeing who was there. James, Bret, Chris, Ethan, Kerstin, and Jenice.

Brad, Kari and Pam.

Grandma and Grandpa Bateman

Michael, the teenager.

This picture is classic. Marissa is almost 16. She used to babysit the boys. They really do love her. Actually they love life and everyone in it (for the most part).

Happy Birthday Jackson and Leighton! We love you!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Events

These pictures cover over 3 months of activities. I'm sure in the years to come when I look back at my blog book, it will be just fine that they aren't in perfect order. At least they're documented.

The 2nd grade music and academic night was February 25. Above is Jackson tearing it up with a hand held xylophone. He took the job very serious. Eric kept giving him thumbs up and he would get the biggest smile on his face.

Leighton got to play the triangle and he did a stellar job as well. He loved the attention from Eric and gave us thumbs up back. They knew every song and the moves that went with it. The innocence at this age is priceless.

The 5th grade science fair was February 24. Kennedy's project was "How do you split hydrogen and oxygen to power cars, generators and medical devices?" Our friend Chris helped her with the chemistry and actual experiments because this was over mine and Eric's head. The important thing is that she knew what she was doing and put the display board together all on her own. This project consumed our lives for weeks but in the end it was all worth it. She received honorable mention and an A grade.

D.A.R.E. Graduation was December 4. Kennedy was very passionate about her DARE essay and vowed to stay away from drugs and alcohol and to be a good example to those around her. I'm glad this program is in place to prepare kids for situations that will arrive. Officer Sam volunteered his time and the kids looked up to him like a celebrity. Pictured with Kennedy is her friend Alex (on left) and Grace (on right).

Kennedy was also selected to compete in a math competition January 30 at the Coral Academy of Science. She went to a math study group for a few weeks before the competition (through her school) and gave it her best effort. The majority of the winners came from private schools or from specialized schools and they were mostly boys. It was a learning experience and one for the books.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

SURPRISE!

My sister Shannon turned the big 40 on March 4th and we surprised her Friday night with a birthday dinner at Thanksgiving Point Harvest restaurant. I think she was surprised - her face was calm but confused. To surprise Shannon is to succeed.

A right of passage - Chic mom jeans. She wore them well. I think these could turn into the 40th birthday traveling pants.

This was taken after the immediate shock wore off.

Dave kept the secret very well. He actually had to keep 3 nights of secrets. Shannon is loved by many and had surprise parties planned Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. She was all partied out by the end.

My parents drove from Washington along with my sister Ashley and her baby Kate. Pam came from Morgan, Utah and Tony and Alli came from Rexburg.

We coordinated our outfits.

Ashely and Kate

Alli and Lauryn

It was great to see everyone and celebrate, and especially to surprise Shannon. I'm glad she was such a good sport. Happy Birthday Shannon!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Bullying Continued

I guess I jumped the gun. Yesterday, Jackson's lunch went missing again and he spent the entire lunch time searching for it only to find it in the trash. He had to eat his lunch during class time. "Supposed" cameras caught the culprits. It was Ana and a few of her girlfriends and they admitted to it. The principal was brought in on the situation and this little girl was suspended until after the Christmas break! I discussed this with Jackson today and he was in total shock. He's still so naive to the situation and can't believe she would do this. Luckily he hasn't lost any sleep over the situation. Hopefully this is the end of this saga.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Bullying

For some reason, Jackson has a few girls in his class that have a hard time with him. They like to torment him. He is fun to tease but I think it's moved into bullying now. On several occasions he has come home telling me that, "Ana doesn't like me. She calls me a nimskull and a slow poke." He has quite a bit of rage in return and told me he's "just going to tackle her!" I asked him if he was mean to her and he said, "yes, but only because she deserves it cause she's mean to me."

While driving to wrestling I took the "What would Jesus do" approach and he started in on a full proper prayer. He asked to "please help Ana not call me a nimskull (I know the correct spelling is "numskull" but that's how he said it) and be mean to me." He was very sincere and hopeful.

Well, the next day didn't go too hot. He told me how he drew a picture of Mt. Charleston with Ana falling down the mountain and getting hurt. She in return crossed herself out of the picture and put Jackson there.

That evening Jackson came home without his backpack. I asked him where it was and he was dumbfounded. He figured he forgot it. On the same day, his lunch box was missing from his class bucket so he had to eat school lunch. I was in Jackson's classroom the next day at school and the consensus was that someone was taking things that didn't belong to them and hiding them. Someone had spotted a Transformers backpack by the garbage and Jackson's lunch showed up in the kindergarten bucket. A sweet little friend in Jackson's class did some investigating and found out who the culprit was. Turned out to be Ana. The teacher was informed and must have had a talk with her because Jackson hasn't complained since. I guess his prayers really were answered.