Opryland, Part III

Part I; Part II

Finally, we get to the final day; Sunday.

Here are all the children looking cute in front of one of the many trees scattered throughout the hotel. I tried to get one for our Christmas card, but the only good ones of all our kids had Zoe in them too:



We headed to the gingerbread-house-making section next:



There was an elf to help them, which was good! Zoe made some gingerbread cookies. Here is the finished house:



Then we went into the Hall of Trees. You can bid on a tree to win the stuff that was hanging on it, and the proceeds go to charity. Quick, only 15 days left to bid! (And no, I did not bid on any Update: I did bid on this one, mainly as Callum wanted the art supplies! I don't expect to win though!). This was my favourite tree, because it had music playing and Lexie dancing (I don't remember which was it actually was though):



The kids like the Madagascar 2 one (go figure)...



After the Trees, Pennie went into the Hall of treasures, which sold Christmas junk and other stuff, I guess, while Lexie rode the train (she does love riding trains!):



The, we had lunch, and drove back the 3 hours to Memphis to pick up Maggie. She appeared to have done OK, but is no better trained now than she was before.

One last picture of Lexie, just because this is my favourite picture right now:

Art and Reports

Here is Callum's art from the Midsouth Fair:



He and Isabelle also got their report cards today. Both did great. Callum got on the Honor Roll (meaning he got mostly A's and E's [Excellent], with a couple of S's [Satisfactory]) also got a Math award for averaging 100% over the past 6 weeks (which, if I can do my math, means he got everything right!) Belle had almost all 3's - meaning she has mastered the skill, with a couple of 2's.

Good job guys - we are so proud of you.

Lexie didn't get a report card, but she is getting used to school, and doesn't cry all morning now.

Cub Scout

Callum joined the Cub Scouts this year. This is him in his uniform for the first time. Was there this much sewing when I was a cub? Thanks, Mum! It's amazing how you only realize these things later! Our first camping trip is at the end of October. One parent (i.e. me) has to go with him. Camping at the end of October... glad we are not in England!

No Prizes :-(

We went to the Fair this weekend, and saw Callum's picture. It looked great, but did not have a ribbon on it. There were maybe 100 pictures from each grade. He was disappointed, but OK with it. We went and won four goldfish instead.

Pennie also had LASIK on Friday, and can now see without glasses! The sleeping pills knocked her out a bit and she slept a lot, but thats what they wanted.

Seems 100% of people want me to update more frequently so far too, according to my poll! Yup - that's both me and the other person who voted... thanks Mum :-)

Callum Enters Art Contest

Just had a very excited phone call from Callum. Last week, he submitted a picture to his school for entry into the Mid-South Fair art contest. The school picks two pieces of art from each grade to submit to the competition itself. And Callum's was one of the two second grade pictures chosen!!! We are not sure when he will find out if or where he places overall, but even getting chosen is very exciting! Good job Callum!!

His picture was of a chimera fighting a fire breathing dragon. Very Callum! He had a detailed background of trees (one with a branch on fire because of the dragon) and dancing stars. I'll try to scan it when we get it back, but I might have to do it in sections, and piece it back together...

Back to school

Callum went back to school yesterday. His new teacher is Ms Boyd, and she seems very nice. Callum seems to like her too, so we are hoping for a good year! Isabelle has one day this week, then starts Kindergarten in force next week, at Evergreen. She is so ready - reading "Dick and Jane" like a trooper! Lexie is going to be going to play school two days a week at the same place. So that will leave Pennie and Maggie at home to pimp out some nannies...

No pictures today.