Old Salem Field Trip

One of my most favorite things about being a work-from-home Mommy is that I get to attend school events without feeling guilty about shirking other responsibilities. I was so happy that I got to go with Kamdyn and her class to Old Salem in Winston Salem.  It is truly a remarkable place.  A city that the Moravians started back in the 1800's.  

The houses and buildings are still mostly the original structures.  George Washington actually stayed in one of the taverns as he was passing through.  The kids got to see how people lived long ago.  They were minimalists which I could completely get behind.  They didn't have a lot of stuff.  Their rooms literally had a bed and one truck for clothing.  We got to see a presentation by a shoemaker.  She explained how the shoes were made with molds and leather.  She told the kids that their shoes would have been made a couple of sizes too big so they could wear them for several years.  One. Pair. Of. Shoes.  She also told them that one pair of good shoes back then would cost the equivalent of $300-$400 in today's time.  But they kept their shoes for years!  

We got to see a tailor in action and a woodworker.  We also got to visit the town bakery for some delicious treats!!

Sydney got to be in our group so the three of us had a super fun time walking around Old Salem.

Kamdyn's teacher asked me to ride the bus so I could help with distributing the snacks that I brought for the class.  She didn't know that my motion sickness was so terrible!!  Nah, I did find, but  that bus was no joke even as a charter bus....it was still really bumpy!

Sitting on one of the not so soft beds!

How the Moravians painted Easter Eggs.  They used coloring from different foods.  It was really neat!

This lady was showing how to make paper flowers.  She said they couldn't get fresh flowers all season for decorating their homes so they make them out of paper.

Woodworker making a dovetail stool.

They were helping him put it back together.

Making and decorating books.

Making artwork that could be seen when hanging in a window....almost like a window catcher, but they punched holes around the outside of the picture so that light could shine through.  Very neat!

We had to pause for a picture with their buddy, Wyatt.  He's not in their class this year, but was at Olive Chapel.

We ventured down to the cemetery.

Pumping water down by the fire station.

Silly girl!!

Pausing for a photo in front of the bridge that connects the visitors center to the town of Old Salem.

Kamdyn and a few of her sweet classmates!

Neighborhood Egg Hunt

The kiddos had such a fun time hunting eggs this year.  Last year Karcie had a terrible stomach bug and missed the neighborhood hunt.  She was anxious for this one to get started!!  It was a chilly day, but the kids had fun anyway.

Afterwards, we hung out with The Kirks and had dinner and drinks.  

It was a fun-filled night in the hood!

Karcie is on the front row on the right beside the girl with the yellow shirt.

Kamdyn is the tall one on the back row!

My little cutie pie!!

Mr Pete is photo bombing!!

We still use our Easter cans that Kamdyn's first  grade teacher in Augusta made for them.  Thanks, Mrs. Anna-Susan Boykin Trulock!!

This crazy girl was taking some selfies!!

Mr. Brian took the kids outside.  Karcie was freezing so she crawled in his lap to get warm.  Love our neighbors!!

Miss Nelson Is Missing

I love this children's book!  I loved it as a kid and I loved reading it to my classes each year.  I would always threaten to send Viola Swamp in when they were being stinkers.  I was thrilled when Ava's Mom coordinated for all of us to go see the play!

I had to find the book on youtube so that the girls could get a refresher before the show.  Their eyes were glued during the entire show.  Karcie was amazed!!  It was a quaint and small theater.  We all had a great time!  I love Kamdyn's friends and I especially love their Moms.  

Since all three of us were dressed all at one, we did a little photo shoot prior to leaving.  It was a chevron kind of night!!

I adore my girls!!!

Being silly with them includes some of my favorite times!!

Sweet girls and Ava's brother.

Watching the cast members screen after the show.

Such a fun time with great friends!

Silly Little Leprechaun

That silly little leprechaun showed up at our house again this year.  He peed in ALL FOUR OF OUR TOILETS!!  He left footprints in the downstairs bathroom.  He even left a scavenger hunt for the girls to search for gold and candy.  They loved this so much!!  They always look forward to St. Patrick's Day!

Green fingernails.  Green milk.  And.....DONUTS!!

What????

Clue #1

We found our gold and  candy!!  

Let's eat!!  Gold chocolate coins, skittles, and starbursts.

Maggie's Gymnastic Party

Karcie was already adamant about taking gymnastics.  After this birthday party, she has talked non-stop about it.  She has even mastered a cartwheel after A LOT of practice and hard work.  She is now working on a hand stand.  I've got to get this determined girl signed up.  This just may be her thing!

Anyway, Maggie's party was super fun.  Karcie was afraid at all.  I loved watching these sweet kiddos do all of the activities.  Karcie had a great time and I feel certain that a gymnastics party for Karcie is in our future!!

Happy Birthday, sweet Maggie!!

Sliding down into the foam pit!

Not afraid at all!

Campbell's turn!

Campbell swinging!

Maggie's being catapulted across the gym while her friend threw giant sponges at her.  The kids loved this!!

Grapes, popcorn, water, and cupcakes were served.  My picky girl wouldn't eat a thing except for the frosting off of the cupcake.  Yep, that's her!!  Opinionated and unwavering on her wants!

First Signs of Spring

The weather finally started warming up early to mid March.  We were ready to take full advantage of it! We went to the park one afternoon.  Bailey and Karcie were able to play outside on our swing set. I am proud to report that Karcie can now swing all by herself on the swings....starting and stopping!!

 Karcie and Declan got to enjoy some time together outside, too.  These two are so cute when they play together.  They get along so well!!

Karcie has also mastered the monkey bars.  

She's begging to take gymnastics so that will be next for her!

Go Karcie!

I have no idea what these two were actually playing, but it was so sweet to watch.  Declan went inside and got one of his big sister's tutus because Karcie had on a dress.  So cute!!

Who knows what they are laughing about, but they sure were tickled!!

Enjoying a snack together...notice backpacks hanging from the tree limb.  

Kamdyn's End-of-Year Basketball Celebration

We decided to have the basketball celebration after our last regular season game since the playoffs would be during the week and we wouldn't know exactly which game we would be eliminated.  Pizza Hut just opened up in downtown Apex so we celebrated there.  Richard had a good group of girls this year.  Their parents were very generous and gave him a very sweet card with several gift cards.  He really enjoys coaching and plans to do it again next year.  

Our girls lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs to the toughest team in the league...who won the tournament.  We gave them a run for their money and stayed with them closer than any other team.  They were relieved when the game was over because we were a constant thorn in their side.  Richard did great putting together a game plan that matched our girls strengths perfectly with that team.  We came up short, but we were SO proud of our girls!!  They played so hard all season long. 

Richard and the team!

Karcie had to join in the celebration!

Richard handing out their medals....don't get him started on this.  ;)  He's not a fan of participation medals or trophies, but we had to jump on the bandwagon with what other teams/coaches do.