Weekly Update

I can't believe there is only one day left of this school year. Where has it gone? I personally feel like I've been going 100 miles an hour and haven't even had a second to breathe. I know I create that atmosphere myself, and I'd rather be busy than sitting in front of the TV, but learning a new job this year has been tiring... fun, but tiring.

The past two weekends were full of graduation parties. I had former students' parties (Madeline, Margaret, Mallory, Kirsten, Jon) and my stepnephew Josh's party too. Josh was born during my senior year in high school, and he was a blonde, blue-eyed, 7-month-old hit at my graduation party. In fact, when he and my stepsister Renee came over to stay with us at my graduation, Josh pulled up for the very first time. It was so cute. For a special addition to his present, I dubbed a bit of the video from my graduation party where I'm carrying him around on my hip. I don't know that he cared at all, but it was fun to do. Most kids forget (or WANT to forget) middle school by their high school graduations, so it's always really special when I get invited to parties. It really means a lot to me.

We're rehearsing really heavily for Pippin. It's fun being at the Sondheim Center for a FACT show. I hope we can continue that every summer. I'm a little bummed that I can't be in any of the summer season at the Sondheim... they're starting rehearsals this week, and it's hard to not be in the midst of it all... but, I'm going to have such a fun summer, so I know it will be worth it. I can't believe Pippin opens a week from today. Eek! I like my part a lot though... it's fun, and my songs are a blast to sing.

The trips went well with the 6th and 7th grades. I adore the trip to Nauvoo. It's so well done. If you haven't been there, it's a great day trip, and everything is FREE! I've been there in the summer before, and there was more of a religious focus than when you take school groups, but if you don't mind that, you'd absolutely love going there. I also appreciate that when school groups come, they tone it down a little. My kids behaved well, and we all had a great time.

The 7th grade trip to Hannibal was on Monday. It went well too, but next year, I will structure the day a little differently. They had a little too much free time in town. They weren't misbehaving, but a little more scheduling would have helped. We went to the Mark Twain museum first, and then they had their free time, and we all climbed up to the lighthouse. This picture shows the last bit of steps... I think there were 244 in all, or something like that. Anyway, aside from sucking wind by the time I got to the top, it was fun. The view of Hannibal was amazing from there.

Next, we went on the Mark Twain riverboat cruise of the Mississippi. We had sack lunches on the boat, and it was relaxing and entertaining. Here is a view from the boat:Finally, we went to Mark Twain Cave. This was the highlight for me. Our tour lasted an hour (we had a great guide and the kids were pretty attentive), but I wanted more! It stays at about 52 degrees in the cave all year around, so it felt wonderful after a sticky day in town. Caves fascinate me anyway, but this was the first one I really remember. Matt and I came here with Dad when we were little. I took a ton of pics in the cave (way too many, but, oh well).It was a long day, but it was worth it. We were gone from about 7:30a.m. to about 6:30p.m. Then I went right to rehearsal. Now, finally, all the trips are done. I really need to spread them out next year... for my own sanity!