Murder & Mayhem

It was a busy weekend complete with murder and mayhem.

Jake and Emily attended a murder mystery birthday party for which they were assigned the roles of a French Chef and Robot. Jake wore his "Wasn't Me" shirt especially for the occasion, but as it turns out, it WAS him! (Actually, the chauffeur took the blame... she secretly programmed Jake to do her dirty work.)

That same day, as a special project for their Oregon Trail unit at school, Emily and Co. put together a short film explaining how to treat a broken leg injury on the trail. Emily was able to borrow a lovely frock from our friend Ruthanne for that role and our coffee table looked great as a covered wagon.


As for the mayhem, that would be the kid's DI team, the Devil Ducks, spending an afternoon working of their set! Here's a photo album.

Science Fair

Drew participated in Science Fair last evening, despite having been diagnosed with the flu earlier in the week. He managed to rally long enough to have his entry judged, then it was back to the couch!

The strain of influenza he and something close to 20% of his school are currently sharing has really hit him hard, but he put too much time and effort into his project to miss out on the big night. Okay, the extra credit was a strong motivation, too. You can never have too much of that!)

Here are some photos of he and his classmates at the Science Fair, plus a few from our annual Valentine's Breakfast/Pajama Party.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! The kids made "Ipods" for their friends as Valentine gifts.

Today was "Game Day" for Jake and Emily and their classmates, with each child creating a game based on a location they've spent the last few weeks learning about and researching. Jake chose Italy (as did Drew when he was in 4th grade); Emily selected Quebec and got some much appreciated assistance with her research from our cruising friends, the Coxily Crew.


It's also Oregon Trail time... Jake (aka Walter Sanders) and his wagon train have made it as far as Independence Rock. Emily (aka Sarah Morris) lost her wagon in a river crossing, but she was able to move in with her fellow travelers and is now working her way along Long Trail.

Here are some photos of recent school and after school activities. Emily is taking a knitting class; Jake computer animation; and both are busy with Destination Imagination. No, we haven't forgotten about Drew... more about him after next week's Science Fair.