Today at school, some fellow teachers were talking about their frustrations because their (biological) kids fight all the time.  They were sharing stories of tears and yelling and all patience lost.  They were discussing strategies they have used to encourage their children to get along, and what they thought would work, but nothing seems to...  I was quiet, and someone said "Hey, Prose.  What do you do when your kids fight?"  to which I responded "They don't."  I got a few laughs and some 'whatevers', but I just smiled, because really - they don't.

These sweet faces lay on the floor to watch movies together, and help each other clean their rooms.  They whisper jokes to try to make the other happy when one is sad.  They hold hands when walking in parking lots and give hugs every night and morning.  Do they every disagree?  Sure they do - but they do not ever fight.  They are my favorite.

 I was officially out-voted.  Instead of unpacking the pool today, we unpacked the trampoline - which while I have mourned the loss of floating in the backyard, I must say this is a dream come true.  For 35 years I have asked for a giant trampoline - I asked my dad, I asked my husband, I asked my dad again... Nope, nope, nope.  It was Boo Boo who made my dream come true!  And, while drinks by the tramp don't sound as cool as drinks by the pool, I'm not complaining.

 Bennett is a member of the Sartell Middle School Genius Team.  (This is a real school sponsored club - not one that Bennett created for himself.)  All year, Bennett has met with other like minded students at SMS and participated in all things techy.  Tonight, he was able to share his drone knowledge at the annual EDD Talk.  The Education Done Differently event hosted amazing “hands-on” examples of how students are engaged with technology that is purposefully integrated into district curriculum.  And, there was a corresponding art show, too!

 Prose Family Adventure Day!  We piled in the car to go check out Daddy's new hotel project in New London/Spicer.  AP has been busy preparing for the opening of Little Crow Golf Resort (not "country club" - we don't use that term anymore).  This massive project includes a 27 hole golf course, full service hotel, banquet space for over 300, a pro shop, bar, restaurant, patio and much much more!  Soon, we will be able to Golf. Gather. Stay.

 Sweet, Lo.  You are quite the artist.  You hold your markers correctly and precisely.  You use small, intentional strokes.  You color inside the lines you have drawn, and really take your time creating.  This is a masterpiece.  And, I'm just going to leave it right here, so I can find it later.  Maybe I'll add it your HS graduation monument board full of pictures when you were little.  Or possibly your wedding day, we can add it to the slideshow?  I'll have to sneak it in, because your mom likely won't approve...

Can we go?  Please?  Please?  Is it time to go?  When can we go?  Are you ready?  Is it time? When will you be ready? Mama.  Ma-MA.  MAMA.  I think it's TIME TO GO RIGHT NOW!!!!

It's at this point, the grown ups all slam our beers and giddy-up.  We had pushed the patience of those sweet faces as far as possible, and it really was time to go put on our suits, because IT'S PROJAC WATERPARK WEEKEND!!!

Good grief - I wonder what next month will bring...

Every week, Bennett has a math worksheet of problem solving.  Fifth graders are given 7 days to solve the problems, but Bennett does it in one.  Bennett is really good at math, and these problems are really hard.  There have been several occasions when we have sat at the counter, and problem solved together.  There have been times when we wait for Daddy to get home for assistance.  And then, there are times when we have to call the Banker.  The final problem solving of the year had a bold heading that stated "Most Challenging Problems of the Year".  We phoned a friend, and paid for her services with a delicious cheese spread.

 One-eighth is the same part of one-sixth as one-third is of what number?

I'm going to the store, he said.  

Just going to pick up some eggs for breakfast, he said.

Teaching shadows in science class this week, and I needed a quick assessment.  The two boys were eager to help, and they posed for the one question only pop quiz.  

Based on the above picture, estimate what time of day Andy and Bennett went for a walk.

Art Show at ORE!  Harper was super excited to share her landscape portrait - which she created because she "loves nature and meadows".  

Easter happened to fall on April Fools Day this year, and Bennett was not about to let that go untouched.  He spent the evening of March 31, developing a scavenger hunt for Harper.  He used all of the same strategies used by the Bunny and the Leprechaun.  He wrote witty, rhyming clues, and hid them all around the house.  Thus leading his sister on a wild chase to find her treasure.  And, here's were the fooling comes in...  As Harper ran around the house, anxious and excited to find whatever was waiting for her - finally FINALLY she was led to the... garbage can?  Upon opening the can, she found bags and bags of... her stuff.  Her laundry and her stuffed animals and books and art supplies - all packaged up and left for a treasure.  She was not amused, but the Boy sure was.

 The Easter Bunny arrived and hid the baskets inside the house, and eggs outside.  Considering spring has yet to decide to enter the building, the eggs were relatively easy to find, sitting on top of all the snow.  Then, it was over the river and through the woods - off to Grandma and Papa's house we go!