Two Friday nights in a row, the we had the exciting opportunity to play BINGO at our respective schools.  Last Friday, we were at PME.  We left with pizza on our face, didn't win a game, but there were no tears.

 This Friday, we left with pizza on our face, didn't win a game, and there were tears.

 Thankfully, it's the end of our Bingo obligations.  Until next year (and we better win).

Third graders are reading about reducing, reusing and recycling.  Bennett came home with the task to make a creation out of recyclables.  He read the directions and thought about his options.  I suggested that we look for ideas on the internet, to which he responded, "No, Mom!!  We don't need to ask the internet for everything!" Well, alright then.  Good luck with that.

Without searching google, and using all his own ideas and passion, Bennett Daniel decided to create a checker board.  Over the next few days, he gathered the reusables. A Gary's Pizza box, some duct tape, and an endless supply of tonic bottles and bottle caps and toilet paper rolls were used to create his fully functioning checkers board.  (In order to make it school appropriate, it was decided the bottle caps would be spray painted in Sabre blue and silver.)

Bennett's creation, along with his classmates' will be on display this week at the Recycled Art Museum - open before and after next week's music concert.

Bennett was recently asked to participle in Oak Ridge's Battle of the Books.  This is quite the honor.  Invitations are given to students who are motivated readers, and not only can handle the challenge and reading list, but have demonstrated exceptional readability and comprehension.  The boy was rather excited, and his parents quite proud.  The teams will be set, and the final contest will be in May.  Let the battle begin!

We were supposed travel to Pine City to drop of the monstrosity of a fish catching house that has been sitting in our drive - and spend the day visiting with Papa and Grandma.  This morning, Papa called to say they were going to a wrestling meet - and would be gone most of the day.  With the change in available company, yet the need to get that trailer out of the drive, our plans were adjusted accordingly. (ie: Andy got up super early, tried to convince the boy to ride along with him.  When that didn't work, he suggested that Harper take a trip to enjoy the scenery, or better yet make it a "family day" in the car. Nope.  Not one of the kids wanted to go, so Mama got to stay home, too! Thank goodess.)

In gratitude of the suprise Stay Home day, we celebrated with laundry and a play date for the boy.  A quick text to Andrew's mom and B's bestie rolled up with the necessary day of play supplies.  In this case, it was a 200 page novel for Battle of the Books and a calculator.  I laughed out loud, as the boys told me that they were "dedicating 30 minutes to reading for the Battle and 30 minutes to long division".  For real.

Oh, and researching weird looking monkeys.

Spring type weather + marathon training schedule = family run X 2

Reason #4 why Sartell was a good move...  When your daughter leaves her gloves in your car, and your husband drives to your work to retrieve them.  He is able to bring them to daughter's school and complete the drop off even before she gets off the bus.  Aforementioned Husband locks the keys in the car because apparently he is unaware that his Wife leaves key in the car and unlocked every day.  Upon discovering the locked doors, Wife hitches a ride to get kids and is dropped off at home by new friend.  When the Husband gets home, he runs to get the car.  Literally.  Runs.  And, is still home in time for cocktails.

Bennett's words of wisdom as we were dropped off at the 1407, "Thank goodness you made one friend, mom."  Yep, thank goodness.

the capital, coloring, cocktails on the sunny steps, & cheese curds