Better option

This week we got to try something new at school. I had heard that you could receive PE credit for outside sport activities. While Zachary enjoys Gym, he liked the idea more of doing homework during PE and having more time after swim. So each day he goes to the PACE lab, which is a classroom for students doing classes at their own pace (outcome of a small private school with limited classes). We discuss work options in the morning before he gets to school, and so far it is working out nicely. He swims normally 50 laps a practice. Today, he swam 80 laps. I think that definitely counts as aerobic exercise.

I love our little school!

Relaxing Break

We had a nice, easy Spring Break. We started with Zachary going to my dad's for the weekend. That was a much needed break for me after coordinating Career Day at school. We finished up our last book report for 5th grade. Woohoo! We went swimming at the Y, and then headed to my mom's for some R&R. We also made a stop at the Children's Museum.

Zachary has been wanting to go to the Children's Museum for about a month. Note to those that might think this is a good idea during Spring Break: Never again!!!! OK, maybe it wasn't so bad with 5th graders, but I can't imagine with little ones. We got a few fun photos...

The crazy mirrors - Joseph is taller than Zack normally

This first picture is from the Kidtropolis, which was like a little city for kids. You could earn money, spend money, go to jail, etc. Zack didn't really want to go, but once he was in there, he was a policeman, veterinarian, EMT, waiter and banker. As a matter of fact, the restaurant had tables where the parents were congregating. He went right up to three ladies and asked them their order. They were kind enough to play along. We stayed in there for about an hour and a half.

This second photo is one of those 4 story, climby things.

And the last one is a car where you got to practice driving and check out the engine. Joseph thought that was pretty cool!

Overall, we had a lot of fun. We have relaxed and enjoyed time just hanging out. Back to school Monday, but just ten weeks left.

Talent Show

Two weeks ago, our school held its Talent Show. We have a different director, so there were a lot of numbers, but also numerous categories to win. Zachary won the K-5th solo instrument. He was very excited and received a Target gift card for $15.

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As you might have noticed, I made him play it again at home. At the performance, you couldn't see his face because he sat behind the music stand and the keyboard was pretty bad. Now, of course at home, the phone rang in the background and there were various blips as he played. But the song was challenging, and we were very proud of him. I did however want to post the cutest part...

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So sweet! And he was proud too.

And then one picture afterwards...

Elementary National Honor Society

Last week, Zachary was inducted into the Elementary National Honor Society. The qualifications are for all A's or all A's and one B. We are very proud of him, especially this year since he making the grades without any assistance.

Mrs. Neely is his teacher, and she is the Honor Society coordinator. She has been a real blessing for Zachary this year. She is a tough teacher, but prepares the students for 6th grade.

It took 3x to get a picture with him, and this was the best we could get.

Joseph is one of Zachary's best buddies. He has always looked out for Zachary and is our contact point when we have questions on homework. They both are turning out to fine young boys.

Congratulations Zachary. We are so proud of your accomplishments in Elementary.

We love you,

Mom and Dad

I got my first...

For Valentine's Day weekend, we went to our church for a comedy show. It was hilarious! One of the things the comedian said was that children often have a three-word vocabulary. The first being, "fffsst" with a nose flare, almost like "are you kidding!" The second more being a gaping mouth and an "uhhhh", like "What?!?". And the third being..."whatever!" We laughed so hard!

Well the other night, Zachary was fussing about getting ready for bed. He finally relented after losing 10 minutes of DSi the next day. As he closed the door, I heard "Whatever! Whatever Mom!"

While this year has been good in so many ways, he has continued to develop many typical tween behaviors. And if you want me to be honest, there are a few days I'm not looking forward to the next 7 years, 9 months and 11 days, but whose counting.

Quick Trip

We had the 2nd and 3rd off from school, so we made a quick trip to Austin. We headed straight to Aunt Ruth's on Wednesday after school. We were pretty lazy on Thursday, but we did manage to get out and grab lunch with Aunt Kathy and run a few errands.

Zachary's interests on this trip were Sydney and Ellie. He seems to enjoy Sydney, but we are not getting a bird.

I was so excited that Cassie brought the kids over Friday and spent the day with us. Aunt Kathy joined us too, so I got a double dose. His interest in Ellie stems from his recent iTunes downloads. He downloaded some classical songs that he remembered as a baby, and thought she might like those to take a nap with. He was a little too aggressive for Eliana's taste. But Zachary seemed overall satisfied that he got to show the songs to her.

It's always fun to attempt to get the cousin photo.

We brought Alex a batting helmet. It was a little big, as Zachary made sure to tell him. But Alex was still very excited!

We headed to Traci's after that. I enjoyed watching her kiddos at tennis lessons on Friday evening. We hung out Saturday morning, before we headed to take the girls to a dance clinic. Then we went to kill time in town with the boys. It was fun getting to visit with Traci and the boys. That evening, we played a game or two, hung out with some of Jack's friends, I helped Elise with some homework, and we ate Pei Wei for dinner. Unfortunately, I did not get very many great pictures of the kids. I just got Whitney while we were playing games.

And Traci, playing the guitar Elise made for Jack.

It was a nice trip. I have so many other cousins that live in Austin. I hate that I couldn't see them all. But we have a family wedding in April, so that will be a good ole' Elfert Family reunion. I look forward to it!

Damn or Dam?

The other day Zachary was playing his DSi, and John heard him say "Damn!".

John: What did you say?

Zack: Never mind.

John: We don't talk like that, OK?

Zack: OK, I'll save it for Nana and Papa's.

So then John proceeds to tell me. And later I'm in Zachary's room, and I bring it up. He said, "I didn't mean it in a bad way. Like a dam for a river." "Uh-huh," I say. He then apologizes, and says, "but I still love you Mom."

Now which dam/damn do you think he said?