Roadtrip!

As proof that teachers do have SOME fun during their time off, I wanted to share a little bit of my long weekend trip to visit friends in Maryland.  While visiting, we spent some time at the beach, and took a day to go into Washington, DC.  It was a wonderful taste of the area, and a great time spent with my college friend, Melanie, and her husband, Wes.  (And their kitty, Toonces!)

Here are some highlights from my trip:

The weather was gorgeous for a beach day!  (Sorry about the squinty sun eyes, Mel!)

We waited in line for the National Archives.  Once inside we were able to see the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.  Only the Constitution was dark enough to be able to read.  The others were VERY faded.  (By the way, according to the guard we talked to, LOTS of people come in and sing the preamble song from School House Rock.  So, we weren’t alone in our nerdiness.)

This was my favorite monument, with my favorite president (and my favorite Melanie!).  However, at this point it was VERY hot, and we had been walking for quite awhile.  We are not looking so fresh here.

Two thumbs up for the White House!

Standing in front of our nation’s capitol.  At sunset.  A pretty good combination, if I do say so myself.

After leaving Melanie and Wes and heading back to Indiana, I took a brief side trip to the Antietam National Battlefield.  I didn’t have enough time to do the 8 mile driving tour, but I did have a little bit of time to wander around the area near the Visitor Center and see some things.  (I also picked up some fun things for our room in the gift shop!  Can we say Abraham Lincoln finger puppet, anyone?)  The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, so I figured if I was going to see one battlefield, this would be a good one to see!

A great weekend!  Hope everyone is enjoying their summer break so far!  I know I am!  🙂

“Can You Beat Miss Renzelmann?” Bowling Party!!

Today was the prize day for our class AR competition.  Each year, I challenge my kids to see who can read more than me.  We all take AR tests all year, and at the end see who has earned the most points.  In the years prior to this one, I had one boy win each year.  No big deal, right?  And usually, we were pretty close.  This year?  I didn’t stand a chance!!  I had four kids who read more AR points than me this year…and by at least 100 points or more!!  Congratulations, kiddos, and I hoped you enjoyed our bowling party prize today!  I know I did!!  🙂

Our pizza was 1/2 cheese, 1/4 pepperoni, and 1/4 sausage.  I’ll bet the kitchen loved us!  🙂

Isaac was a PRO at this crane game!

He won two frogs, and dog, and a little bear!!  I was so impressed.  🙂

Proof that I beat these kids at SOMETHING this year!!  🙂

Justin won our second game.