Sacagawea

Today was Famous Americans Day in second grade! The kids have been researching, writing, drawing, and costume-curating for the past few weeks, and today was the culmination of all their hard work. They set up a "wax museum" outside the school, and they gave short speeches about their chosen famous American. It was so neat to see all of the kids in their costumes! The famous Americans ranged from George Washington to Patrick Mahomes. 

Natalie chose to research Sacagawea. She wanted a prop to hold, so Chris helped her make a little teepee. Yesterday she kept saying how nervous and excited she was for her presentation. She had a great time and did so well!

Emma Creek 5K

The Emma Creek 5K is very different this year because of Covid. They cancelled the big race, but they are still encouraging runners to run a 5K on their own. The elementary school has a team of girls that have been practicing after school, and the team ran their 5K this morning. Natalie had a fun time, and we're hoping to be running/walking in the big race like normal again next year. 

Max's Party

Max's friend birthday party got rained out last week, so we tried again tonight. We had pizza at the park, and everyone had a fun time. They were all very excited and very energetic. I quickly realized how inexperienced I am with a big group of little boys! 

Spring Snow

Farm Day

We were finally able to gather with the entire O'Halloran family at the farm yesterday for the first time in over a year, and we had the best time! Emma has since asked to live at the farm.

My Helper

Emma helped make Max's birthday cake yesterday afternoon while Isabel napped. When we were finished, she wanted to help wash the dishes too. I expected her to play in the water for a few minutes and then be done, but she actually washed the dishes for me!

Seven!

Max turned seven years old today! He had a great day despite the cold, rainy weather that postponed his party with his friends from school. He asked to wake up early so that he could open presents before school. He reported a fun day at school complete with "the best lunch ever" - a new pepperoni pizza stick. He had more presents waiting for him when he got home from school, and we finished off the evening with El Cerrito food, a movie of his choice, and birthday cake. 

I'm really loving this age. We have great chats, and it's fun to watch his interests and personality develop. I can't wait to see what this year holds!

Natalie's First Communion

We have been looking forward to this day for a long time! Natalie received her First Communion today on this beautiful Divine Mercy Sunday. She was really excited and did so well. She was in a small group with only two other children, which made the Mass seem even more special. She got to read the petitions, and Max and Emma got to bring up the gifts with the other First Communicants' siblings. It was such a special day, and we couldn't be more proud.

Officially a Soccer Mom

Max played in his first two soccer games this morning. He had a double header, and I was worried that he would be really tired by the end of the second game. Instead, on the way home he told us that he wished his soccer games would never end. It was fun to watch his confidence improve from the first game to the second. He even scored a goal in the second game!

Sunny

Happy Easter!

I think this is the first year that we have managed to get our Easter pictures taken before Mass! Emma's shoes are on the wrong feet in the pictures, but I think that almost adds a little sweetness. 

Chris and I agree that this might have been our best Easter. Everyone was in a really good mood, the weather was perfect, and most importantly we got to attend Mass and see family. Isabel and I even made it all the way through Mass without having to go to the cry room!

We drove to YC for lunch, and we were so happy to have my grandma join us now that she is fully vaccinated. It was a truly great day!

"We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song." - one of my favorite quotes by St. John Paul II, and one that seems even more fitting this year now that we are starting to come out of the pandemic.

Easter Eggs

Good Friday

I'm a day late on my blog post, but we had a really meaningful Good Friday with the kids. We have been taking them to stations of the cross for the first time this Lent, and the big kids have really been soaking it up. Chris took the three big kids to the living stations yesterday on Good Friday (while Isabel napped at home), and they spent the afternoon putting on their own stations play. We all attended the Good Friday church service in the evening, and Chris and I were pleasantly surprised with how well everyone (excluding Isabel) paid attention. I'm slowly learning how eager kids are to learn about our faith. It's really awe-inspiring.