Sunday, May 30, 2010

24 Hour Mohawk

It was actually less than 24hrs before he had me shave it off. (It would have been closer to 12 hrs, but I told him I wasn't doing it before we left for church.) On Saturday, Braden asked Daddy to give him a mohawk. He had asked me a few days earlier, but I told him to talk to Jon. There was no way I could shave a straight line! Above: Jon just getting started. Below: Most of his left side done.

Above: I love this shot! Jon is so focused and Braden is still having a good time. Below: what the back looked like finished. Most people at church thought it looked cool. I'm not sure if Braden didn't like it or didn't like the attention. He said he just decided he didn't want it. So.... it's gone now! I prefer his head bald but Jon was sad to see the mohawk go.
Posted by Picasa

A Little Dallas

On Dallas' birthday, she decided she'd had enough of one of her toys!

And laying on Dad's pillow after he had moved to grab the laptop.
Posted by Picasa

BizTown 2

Be sure you read the post below this first. I decided to go ahead and load the other pictures now. Picasa is super fast, but I'm not sure yet how to load more than 4 at a time. Above: Braden standing at his business. I was volunteering "across the street" at the college/post office. Below: Braden came over to take a test. If the kids got 4 out of 5 questions right they earned a degree = more money. Braden earned one of three degrees available.

Above: after he finished all his job responsibilities, Braden walked around the town advertising the various items his business had for sale. In case I didn't mention, some of the businesses sold products the kids could buy and take home using part of their paycheck. I'm not sure what Braden was selling. Below: Braden, AJ, and Jordan at the restaurant. Kids packed their lunches for the day. They got free drinks at the restaurant and could use part of their paycheck to buy popcorn or cookies.
Posted by Picasa

Braden's Trip to BizTown

I've never uploaded using Picasa before, so we'll see how this goes! On Monday, May 24, Braden's class was one of 5 fifth grade classes that went to BizTown in Ft. Wayne. For the past few weeks, the kids have been learning a bit about the grown up world of jobs, bills, checking and saving accounts, etc. At BizTown, they were able to put what they learned into action. Each child was assigned a job at one of 14 businesses. Braden was the Chief Financial Officer of the hardware store. His duties included paying the bills, printing employee paychecks twice, and depositing his business' income. (Above: during the "town meeting," they asked all CFOs to stand. CFOs, CEOs, the Mayor, and several others were required to dress professionally. Braden borrowed Dad's tie!)
Above: I believe he was printing paychecks. Below: at his computer, hard at work. Of the 14 businesses, Braden's was one of 4 that repayed their bank loan (in full plus interest) by the end of the day! Way to go, Braden!
One of the town meetings. Braden is under the PAINT sign, leaning against the mailbox.
I have several more pictures, but I think I'll load those later. I'm not a fan of the way Picasa is set up on Blogger.
Posted by Picasa

Saturday, May 22, 2010

YM County Youth Track Meet

These are a little out of order, but you won't even notice! Braden ran against other 4th and 5th graders today. Not all of the kids were there because there was supposed to be a baseball tournament today. Thanks to rain all evening on Friday, those games were canceled.

Here is Braden handing off the baton in the 4x100. He ran the 2nd leg and the fastest kid out there ran the first leg. Not sure why the slower kids ran last. (He's the tallest kid. Second from the right.) His relay team came in first!

Waiting to start the 100m. He's on the far left with the bad posture.


Starting to overtake the other runners in the 100m. He ended up winning his heat. (It might have been the only heat.)


Hanging out with the other VW fifth graders and Connor (standing - who is in 7th).


His first attempt at the long jump. He stepped WAAAAY over the line.


His second attempt. Can you tell he was more focused on not stepping over the line? He jumped 11'2". Kids could jump at anytime so he won't find out how he did until next week. I think they are going to hand out ribbons at the schools since this was a K-6 county meet.


Waiting to start the 200m. He's so tall and thin!


On your mark. (Braden is right in the middle.)


Moving up in the pack. He's 4th from the left.


Taking the lead. He ended up winning this race too!


Jon and I were very impressed! Braden ran the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m. He placed first in each. (Yes, there were quiet a few "fast" kids that were not at the meet, but still!) I never thought I'd have a runner. If this is something he enjoys, he'll need to work on starting fast. He takes small steps at the beginning and then has to book it once he gets those legs stretched out. He was fun to watch!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Not What I Wanted for Mother's Day

Look at all of those beautiful, wavy, brown locks that match those beautiful brown eyes!

And Braden shaving them off!
Jon's been whining for a while now. He wanted his head shaved and I kept saying no. I love his hair! Today, I finally gave in. Its saves us the cost of a haircut, but it still makes me sad.


Look at those curls!


It kind of looks like someone's toupee laying in the grass.


And now, I have to look at this! Boy am I ready for his hair to grow back!! (And Dallas is pouting because she was about to get her nails trimmed.)


Mini Crawfish Boil

Last Sunday, Jon and Braden had a mini crawfish boil. Jon boiled 4lbs. of crawfish, most of which Braden ate! Jon might have eaten a pound. And Pat stopped by and ate 3 crawfish. (I know because Greedy was complaining about it after Pat left!) Dallas wanted some too, but Braden wasn't sharing!




Jon helping Braden get the tail off. (I love Braden's face. Such concentration.)