Tropical Day!

The week before April vacation, our school had a Tropical Day.  It was perfect timing because we were having some unseasonably warm weather that week.  It was also the perfect time to have Tropical Day because The Dollar Tree had a ton of Tropical/Luau themed things!  Here are some of the things I purchased from The Dollar Tree decorating our room:

 

Our table decor:  Each student received a lei and each table had a palm tree on it.

Our Tropical Photo Background:  I took each of the kiddos pictures infront of it and then crafted a bamboo looking frame from popsicle sticks.

 

Our Morning Message:

 

Petey the Parrot:

 

Our Little Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Tree:

 

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Letter Trace and Color

 

We had a blast on Tropical Day!  We did some Chicka Chicka Boom Boom inspired centers, found items in our sand bottles, watched Lilo and Stitch and even Limboed in the Gym!  What fun things do you do to keep you going until the end of the year?

Boston....

  As I sit here trying to compose a school related post, I am being haunted by what has happened here in my home town.  So, I figured, I better just put the other post on hold and get this out there.

   I may not live in Boston, but I live in Massachusetts, and I love our city.  A city so rich in history, a city so fanatical about it's sports, a city full of some pretty amazing people.  We may have a reputation as "Massholes", but behind that facade there lies a brotherhood.  When hard times hit, we are there for one another.  When we win a World Series, we are all out there celebrating together.  WE are Boston, through the good and the bad.

  When we travel and people ask where we are from, I proudly say, Boston.  Everyone knows Boston.  Whether it be because of it's history, because of it's sports teams/fans, because of it's top notch medical teams/hospitals, or because of it's stunning beauty in the Fall; everyone knows Boston.  I'm proud of it all.  I'm proud of the brotherhood.  I'm proud to call Boston my home.  I impatiently wait for our next trip into the city.  It's just something about being there, right in the heart of it all.

  Will this tragedy scare us from coming together again?  No way.  We're not scared.  We are sad, but, we are definitely not scared...We love this city, we're proud of this city and we are angry that someone has tried to take that away from us.  But, it didn't work.  For WE are Boston, and WE are strong.  

  I thought I'd share a few of my favorite pictures of Boston that I've taken over the years.

Our Greenway:

 Me on the Greenway back in 2007:

The Greenway was created where the highway used to run through the city.  Surviving the Big Dig was worth it for this!

Boston Common 2012:

The State House:

Swan Boats anyone?

 

Duck Tour 2012:

 Firefighter Memorial:

Our awesome Museum of Science:

Another Big Dig addition:

The Boston Marathon Finish Line as seen on Duck Boat Tour:

Floating on the Charles River in the Duck Boat:

 Bunker Hill Monument:

Boston Public Garden:

Fenway Park 2012:

Me hanging with Wally:

Outside of Fenway:

Bunker Hill Blueberry Beer by Boston Beer Works:

 

 Here are some photos that I wanted to include, but, didn't have in my collection:

Boston Medical Center:

 

Here I received excellent care for a surgical procedure. This hospital is also one of the hospitals who are caring for Monday's victims.  This hospital also houses 67 of Boston's "Top Docs", two of which cared for me during my time at BMC.

Cheers aka The Bull and Finch Pub:

This is the real Bull and Finch pub that the Cheers show was based on.

Newbury Street:

A lot of great shopping here!

and

The Prudential Center:

Lots of good food and shopping in here!

  If you've never been to Boston, you should consider visiting us sometime!

April Currently and an Invitation!

Happy April!  We are counting down the days until April vacation in my district!  Only 8 more school days!  In honor of April, I am linking up with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 Listening - I'm loving the Pitbull station on Pandora. Lots of music to get you moving!  It helps me to get the cleaning and cooking done faster!

Loving - I love DST!  It's so nice to get home from work, eat dinner, play outside or go for a walk.  Sunlight is good for the soul!

Thinking - Tomorrow we are having Pirate Day in our classroom!  I have a lot of pirate themed activities planned for tomorrow!

Wanting - I want to book a cruise so badly.  It doesn't have to be this year, I just want one on the books to look forward to!

Needing - I am ready for vacation!  I can't wait to spend time with my daughter.  I hope the weather will be nice!

Advice - When it comes to create a blog, take it slow.  There is a lot to consider and there is also a lot to learn.  It's not all going to happen overnight!

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I am also sharing that I am participating in TBA's Birthday Bash!  This is a celebration where there will be a ton of freebies offered by grade level.  Make sure you check in to TBA on April 5th.  You're not going to want to miss this party!