Reynolda House Train Junction 3-26-11

Reynolda House had a free community day today to showcase a travelling exhibit that they have right now. It's an exhibit of train photographs taken by O. Winston Link. The photographs were taken between 1955 and 1960 in WV, VA, and NC. They are really incredible. They are staged, but depict true areas, etc. The clarity of the pictures is amazing - rivals some digital HD stuff taken today.

For the kids there were fun train related activities. They had a 'rail pass' that needed to be stamped at 3 different locations. They colored trains which had spinning wheels, made train collages, and luggage tags. The kids enjoyed seeing the house and it's amazing artwork. We went with the Stewarts. Bridget and Grace decided that they wanted to live there because it is like a castle with awesome rooms. The organ played while we were in the house, that was cool!
The highlight was playing train conductor with an awesome miniature train set....see pictures below.

The lineup...Bridget, Grace, Dillon, Jackson and Lily
 

 

 

Train conductor Bridget!

Train conductor Dillon!

The HAIR

Oh man...it happened!!  One of my children cut HIS own hair!  I know this happens all the time, and it's totally hilarious after the fact....but I really never thought my kids would do it. 

I trimmed Dillon's hair on Wednesday because it was getting a bit shaggy and getting in his eyes.  He's really good when I trim it as long as he can watch a show.  We went and picked Bridget up at school (she had play practice), she did her homework, we played outside, we ate dinner, and I worked on the dishes.  While I was in the kitchen talking to Brian (he has been in CA all week for work) Bridget runs in the kitchen and says that Dillon was cutting his hair!  I said, WHAT? and ran in the living room.  There on the floor was a large clump of hair and the scissors were in Dillon's hand.  Oh man!  He cut off a large chunk of bangs.  Apparently he wanted to touch up what I did earlier.  HAHA  It is really my fault, because I left the scissors out.  I'm just really glad that he didn't cut himself - they are sharp hair cutting scissors that I usually leave up high in my bathroom.

Needless to say yesterday I trimmed his hair again.  I really thought I was going to have to give him a buzz cut, but I think what I did looks pretty good.  I cut everything shorter, so that it was closer to his new bang length.  It's going to take some getting used to...my baby looks older, but the new haircut seems to make his eyes brighter! 

This is a before shot - Tuesday night at Soccer.

Wednesday - after I trimmed his hair.

The CUT....

Looks like a different kid, huh?!

The new do (it can be spiked a bit too, but Dillon wasn't too crazy about that)

I guess he's happy with his new hair.  :)



Fun in the sun!

We had a gloriously warm day on Wednesday.  It was great so we got outside and enjoyed some sun.

Soccer

Bridget started playing soccer a couple of weeks ago.  It's a fun team through Twin City Recreation.  There are 6 girls who are 6 years old on her team.  Bridget's BFF Grace is on her team, which is nice since they don't get to see a lot of each other. 

Bridget and Grace

Poor Dillon wishes he were on the team!  He makes up for it by pretending that I am the coach and kicking the ball to me.

Couple of random pics

Bridget in a hat I crocheted.  :)

Bridget's reading has really taken off.  She loves trying out big words, and I think loves the freedom of being able to read on her own.  She's a good big sister and often reads to Dillon.

St. Patrick's Day 2011

St. Patrick's Day was fun this year!  Bridget made a leprechaun trap for school...20 traps and they didn't catch one!  But, that leprechaun sure caused trouble in their classroom...footprints everywhere, and messed us traps.  It was so fun seeing the kids amazement and excitement over the leprechaun's visit.  Bridget wrote notes to the leprechaun here at home and he answered.  :)  Dillon had his first parade at preschool.  They made fun shakers and the leprechaun visited his classroom too!

Reflections Contest WINNER!!

Bridget won 3rd place in the Reflections Contest Literature Category ages K-2 for her school, Vienna Elementary.  AND now she has won 3rd place for the whole county!!  We are so proud of her!  I think this is one of many ribbons she'll be receiving through the years.

When we got home tonight Bridget told me that she will be a writer when she grows up.  I would not be surprised if that comes true!  She is always creating stories, plays, movies that she wants to do.  She and Dillon do lots of role playing in the afternoons.

Congratulations to my amazing, smart, and funny daughter!

Bridget and the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Donald Martin

SciWorks Field Trip

Today was Bridget's field trip to SciWorks.  I chaperoned and watched Bridget, Abby and Lauren have a lot of fun exploring the museum.  First they watched a little show in the planetarium about the planets/stars and The Drinking Gourd (the Big Dipper - slaves would follow it north to freedom).  Then, we got free time to explore the hands-on exhibits at the museum.

Dillon's Bird

Dillon drew this bird the other day.  I'm pretty impressed for a 3 year old!  His face drawings are getting better and better too.  :)

Read Across America/Dr. Seuss Birthday

They had a character parade at school today for Dr. Seuss's birthday and Read Across America.  Bridget was Fancy Nancy!

Bridget was running to catch up with her class.  Didn't think she could run with those heels on!



Can we get a non-squinty eyed picture please?

It's hard to get a picture of Brian without squinty eyes!!