The Bike/Walk to School program started up again last week. I volunteered to have a station on the bike path last year and it was very stressful because Lex wouldn’t walk without me. We ended up late a few days, or relying on Alan to get him to school, and generally stressed every Thursday. I think it’s a great program though. This spring they were short volunteers so I found myself stepping up again, just to keep the program going. The coordinator kindly gave me a spot that had nearby parking so we could drive there if necessary. Defeats the purpose of bike/walk to school, I know, but you do what you have to do.

Last week the weather was beautiful and we gave the bike thing a shot. Everyone had fun. We ended up being five minutes late to school, but we weren’t the only ones. Let’s hope tomorrow morning’s rain holds off for a few hours!

These are from last week:

Poor Eve had to ride her tiny bike (it made me think of a stunt bike, or a clown bike!) because of a situation with her other bike that is too detailed and dull for me to write about. All is set now so hopefully tomorrow she'll be off and riding with her regular bike.

I brought sidewalk chalk along so the kids wouldn't get bored while I worked. Work = watching kids on the path, making sure no one gets hurt, helping them cross a little side street.

Eve drew pretty pictures.

Lex drew a welcome message and a hopscotch board. A very little one. :)

I suspect tomorrow won’t be as beautiful. Hopefully the adventure will go smoothly though.

It’s the start of “Screen Turn Off Week” this year and Lex’s school once again kicked it off with a great evening they call Brain-o-mania. I’m going to be lazy and not go into full detail here, but if you’re curious I wrote a great post about it last year.

The kids were making me crazy this afternoon (and by crazy I mean FURIOUS!) and we almost didn’t make it, but then I decided it would probably be easier to get them out and about instead of staying trapped in the house with them alone all evening! I’m so glad we went. It was a great time and we all had fun. It was interesting to read last year’s post and realize that we did completely different things this year. I don’t think the robotics were even there this year and we didn’t even make it to the art room. Eve held the human brain, with only a little reservation. Lex once again wanted nothing to do with the formaldehyde scented room. He waited, somewhat patiently, by the door for us to be done. Eve also enjoyed the “brain Jell-O.”

One thing I didn’t mention last year is that they end the evening by playing a really catchy song over the loud speaker. Last year they blasted it and all the kids were dancing. This year it was a little more subdued and I kind of wished they’d blast it again. Either way, it’s a great song and a fun way to end the evening.

I also got to catch up with some other parents I haven’t seen in awhile and chat with some teachers. I came away with a strong recommendation for a second grade teacher for Lex. I’m going to talk to his current teacher about it and maybe put in a request for him for next year. :)

I’m so glad we went this evening! Turn off that TV and take back your brain!!

The downside is that they learn about all screens, and the kids now nag me when I’m on the computer, which I try not to have on when they are around anyway. Lex always says, “Mom, you know how distracted you get when you turn on the computer.” Walking in the parking lot this evening my phone made an email beep and out of habit I pulled it out of my pocket to take a peek. Lex immediately said, “Mom, that’s a screen too, you know, and it’s bad for your brain.” They are good kids. :)