Fun at Camp- Amy

I went with my 4th graders from student teaching to Camp Tecumseh this past Wednesday and Thursday. It was a TOTAL blast! A lot of you are probably thinking that it sounds awful, 2 full days and 1 night with 4th graders, but they are all so happy to be there that everyone is well behaved and happy. Also, I went as a 4th grader and did a lot of the same things, so it was really fun to get to relive my childhood a bit! Here are some of my favorites from camp:

Excited kids on the bus to camp

One of our trail groups acting silly

Fun at the flag pole


Cabin Skits at Campfire


All of the 4th graders that went on the trip My table group
Pictures of how the adults and kids got through camp....

Adorable picture of the boys walking back to the bus

A quiet bus ride home....

It was a great time!

4th Thing I Love About Chicago: Hatin' on the Suburbs - Brady

My dad recently wrote this column on whatsnewlaporte.com. He kind of disses on suburban Indianapolis types in it.

This reminded me of an old pastime Kevin and I used to indulge in that I like to call "hatin' on the suburbs." I am ashamed to admit that I really enjoyed it. This pretentious hobby involves ridiculing people who say they are "from Chicago" when they're actually from one of the wealthier surrounding communities, lecturing others on how soulless Applebee's and Target are, and generally feeling superior to others who live in a place so much less "authentic" than the city.

I realize now, maybe because of my growing respect for Fort Wayne, that there are good reasons to live anywhere and that it's uncool of me to look down on where others' live.

But...

I do LOVE Chicago and and LOVE feeling pride for where I live and will probably always secretly smirk, just a little bit, when I see Cubs fans or Christmas shoppers or theater-goers load on to the interstate while I stroll back to my city home.

Going Away Party - Brady

Sigh.

I had two sad but fun after-school events today. First, we had our "transitional" Student Council meeting where one groups' duties stop and the next year's groups' jobs begin. It was really cool to see how much the kids have changed over the year, especially the leaders. You know that saying about trying to be as good of a person as your dog thinks you are? Well, sometimes I think you can replace "dog" with "nice high school kid." Some of the sweet ones just make you feel awful about all the times you've been grouchy to the not-so-sweet-ones.

Then I had my going away dinner with my department at Don Chava's, a restaurant in town. They are really good people and a big part of me regrets not staying longer.

Moving is feeling very real today. Not all in a bad way, but very real.

I'm back! -Amy

So, it's been awhile since I posted on the blog. I have been reprimanded by my sister for this, so I will make sure to be better. Here's a quick update on what has been happening in my life that has kept me away from the blog scene:

1. Working like crazy- mostly 14 hour days. First I sub at one of the local elementary schools, then I go to work at Serenity Springs, a place that my friend's parents own.
2. Teaching interview in Chicago. I went in for the final interview last Thursday and taught a sample lesson. I'm still biting my nails waiting to hear a yes or no.

So I have been working like crazy, but I'm so excited about what the summer has in store. Here is a list similar to Kelly's of what is going on in the near future for me:

Tomorrow (May 21): Camp Tecumseh with my 4th graders (from student teaching). This is an overnight trip and I am PUMPED. It should be a great time!
June 9-13: VEGAS :) with my best friends. Can't wait.
June 24-30: Mystery Trip with my sisters
July 18: Our cousin Matt's wedding
The whole month of July: Possibly babysitting my cousin's adorable kids, Max and Myah :).

I have so much to look forward too, I just hope that a job for next year falls into the mix at some point! Ah!

Well, that's all that's going on with me right now. I'm sorry for neglecting the blog, and I promise to try and keep up!

Check out this link - Kelly

People's Atlas of Chicago

Getting Antsy - Kelly

I am so, SO ready to move!  I'm getting tired of feeling sad about leaving Charlotte... it's just time to go.  Here's my timeline:

June 10- Finish school

June 12- Mom & Dad take Lucy and my stuff to IN

June 17- June 20- TFA Induction in Chicago

June 22- Apartment Search in Chicago!

June 24- June 30- Mystery Vacation

July 1- Start my job!

August 1- Move into new Apt 

75 days until we'll be moved in... if anyone is counting. :)

Prom Pictures and a Video! - Brady

As promised in the "Prom - Brady" post. In true prom fashion, I've posted way too many pictures. :)

The classic pre-prom picture.

Flats are crucial.

Kevin goofing around at dinner. We actually went out with some teacher friends beforehand.

Our flowers. Kevin's adorable idea. We did the prom RIGHT.

The car museum where the event was held.

My duties - deliver memory books and crowns.

The two of us enjoying the decorations before the masses came in.

The kids dancing to "Sandstorm," Kevin's favorite song. No dirty dancing to this song.