Soon Enough

Before you know it the school gates will open for another year of school. How I do love summertime, but it is right about now each year that I am anxious to meet my new students and to discover so many things that I never knew before. This will be my sixth year of teaching, and I still am passionate about what I do each day. Enjoy these last couple of weeks to stay up late, ride your bike through the neighborhood, go on a adventurous trip, and of course read a great book. I look forward to the gates opening, but not just yet!

This is a picture of my adorable Goddaughter Caroline on our trip to Charleston this summer. She is a smart cookie and could probably open/break through any gate in her way!

Out and About

Over the last week I have traveled to the Low Country of South Carolina, and down the quiet waters of the Wakulla River. Both were amazing trips, and make me smile at the thought of being an American (especially since I live in the southeast!). While in Charleston I visited Middleton Place Plantation, started in the mid 1700s by Henry Middleton (the president of the First Continental Congress...not too shabby!). The beautiful grounds have survived the Revolutionary War and the Civil War (remember Charleston was a hot spot during the Civil War). The grounds are covered with lush vegetation and roaming animals. Check out their web site http://www.middletonplace.org/default.asp.


This week we also headed down the Wakulla River on canoe. If you want a chance to see tons of manatees up close, this is the place to go! They amaze me every time I see them! We also saw alligators and turtles sunbathing, birds in flight, and fish swimming along. If you are suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder like my husband is, than grab a canoe and paddle!

Summer Field Trips!

Last week my family and I took in two of Tallahassee's favorite attractions. I have fond memories of summertime preschool at the Jr. Museum (Tallahassee Museum now). My brother, sister in law, and niece were in town, so we headed out to the swamp stomp on Saturday. I love everything about the Jr. Museum, but especially the memories I have of the sink hole, candy from the old general store, and being hot and sweaty!

My husband's family came in town too, so we went downtown to the Mary Brogan Museum. I think my husband had as much fun as our 5 year old nephew! Check out the Asian kite exhibit on the third floor. Beautiful!!

Photosynthesis at Work!

Thank God for photosynthesis! I love beautiful flowers, who doesn't?? I like them in a pot, in the ground, or on my table. My Dad brought these to me this morning. What a treat! I adore zinnias. What a bright shock of color to my balcony! Do you have flowers trying to survive this heat in your yard? Well thank the process of photosynthesis. If you don't remember what that long P word means check out, http://earthguide.ucsd.edu/earthguide/diagrams/photosynthesis/photosynthesis.html

Nieces and Nephews, Oh my!

Well June is coming to an end, can you believe it? I hope that you are making some memories this summer. I have been on Aunt Amanda patrol in Atlanta and Valdosta. My niece Pearce kept me busy for a few days, and then a new nephew was born in Valdosta! Kole will be a week old tomorrow, and he is precious. Hope the summer sun hasn't kept you from doing something fun! Remember to read and enjoy this time with your family!

What are your rights?

I am participating in a civics workshop this week with other Leon County teachers. We are learning a lot about the rights that we are given as a citizen of this great nation. Right now we are learning more in depth about our First Amendment rights. If you are interested in learning more about Supreme Court cases, visit oyez.com. There you will find an amazing database of court cases and you can listen to the audio. How neat! Maybe one day you will visit the Supreme Court.

Summertime Snack

Happy Summer everyone! I hope that you have found sometime to rest and relax over the last week. Thank you all for a great end of the year! Something about summertime makes you want to grill. I let Mr. Whitaker handle that. Well the other night he came across a little/BIG pet on our balcony. This little/BIG guy was have a summertime feast of his own...the lovely plant that Mia gave me! I hate to see the plant in this shape, but boy was he cool!