The Texas Rangers

Anyone that knows  me realizes that I don't love sports. I'm not athletic nor do I desire to be athletic so this is actually a serious weak point in my homeschooling curriculum. In fact it was painfully obvious when Dallin started scouts that we had a HUGE gap in this area. He didn't know the rules to any of the basic games like dodge ball, kick ball, baseball, etc.  Without recess, tv, or a formal PE how would he? Ooops. 

So I'm on a quest to turn this around.  We are "studying" PE this year.  The kids are learning the rules of the main sports and some common recess games and then we will try to play/experience these games.  Of course with my lack of skills and desire I assigned this class to Rusty :)  That's the privilege of being the administrator.  Rusty was thrilled to have the assignment and when his work offered cheap tickets to a Texas Rangers game he was off and running.  So here we are enjoying a professional baseball game as if we were normal sports-crazed Texans.

Before the game Rusty taught the kids the basic rules of the game.  And I planned for distractions for the little ones. We brought plenty of treats and I also brought spray bottles and fans (in case the Texas heat became unbearable).

I also packed cracker jacks. What is baseball without cracker jacks? So when we reached the 7th inning stretch and sang the cracker jack song (yes I know it is Take Me Out to the Ball Game) I passed out the cracker jacks.  Cultural Awareness :)

The kids had a great time! And I felt pleased that I had endured (I mean enjoyed) a homeschool PE lesson. The only thing that would have made the evening better is if the Rangers had actually won. :) Ben was very upset that our team did so bad.

Of teeth, cavities, and zoo statues

It was Rusty's day off and to "celebrate" we decided to go to the dentist :) Yippee!  After 3 years without dental insurance we decided it was probably time to get everyone checked.  I wish I could say that after a nice cleaning we all went home cavity free, but......

Lauren had 5 cavities-eek! Luckily the other kids didn't have any so we figured she had enough for everyone- so thoughtful.  We also discovered that my "bite" was messed up and it was cracking the enamel on a few of my teeth- huh? Who knew that was even possible. Is that even possible? Unfortunately going to the dentist for me is a lot like going to a mechanic. They pull out all their fancy tools and show me pictures and explain the consequences of not "addressing" the problem and all I can do is nod knowingly and accept their expert opinion. I hate that feeling. I wish I was an expert at everything.

The kids were somewhat patient and endured the entire morning spent in the dentist office so we decided to spend the afternoon at the zoo in Dallas. We have to use our pass to justify the expense- right?

Why do my kids feel obligated to take pictures with every statue at the zoo? It must be Rusty's doing- he's the picture-taking obsessed father.

The Dallas Zoo has a fun children's area with a little stream for the kids to play in and cool off.

I love this picture of Ben- I'm not sure what little "treasure" he is examining, but this is SO his personality.  He is always finding little bugs, rocks, whatever to study.

The big sister and of course the little sister- need I say more. :) I believe Kate was pretending to be an otter.

Ahh! I love those sibling pictures that capture their pure joy at being together. Kate really does worship Dallin, she thinks he is the best thing in the world- and he is so kind and patient with her.

Other than the stream the children's area also has a petting farm where you can feed the goats...

a cool fish tank...

and my favorite part of the children's area is a bird area where the kids can go in and feed and hold a variety of birds.  The zoo keepers in this area are amazing. They really take time to talk to and teach the kids.  Below is a picture of a Mina Bird that thinks it can find something to eat between my toes (lets hope it didn't).  He kept sticking his beak in between my toes and pecking.

We checked out the new Giants of the Savannah exhibit. It was a super hot day so the kids took full advantage of the misting stations- with dad's help of course.

Yes and once again we all pose with a bunch of zoo statues :)  Just can't get enough of that can we? 
I'm so glad that we have the chance to go and do fun things together as a family.  I hope my children always remember and appreciate this privilege.