Last Day of School!

Today was the last day of school for the 2010-2011 school year. I can't believe the kids have finished their first year of school. In terms of school year accomplishments:  Mac has learned how to read. At night now, Mac actually reads Oli his book, and then I read hers to her. It is amazing to see, and I can't believe that she learned it in kindergarten. And Oli has really learned how to interact with other kids. I was reading his IEP (Individualized Education Protocol) today, which is based on a review completed last summer. One of the areas he was deficient in was socializing with peers. Well, no more! He has so many friends now, and his friend James even saves him a seat in class. I would say that the school year has been a success for both of them.

However, I have to say that in comparing their first day of school pictures to their last day of school pictures, they look a lot more tired now. Maybe because I took the picture after school instead of before. I'm glad to know they are working hard! See below to compare:

To celebrate, I let the kids choose where to go to lunch. So, of course, we ended up at Rainforest Cafe. And then they were each allowed to pick whatever treat they wanted for $10. So, of course, Oli picked a spiderman today. And while Mac debated for a while, she went with 2 princess lip glosses.  Whenever Mac isn't allowed to get something, she knows exactly what she wants. But when she is given free choice, she often gets stressed out and either can't decide or shuts down and tantrums. Luckily, today went pretty well and the lip glosses were chosen with only one trip to and from the disney store. I even got to use up my birthday gift card from sephora, and got free happy birthday lotion (that sounds dirty, but it's not. they literally gave me a bottle of lotion that says happy birthday on it.) Here is a picture from the rainforest cafe. Although their food is overpriced and relatively unhealthy, they do have a really good veggie burger. And Mac loves their little hot dogs. So, between the food, the gifts, and of course, the company, we all enjoyed our afternoon greatly.

Living it Up in...Kentucky?

I am completely geeking it out this week at a social network analysis workshop at the University of Kentucky. It is a workshop that should help me design and run better studies using social network analysis. PSU is paying for part it, but the rest of the trip is economy style. As a result, I am staying in an old-school dorm for $20/night and walking everywhere. But so far, I really like it.

I had some scary preconceived notions about KY, but so far, none of them has been correct. The ride from the airport to campus was beautiful, as is the campus. The on-campus population is diverse, and people have been nice, but not creepy-nice. The weather is hot, but no worse than a hot & humid NJ day.

One of the best parts about being here is the gym. UK has a beautiful gym. The gym alone makes me want to get a job at a bigger university with a better gym. I have already gone to the gym 3 times - last night to run, this morning for elliptical and abs, and then after the workshop for a "core" class. There is even a rock-climbing wall, but I know my limits in coordination.

I am getting a lot of work (and working out) done, but I really miss my family. Mac always gives me mementos to bring with me. This time it was earrings and her Rapunzel doll. Whenever she gives me a stuffy, I take pictures and send them to her. Here is Rapunzel's trip to KY yesterday:

Getting off the plane at La Guardia (I had to fly out of Philly, stop in La Guardia, and then continue to Kentucky. Ridiculous.)

Waiting between flights. Rapunzel is out of control...it was barely noon!

Going from the airport to campus.

Going to bed. Not my best look, but I wanted to show the full day!