Today's Paper

A few weeks ago Kneeland School students' artwork went on display at the Fortuna Library. Shortly after the artwork went on display, the library called to ask if they could do a press release on the art show. They also asked if they could put a picture of one of the pieces in the newspaper. It just so happens the artwork they chose was Zoe's. We are all very proud of our little artist!

Library celebrates young artists The Times-Standard Posted: 11/24/2011 02:38:41 AM PST Click photo to enlarge FORTUNA -- Artwork by kindergarten through eighth-grade students from Kneeland Elementary School is on display at the Fortuna Library through Dec-ember. Working with Spanish language in-structor Susan Stein and teacher and art educator Michael Quinlan, the students created images inspired by vocabulary terms from their Spanish enrichment program. The students began by sketching images from nature. They added pigment with colored pencils, crayons or watercolor, and completed them with written words in black ink. Quinlan calls the artwork “imaginative and whimsical.” Students and staff members worked together to create the frames made from recycled old-growth redwood. The Fortuna Library is located at 753 14th St. Library hours are Tuesday noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday noon to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be closed the rest of this week, Dec. 20 to 24 and Dec. 31.

A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

lovely

Pumpkin Sculpture

This pumpkin makes a nice hat

Maybe a tad too heavy

I think this is the perfect pumpkin

or maybe these tiny pumpkins are best

Wait! I think I see the perfect pumpkin over there!

How do you like this one?

Um..can you help me carry this one?

Bye-Bye

After months and months (and I'm NOT exaggerating) Zoe's top tooth finally fell out today. Bye-Bye baby tooth...hello big, akward, adult teeth! Wow, little Macknicki #1 is growing up so quickly!

Monster Trux

A few weeks ago Steve & I took the kids to see the Monster Trucks at the Redwood Acres Fair grounds. It was our one last summer adventure before the craziness of the school year began. None of us had ever been before, and I can honestly say we ALL had a great time!

say "monster trucks"

girl monster truck driver

photo op at the "pit party"

Back to School

Yesterday was the first day of school. We have quickly fallen back into our daily school routine, and it almost feels as if summer vacation was two months ago...not just 2 days ago. Zoe is so happy to back in school learning new "things" and playing with her friends. We are both off to a great start, and it looks like it's going to be another fabulous year!

All ready to go!

The NEW shoes!

New Hello Kitty backpack from the Sanrio

store in Hawaii...a special purchase made by Daddy

especially for his little girl!

sharpening 20 new pencils for the class

(being the teacher's daughter means you often get put to work)

Zoe's cubbie

Gaggle of Girls

SO happy to be back in school!

Jets

On our way to Fresno, we broke up the trip by staying in Livermore. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn. The bathtub happened to be a jacuzzi tub. I told the kids that we could take a bath later and turn on the tub so the "jets shoot out". The kids got super excited to take a bath and asked "do the jets just shoot around the bathroom?". At first I was confused until I realized that they thought actual, little jets came out of the tub. I love how kids can be so literal sometimes!

Blackbeards

Last week we made our annual summertime trip to Fresno. On our first evening in town, we took the kids to Blackbeards to play a round of mini golf. I think it was quite possibly the quickest game of miniature golf I've ever played. Steve & I were so hot by hole #9 that we literally encouraged the kids to go as quickly as possible. I think I can safely say that we are all happy that it doesn't get over 100˚ at our house on a regular basis. Despite the heat, we all had a great time!

No matter how hard we tried to show Noah how to hold the golf club

he was certain that his way was the best

Zoe trying for a hole in one

When you swing a golf club like Noah does

you manage to hurt yourself once or twice

Bonkey Boardin'

Our favorite activity by far while we were in Hawaii was boogie boarding (or as Noah calls it...Bonkey Boarding). On our last trip to Hawaii we found a great beach called Laie Beach Park that was frequented mostly by locals. Laie Beach Park is known by locals as "Pounder's Beach" and is known to be a great boogie boarding beach. We all were able to catch at least one fun wave or two (the kind that makes your heart beat a little faster but puts a smile on your face) AND each of us got "pounded" a time or two too! Because we all spent time boogie boarding, we didn't get pictures of all us on a board. I did make a point to stay out of the water one morning to capture Zoe catching a few waves.

Polynesian Cultural Center

On Thursday, July 14, we spent the WHOLE day experiencing the Polynesian Cultural Center. We "traveled" to the 8 different island villages throughout Polynesia where we were able to watch shows and participate in interactive activities. We also spent some time watching the Rainbow of Paradise canoe pageant along the lagoon that flows throughout the grounds of the PCC. After "traveling" we enjoyed dinner, and we ended our day watching "Ha Breath of Life"... an evening show featuring a cast of over a 100 islanders performing traditional Polynesian songs & dances.

Noah's "tatoo" from Aotearoa (New Zealand)

Zoe picked a less noticeable area of her body for her tatoo

Mom joined the fun and got "tattooed" too

Noah taking pictures of the canoe pageant

Zoe learning a dance in "Fiji"

Noah learning the male version of the dance in "Fiji"