Christian, Christian, Christian. . .the day after his party he woke up saying he was actually "five years old!"  

Here are some of my favorite things about the party. . .

Who doesn't love treat bags with little trinkets, toys, and candy?

This was one of the party favors. . .We gave out inflatable balls along with this little printable!

We started a new tradition.  All of our guests signed Christian's birthday book.  Every year he's going to get a new book and all the guests will sign it.  I'll add a picture from his party on the inside cover.  I'm sure in 6 years when he's 10 he'll want nothing to do with this book, but at least I'll have a memory of my handsome little four year old guy!  I hope he'll enjoy looking back on the memories too.

We kept the "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" menu simple:  pizza, fruit, and juice boxes.  Nothing fancy.

We just went with a classic cookie from Great American Cookie Co.  Simple, yet so delicious!

This is wrapping paper that I used as a table decoration.  When the party ended, Mr. Perry rolled it up and we added it to our party supplies.  Not sure how long it will last, but I know it will make it to Solomon's party in April 2012!  I love it because the colors match just about anything.  Solomon's having a "Very Hungry Caterpillar" party because he just eats and eats and eats and eats and eats. . .No one can resist pinching his chubby little cheeks and tummy!

Please excuse the pizza. . .I couldn't get a good shot of the kids while they were eating.  Someone always had food hanging out of their mouth!

Four little candles. . .

My big guy. . .

Growing up way to fast. . .

After a little bit of limbo, bowling, and opening gifts the boys actually slept in until 7:00 am.  It's a good thing my parents and grandmother were in town because I was exhausted!

February Favorites. . .

So this month we've been doing lots of research, expository writing, and special projects. 

Right now we're really working on American history/symbols, but here's a look at one of my favorite projects from February.

For African American history we studied the lives of 5 influential citizens from the past/present who have impacted our society.  We studied Rosa Parks, Alfred Cralle (inventor of ice cream scoop), Garrett Morgan (inventor of the traffic light and firefighter hood), Maya Angelou, and Dr. Mae Jemison (African American female astronaut).  After learning about each individual, we completed a shared writing piece and an art project to help the students connect a {craftivity} to the information that they learned. 

space ships in honor of Dr. Jemison. . .

a traffic light quilt in honor of Garrett Morgan. . .

Our shared writing about Rosa Parks. . .

ice cream cones in honor of Alfred Cralle. . . 

If you're looking for a great resource for African American history check out these resources. . .

April from Chalk Talk has a great mini-unit here.

Mrs. Tabb also has a wonderful unit {Let's Celebrate Black History}.  You can find it here.

I am actually working on a new unit. . .I thought I'd never be able to say that again for a while!  I'm not even going to specify when it will be complete.  I think it's best to say that I'll work on it as much as possible and let you know when it's ready to go.  We are completing many of these activities this week and next week so it will have lots on photos and examples.