Friday, January 16

Visiting the animals on a chilly morning makes us smile and say "thank you" to everyone who has donated animals--The Reus Family (and grandparents); Dr. Vasut and friends at Lake Travis High School; the Carter Family and friends; and Vicki, Grammy, and everyone at Sonshine Stables

Queso and Lily Belle are a study in size--large and small to be exact!

Meet Peachy and Aurora . . . DOB 10/30/08

Meet Tonka . . .

Meet Chevy--he's the white one!

Meet Spencer--we like his wool "socks".

School Announcements: We hope Mr. Jamie feels better today! He has been out sick yesterday and today.

Highlights from the Infant Room: Ms. Caprice had fun with Ali, Jack, Gage and Vivian today. They explored simple puzzles, matching shapes and playing music on Ms. Caprice's xylophone.

Highlights from the Toddler/Twos Room: The toddler class had a good time playing with their new friend, Kai, who is transitioning from the One/Twos room. We spent some time outside this morning and found that it was a little to cool for most friends so we retreated to the warm classroom. Circle time included singing our morning song and the days of the week song along with reading Doctor Suess ABC and Farm Animals. Maksim cooked eggs for the class, Gabrielle had fun running a car on the table, Kai and Gavin both wore hard hats while playing, Waylon put the farm animal puzzle together three times and Mason built with Legos. After a yummy lunch, everyone passed out within five minutes! What a busy morning!

Highlights from the PreK:
This morning we enjoyed visiting all of the animals and watching Queso take a walk outside of his pen. The goats and sheep were glad to meet us! We walked the labyrinth and sang a "red bird" song as we quietly tip toed around the school grounds hoping to catch a glimpse of a beautiful red cardinal. He was always a couple of trees ahead of us, but we managed to get a look. We were surprised to hear that boy cardinals are much fancier than girl cardinals! Inside, Matt, Miles and Noah enjoyed building structures in a pretend dinosaur land. Colton, Isaac, Asa, and Catherine enjoyed using play stands and silks to build a rocket ship. Goggles are apparently necessary to wear for blast off! Landon enjoyed working with cylinders, and Nina and Iris enjoyed the writing table. We had a lovely Friday!

The rocket ship . . .

Cooking . . .
AM Snack: cinnnamon graham crackers, organic milk

Lunch: homemade egg salad, English cucumber slices, organic apple wedges, whole wheat saltines, organic milk

PM Snack: organic cheese pizza, water bottles

Thursday, January 15

School Announcements: We have had a busy couple of days at school! Most folks seem to be feeling better, though we still have a couple of friends out sick today. Please note that the illness we have been seeing involves several days of diarrhea, and maybe some vomitting or a headache. It takes several days to fully recover and be ready for school--a reminder that children must have been free of vomitting and diarrhea for a full 24 hours before returning to school.

A big thank you to Dr. Vasut and the students at Lake Travis High School. We were so grateful to receive their donation of two beautiful goats (one a champion), named "Tonka" and "Chevy". We also received a beautiful lamb named "Spencer". The animals are doing very well on their first day, and our kiddos are very excited! Again, many thanks to Dr. Vasut, the students, and Tanya Carter (Matt's mom) for all of her coordination!

Highlights from the Infant Room: The infants have been enjoying Caprice's xylophone today. Each child had a chance to make some music with Caprice. The children enjoyed reading books and playing with the play mat. We are so glad that our friend Jack is feeling better. Thank you, Caprice, for bringing in your beautiful instrument to share.

Highlights from the Toddler Room: Orion and Vivian enjoyed building with large Legos and wooden blocks. They tossed the soft soccer ball around the room, and visited our new animals this afternoon. They loved outside time, and enjoyed hearing Caprice's beautiful music.

Highlights from the Twos Room: Gavin, Kai, and Mason loved seeing the new goats this morning. The class read Dr. Suess' Amazing Alphabet Book and a colors book. The boys took a long nap, and didn't think much of afternoon snack--veggies and dip!

Highlights from the PreK: The morning got off to a busy start when we watched Jesse move in another fridge, as our school fridge wasn't working well. We had lots of questions! The children enjoyed painting--attempting some wet on wet painting with Michelle. Mr. Jamie was sick, so we will spend time getting to know our new animal friends in the afternoon. The class enjoyed hearing Miles' three little pigs book and discussing it. Indoor work included cooking in the play kitchen, scooping pasta, and the newly established writing table.

AM Snack: organic honey nut toasted "o"s, organic milk
Lunch: organic brown rice, mixed vegetables, roasted chicken, mandarin oranges, organic milk
PM Snack: zucchini sticks, baby carrots, ranch dip, water

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

School Announcements:
We continue to see a rash of diarrhea and vomitting at our school in in our families. We are sending any child home for 24 hours that exhibits either symptom given the vast number of families that have been infected. Thank you for not sending your child until they have had a period of 24 hours without diarrhea or vomitting.

We are so sad to share that all of our beloved rabbits were killed on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. We believe that a dog or dogs attacked the rabbits. They were lovingly buried at the front of our property near the labyrinth, with signs marking their graves. We told the children gently on Monday and Tuesday, told the children how much the rabbits loved being their pets, and shared that their spirits had gone to the spirit world where they were happy and playing!

We have reinforced a "night pen" with barbed wire for all of our animals except Queso and the kittens. The kittens sleep in the feed barn at night. On Monday morning before sunrise, Leslie pulled up to the night pen to check on the animals and saw a wild rabbit with a big fluffy tail hop into the woods behind the pen. Perhaps this was a sign from our rabbits that they were OK.

Highlights from the Infant Room: The infants enjoyed reading The Pokey Little Puppy and listening to story CDs. Ali and Gage bounce their heads to the beat of music sometimes. Alex likes to move toys around the room! The children had a good day! We hope Jack can join us soon!

Highlights from the Twos Room: Kai enjoyed visiting the Twos Room today. He loved all the new toys! Gavin and Kai enjoyed time with Lacey. They worked on puzzles, made animal sounds, and visited Abby and the new kittens.

Highlights from the PreK Room: The PreK divides into two small groups on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Leslie's class enjoyed modeling beeswax while listening to the story of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin". The class drew with beeswax crayons and built structures and roads with dominoes. Several children enjoyed building a huge train track! Michelle's group read Bear Stays Up and No, David!, using some sign language with the second book. The class worked with droppers, water, and glass pitchers on trays. Some children made puppets with paper and tongue depressors. Outside, both groups enjoyed working with Mr. Jamie in small groups. Riding bikes and small cars were lots of fun. Two friends used sticks to beat a rhythm against a tree in our tree house, and enjoyed singing a song together!

AM Snack: whole grain bagels with berry jam and cream cheese, water
Lunch: breakfast casserole (organic potatoes, sausage, eggs), whole grain crackers, grapes, organic milk
PM Snack: "rockets"--pineapple rings with banana halves, water

Thursday, January 8, 2009

School Announcements: Don't forget the Evening of Indulgence this Friday night from 6:30-9:00. Enjoy a massage, a glass of wine, and appetizers--a great way to start the weekend!


The farrier came yesterday to work on the animals' feet--only Queso had a trim as Lily and Abby were having no part of it!


A sheep and two goats are coming soon courtesy of Dr. Vasut and arrangements by the Carter family. We are excited to meet them all! Our kittens, Peachy and Aurora, are getting more and more accustomed to people and are venturing futher from the feed barn each day. Queso is doing well, and has a bigger area in which to roam. Sir Benito and Milkshake, the new rabbits, are easily handled and loved lots of fresh veggies yesterday afternoon!


Thanks to Andrea Acosta, Lora Keane, and Stacy Wooster for all of the great donated crafting items! The kids are really enjoying all of the new treasures!


Highlights from the Infant Room: The children enjoyed riding in the pack and play crib to see the animals. Ali and Gage sat in Bumbo seats, and Alex held Gage's hand. Ali and Gage held on to the fence on the rabbit pen to get a closer look. We hope our friend Jack feels better soon! Liam, Mattvey and Landon from the PreK helped Caprice push the crib around the school grounds.


Highlights from the Toddler Room: We took a big wagon ride around the farm and visited all of the animals. We examined leaves on the play yard, crushing them in our hands. Kai enjoyed ringing bells outside from the center of the labyrinth. The teepee was lots of fun in our classroom. Vivian likes the soft soccer ball and scooting from place to place watching the activities of the classroom. When no one is looking, she plays and has a great time, but it's secret. Kai still loves Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? more than any other book!


Highlights from the Twos Room: Waylon, Gavin, and Mason enjoyed a wagon ride with Heather. They enjoyed exploring the texture and sound of the new dyed pasta in a sensory box. With Heather's help, the boys took time to craft with glue! Everyone was ready for a good lunch and a good nap!


Highlights from the PreK Room: Today the PreK was busy! Inside we read No David!, The Grouchy Barnyard, and The Story of the Gingerbread Man. We crafted with wooden sticks, glue, and some great pasta dyed by Liam's mom. Small groups of children took turns working with Mr. Jamie. We worked in small groups all morning with Michelle and Leslie! It was a busy day at farm school! Work inside included: chalk/chalkboards, wipe off boards and markers sorting, dress up, construction set, and pour/scooping/tongs with the great new pasta!


AM Snack: rice cakes with peanut butter, water
Lunch: pasta with ground turkey marinara, orange slices, green peas, organic milk
PM Snack: grapes, pretzels, water

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

School Announcements: We enjoyed the beautiful skies today!
Don't forget to enjoy a massage at the Evening of Indulgence this Friday from 6:30-9!

Highlights from the Infant Room: Check out our new room arrangement! Things feel happy and fresh for the New Year! Today the children explored various textures including chenille, fuzzy pipe cleaners, and the pliability of other objects. Caprice sang and danced to "I'm H*A*P*P*Y*" and read Good Night Summer Lights. The kids smelled a new sensory bottle containing cinnamon. Ali and Gage pulled toys out of the toy basket and even pulled each other's socks off! We hope to find some time for outside tomorrow to see the new animals . . .

Highlights from the Toddler Room: Welcome to our new friend Vivian! Today the class read Baxter Bear Goes to the Farm and Wild Animals Picture Book. We practiced making sounds for a chicken, dog, cat, pig, and cow. The children stacked wood blocks and then had fun knocking them over. Other work included: stacking cups, tossing bean bags, playing with the ABC floor mat, and the teepee.

Highlights from the Twos Room: Today the class read The Greedy Crocodile. The kids enjoyed wagon rides and kick ball outside. The children enjoyed baking bread today--for some of our friends it was the first time! Work inside included: cooking, playing with the dollhouse, looking at books/picture books, and cars.

Highlights from the PreK: The class read There Were Ten in the Bed and Everyone Poops. We enjoyed working with Mr. Jamie, baking bread, playing playdough, and dressing up. We had a very busy day, and most friends passed right out at naptime! We enjoyed playing with our new friends Noah and Cole!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

School Announcements:
Don't forget about the Evening of Indulgence this Friday night (1/9) from 6:30-9:00--come enjoy massage and hair touch-ups!

Everyone is settling back in from the break--we look forward to a good week. Today's sunshine was much appreciated!

Highlights from the Infant Room: Welcome to Alex! Today Caprice read the children lots of books. The children enjoyed learning to clap hands while Caprice sang "If You're Happy and You Know It" to them.

Highlights from the Toddler Room: Today the class read There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly and Book of Shapes and sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" with hand motions. Welcome back Kai and Orion! Kai enjoyed playing in the new tunnel and reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. Luke played with the stacking cups, built with wood blocks, looked at books--reading "independently", and played inside the teepee. Orion played with wood blocks, liked someone to pretend that they couldn't see him/then find him, and throwing the soft soccer ball.

Highlights from the Twos Room: The Twos enjoyed a nature walk with visits to the animals and drawing with beeswax crayons. They enjoyed puzzles, blocks, and the dollhouse inside!

Highlights from the PreK: Today we read Time for Bed and The Sun's Asleep Behind the Hill. We sang "Morning has Come" and "Good Morning". We played a name game to meet our new friends Alex, Cole, and Noah (who will start tomorrow). The class visited Lily Belle and watched Mr. Jamie groom her and clean her feet. After that, we took a nature walk to visit Queso, feed the rabbits, and spent some time in the story tent. Some friends worked with beeswax crayons and our new index cards, donated by a parent and Wiley Middle teacher, Andrea Acosta. Fine motor work included sewing cards, puzzles, and playdough. We had a good day, and lots of good naps!

Morning Snack: cranberry bread, water
Lunch: homemade chicken pot pie (chicken, mixed vegetables, crust), applesauce, organic milk
Afternoon Snack: pretzel sticks, cheddar cheese cubes, water

Monday, January 5, 2009 . . .We're Baaaaack

School Announcements: Welcome back to all of our families! Hope that you had a great Winter Break--we did! Watch for several new animals, rounding out our farm. Many thanks to Kevin and Tanya Carter (and Mattvey, too) for arranging for us to have Lucy Pig, Abby the Donkey, and soon two goats and a sheep!

Highlights from the Infant Room: Jack and Ali held down the fort in the infant room today, and we look forward to seeing Gage tomorrow. Everyone has grown! Jack is pulling up on everything, and Ali doesn't want to miss anything that is happening. Today Caprice practiced saying "mama" and "dada" with the kids--and they both did it! They also enjoyed rhymes and finger plays.

Highlights from the Toddler Room: Luke was the Lone Ranger in this room today, and enjoyed several new items in the classroom, though he is a little unsure about the new tunnel. He loved lots of snacks from his teachers!

Highlights from the Twos Room: Gavin loved his new classroom today! Mason, Maksim, and Gabrielle enjoyed their time with Heather, who is the new teacher in the classroom. Everyone enjoyed painting and having lunch with our preK friends.

Highlights from the PreK: At community time today, the class enjoyed singing: "Morning Has Come" and several counting songs including "Five Little Monkeys Singing in a Tree" and "Three Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed". We counted in Spanish and English and read Little Quacks Hide and Seek and Rock It, Sock It, Number Line. We took a walk around the farm to meet the new horse, "Queso" and two new rabbits, "Milkshake" and "Sir Benito". We heard a story about Sir Benito in the story tent. We painted with green, and enjoyed seeing friends that we missed! We hope to have even more outside time tomorrow.

Breakfast: granola bars, water
Lunch: albacore tuna salad, baby carrots and ranch dip, whole grain crackers, bananas, organic milk
Snack: whole grain Goldfish crackers, raisins, water