Waterford Poetry

Waterford Elementary is a big fan of public speaking.  Each year, starting in kindergarten, the children recite a poem for their class and parents (as well as many other things throughout the year).  As they get older the poems get longer and the audience can get bigger.  For 3rd-5th graders it is a competition.  Carter was a finalist last year and...he was a finalist again this year!  He did his poem for the entire school and parents.

Calm as could be, he did great.  The poem theme for 4th grade is science.
His poem:

Methodically Scientific by Mr. Lafazia

"Dr. Watson!" Sherlock Holmes cried out, perceiving some new clue.
"I spy a toad, upon this road, whose innards are now goo."
"I wonder how they got this way," Watson did reply.
"Certainly not willingly," the detective did descry.

An Observation of this sort is nothing to be left.
The Question formed was how the perpetrator perpetrated this grand theft.
That life was gone--no question there--was obvious to them,
But who had done this dirty deed and turned the toad to phlegm?

"I do Propose," said Sherlock now, "that tires did the deed,
"And furthermore, the Dunlop brand!" he brazenly decreed.
"Why Holmes, old boy," the Doctor spoke, "how make you such a claim?"
"My methods, Watson, you do know, and conviction is my aim."

The duo traveled far and wide along the London street--
Searching here and checking there for frog guts on car feet.
They checked Goodyear, Dunlop; Firestone too,
For thorough Testing is what an objective scientist must do!

"AHA!" blurted Sherlock, "See here, my good man!
"I have found the death of this poor frog (who is flatter than a pan).
"The deed was done, as I have said, with this rear Dunlop tire,
"But I see justice has been done as well, for vandals have set the car afire!"

"So it would seem," Watson proclaimed, as both men backed away.
"But Holmes, how did you track it down--you've really saved the day.
"I have to tell you, my dear friend, your Conclusions seem terrific!"
"Nonsense, dear boy," Holmes replied with a grin, "They're Methodically Scientific!"

Then time for Luke, in 2nd grade.  He loves (maybe too much) to be in front.  His poem was to be humorous, about a dentist that wants everyone to eat candy.  We did not have a dentist outfit so Luke selected his shirt and tie.

Luke's Poem:

The One Who Invented Trick or Treat by Shel Silverstein

Yes, I invented "Trick or treat"

So you could fill your mouth with sweets-

Candy bars and lemon drops,

Marshmallow and Tootsie Pops,

Butterscotch and bubble gum.

Hold out your hand - they'll give you some

Chocolate kisses, Jujubes,

Sourballs and jelly beans.

Have a cake - some cookies too.

Take a couple - grab a few

Peppermint Sticks and Mary Janes, 

Licorice whips, and candy canes,

Slurp some soda, munch a pie,

Don't let those M&M's go by,

Chew that toffee, munch those treats,

Get that caramel in you teeth.

Then come see me, I'll be here- 

I'm your friendly dentist, dear.

A day out

A day off of school.  We run some errands, find the fun in that.

And then off the bowling.  Jeremy in 1st, Carrie in 2nd, Carter and Luke is a battle between the two of them.

He calls it "The best weekend of my life!"

Luke had a big sports weekend.  He is a competitive child and takes his sports quite seriously.

Saturday, he started with his basketball game.  If anyone has experience with 2nd grade basketball then you  know that high scores are not likely (we have had games end with only a few baskets).  Luke made it his personal mission to get a lot of baskets (and ignoring his dad telling him to pass).  He had 14 points, out of the total 23.  He was feeling it.

Then Sunday was a wrestling met (oh those are an experience).  He was placed in the advanced grouping, it is only his 2nd year of wrestling.  First match...pin!  Second match...close but a loss.  Third match...pin!  His first ever pins in wrestling!  He really put together moves to get the pin and he had a great cheering section of friends.

Picture from a previous match since mommy, Carter and Brayden did not make it to the met (the place was not very accommodating for Brayden so we headed to church).

Luke declared his best weekend of his life.  He was more than thrilled.

Fun with Friends

We had great times with wonderful friends this year for the holidays.
A great Italian dinner with the Blizzards with great Christmas fun...bummer I forgot to actually take pictures.  But we were even elf-ed and exchanged gifts such a wonderful Christmas memory.

Then New Year's fun for what has almost become a tradition with the Drakopoulus family and other families.
The boys (and the girls there are so patient with the boy chaos).  Can you hear the noise?!

And somehow Brayden fell asleep in the next room.