A Sacramento Thanksgiving

What were we doing Thursday, Nov. 12? Why, getting off work and driving to California of course! My dad moved to Sacramento over the summer for a job, and my family decided to go have an early Thanksgiving dinner with him! Leaving for Cali after a full day's work kind of takes a lot of energy...we were definitely in a rush, and therefore silly me...I forgot our camera! So these pics (sorry there are so many...I love pictures) are mostly from iPhones..my mom, dad, and little sister have iPhones haha. Boy do I feel out of style!

It took us 9.5 hrs to get to my dad's house...We slept in Friday morning and met everyone in the beautiful city of SAN FRANCISCO at Pier 39. I've always gone to San Fran in the warm summer...It was chilly in November! We spent the whole day there..what a FUN city!
We spent some time at the corner of Haight and Ashbury....the literal birthplace of the Hippie Movement...and I believe the permanent home for my dad's heart and soul :-). Haight Street is so amazing. There was definitely a ton of energy there...so many different people and awesome shops. Jake made friends for the second time in his life with a bum...well he said he use to be one. This bum wasn't drunk though, he was HIGH as a kite. I thought his eyes were going to explode because the blood vessels were seriously SO dilated. Quite an enjoyable conversation nonetheless.
Standing under the street sign..

There was an outstanding consignment shop and I think this little guy lived there! My sister discovered him.
The artwork on the street was brilliant. This sensual lady was painted on a DOOR that led to and ALLEY...hmmm what goes on back there??
This musician was rockin it on the harmonica. He said he "plays to heal."

The Puff Puff Pass smoke shop seemed like a popular place!

While Jake and I recovered (sleeping) from our drive, part of our group went to Alcatraz. Also known as The Rock, Alcatraz was a Federal Prison back in the 50's-60's. You can imagine the heaviness of the air inside those walls. Al Capone was just one of the crazy murderers that was sent there. The prison claims that despite 14 attempts to escape, no one has "successfully escaped." Six prisoners were shot and killed during their escape, 3 were lost to sea..and have yet to be found!!

Looks cozy...

Our loving family...They don't really know how to have fun ;-)

My little sister..who took most of these pics (thanks sister!)
And of course Thanksgiving dinner, which was delicious! Jake has gotten really good at studying for tests this semester!
Happy Thanksgiving family!

Inside a 5yr old's Head

I'm off track during Thanksgiving break so my class celebrated last week. After a short lesson on Thanksgiving, we watched "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving." If you haven't seen it, it's pretty cute. Charlie Brown and all his friends eat toast, popcorn, pretzels and jelly beans as their feast. So of course, my kids ate toast, popcorn and pretzels (forgot the jelly beans) after the movie. In the movie, they say grace before they eat....So one of my kids said "But Mrs. Peterson we have to say our prayers before we eat." haha pretty funny.

I love to ask them what they are thankful for. I even model it so they understand what it means. I usually say: "I'm thankful for my family, and for food." (yes...food) Then it's their turn. Sometimes, well, many times, I wonder what in the world is going on inside their head! Here's what they had to say:

- "I'm thankful for my parents and all they give me...like all my stuffed animals."

- "I'm thankful for my dad, cause he's in the army." (his dad is being deployed to Iraq in like 10 days)

- "I like writing gift cards."

- "I'm happy I have the holy ghost and my family and that I can have families forever and my family to eat with. And a doggy to sleep with." (WOW!)

- "I like to dress up my teddy bear in Spiderman."

OK and now for the grand finale, including the conversation that ensued amongst the kids:

- "On Valentines I'm gonna give you all some Transformer Cards...and that my daddy is here for us so we have lots of deer."

child 1: "Deer? Like hunt?"

child 2: "Deer?! Like from SANTA CLAUS!?"

child 3 in a matter-of-fact voice: "No...Deer, like they cook it."

I just sat there in my chair listening to all this and was speechless. It's a good thing Kindergartners don't get embarrassed to easily because I laugh at them a lot. We all laugh together actually. I'm glad I fit in with 5 year olds....

Petah...Petah Pan

Happy Late Halloween! Jandie and Bill had everyone over that night and we all ofcourse dressed up. She made scrumtrulescent taco soup and Carly made cute (and yummy) grave-cupcakes. I wore my costume all day long...One of my favorite parts about being a teacher (really!).

Group shot: Woody, Bo Peep and Buzz; Mummies...one Partially Wrapped!; Peter Pan & Tink; Cinderella & Fairy Godmother; and Skeletons!!

Barkley was Superman and Bella was a beautiful pink fairy...

One of my classes. I told them they had to be in character. That's the best they could do!
Belle's hair must have taken 3 hours...