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June

On June 18 Jack had his last day of third grade.

 

We were unable to take a last day photo in front of the school

sign as there was a graduation event happening for the 8th graders.

So, here is Jack upon dismissal holding his final progress report.

We celebrated the end of the school year with a trip to Salem Willows.

This of course included some ice cream.

And some happy faces.

And also a large tank to climb on!

We managed to fit in a trip to Kanes the next day for 

the usual end of the school year treat.

Jack was excited to try a Boston cream donut, 

but decided 3/4 of the way through it was not his favorite.

On Father's Day we took Derrick out for lunch in Salem.

The weather was perfect for sitting outside.

Jack got to visit his buddy and go swimming on a nice, hot day.

- S.

May

 

For Mother's Day we went to Cider Hill Farm and 

enjoyed some tulip picking and cider donuts.

We took a trip to Mystic, CT and spent the day with Derrick's family at the Mystic Seaport.

Jack on the Charles Morgan.

On the fire boat.

View from the fire boat.

The library is now allowing people in to browse.  Very exciting!

French fry 'stache.

- S.

Late April

Catching up, second half of April, including April vacation.

Hike near our house.

Outside the Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester.

 

Must learn about antique furniture at any museum.

Planning next steps.

The First Order Fresnel Lens from Thatcher Island lighthouse.  Pretty cool.

https://www.capeannmuseum.org/first-order-fresnel-lens/

Lunch at Sugar Magnolia's after the museum.

Various Panda Club activities such as lunch, 

and rainbow loom.

- S.

Early April Happenings

 

Jack had his first solo science fair this year as opposed to prior years 

where the class did a group project.

He was quite concerned about it, particularly having to present to the (virtual) judges, but it ended up coming together and going well.

We went for a hike at Willowdale State Park.

Who is this tall kid?

Part of going to Willowdale was the proximity to the Agawam Diner...

...for a slice of pie!  

One chocolate cream, one banana cream, and one lemon meringue.

Group shot

And what better way to spend a chilly afternoon than meeting with 

your friend on video to read and discuss Calvin and Hobbes?

- S.

8.5

 

About a month ago, we celebrated Jack's half birthday.

There wasn't much open, so we opted for a trip to Joe's Playland 

for some games to celebrate.

Jack seems to be consistently improving at skee ball.

Of course, the silly hat!  Since the 2nd fell on a Tuesday, I made a taco hat.

We had some treats, 

and tacos for dinner!

- S.

Winter Pandemic

 I didn't realize it had been so long without an update.  We fell into somewhat of a lazy weekend pattern here over the winter, so there wasn't too much to report, or much motivation to report what little there was.  Now that spring is here and the birds are chirping and the flowers are starting to bloom, and more things are opening up, it is more enticing to be outside, and I suspect we will be out and about a bit more.

Part of my Christmas gift was a cooking class with Jack.

We made snowman cupcakes.

About 30 seconds later, the cupcakes were devoured for second breakfast.

For NYE this year, Jack was determined to stay up until midnight again 

and that was his main focus.

We watched a lot of TV, including Godzilla vs. Mothra and lots of Looney Tunes.

And had lots of snacks, of course.

Even the cat joined in.

Jack did get to see some friends here and there, 

including a trip to his buddy's outdoor hot tub.

And some rock climbing with another friend in Lynn Woods.

Example of the aforementioned lazy morning.

We did get out for a bit of snowshoeing.

Jack lasted a respectable distance before starting to complain about being tired.

There was also some backyard snow fun, 

including Jack's experimental wall and snowball collection.

And a mini snowman.  

(We didn't get too much snow this year.)

- S.

Next up: 8.5 birthday.