Volcano National Park

 Call me crazy, but I've always wanted to see an active volcano--from a safe distance, of course. In honour of turning 40, I made a wish for a trip to Hawaii. While I was denied flowing lava by Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of all things hot, the experience was nonetheless spectacular. In the photo above, Emma and Mouse huddle in the lava tube located in the back yard of our Volcano Village cottage. Below is the tsunami evacuation area just outside of the park. With as much volcanic activity in the area as there is, occasional tsunamis are as inevitable as the quakes that cause them. Let's just say we didn't linger.

Shortly after sunset one night we voyaged to the Kilauea crater to view the glow of lava percolating 200ft below the opening. Instructions for hiking in the area recommended sturdy boots, lots of water, wind and rain gear, and sunscreen. There were signs posted warning of areas with poor air quality due to expelled gases. There were also signs to watch out for a distant relative of the Canadian Goose, called a ne-ne, who seems to have survived the eruptions just fine, but is under serious threat of extinction due to humans.  We never did see one.

I was fascinated with the variety of forms of lava we found. Some of them looked like reptile skin. Others looked like a backyard barbecue that got out of hand. Even more remarkable was the life springing from the cracks and crevices. I feel like I've travelled to a place of birth... and rebirth.

Camp Miller 2012

Since moving to P-town, Camp Miller has become an annual tradition. It fills those weeks of summer that aren't taken up by day camp or trips out of town as a family. Days pass in a blink, filled with trips to the library, the local museum, destination bike rides, hikes, and crafts galore. Of course, I can't resist dabbling in academia. They read, write, and do math, too, every day save weekends. I've had them test multitude of websites that I hope to use with my students next year. My girls are such good sports! This year we have to squeeze in gymnastics and cross country practices, piano and flute lessons, and dog sitting. I can hardly believe June is over already. As kids return to school mid-August here, I feel like summer is passing by too quickly. 

Evelyn and Madelaine at the K'nex exhibit ( Lakeview Museum )

Maddy and Evelyn resting at Starbucks, our first destination bike ride.

Evelyn and her painted lizard tile (pre-firing)

Madelaine and her painted random tile (pre-firing)

My First Classroom

So this is it, my first classroom. Please overlook the chaos, as this is how it must be left for the cleaners who promise to have it back to me by August. To be honest, I'm beside myself with anticipation. It can be a tad overwhelming at times, but ever so worth it. When I think back to my first year as a physical therapist, I know I still had so much to learn. I was also a measly 21 years old with as much to master outside the workplace as within it. Despite the additional nineteen years of life experience, I know I won't be able to dodge every rookie mistake. Still, they are mine to make. I'm ever so grateful for the opportunity.
Look out 5th grade, here I come!

Venus Tracking

June 5, 2012 Venus crossed in front of the sun. The little fleck's path was from top right to bottom right and was just barely visible through solar viewing glasses. Still, it was pretty cool and won't be seen again in any of our lifetimes. Needless to say I've socked away the glasses for my future classroom. Finally, my packrat nature is being put to full use!

One Proud Mama

Evelyn graduated from elementary school today having earned the President's Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. This requires that she have maintained an A- average in 4th and 5th grade and to have scored in the Exceeds range on the state standardized tests for Math, Language Arts and Science.
Madelaine earned her very first Presidential Physical Fitness Award. There are five tests that the kids have to complete. To get the Presidential award, you have to score above the 85 percentile in all five tests. Amazing! I only got it for the first time in 7th grade and I think it was because the wind was at my back.
Enough bragging.