Classroom Chatter

Today my students were in Science building a habitat for crickets with another teacher. The student I work directly with was dumping sand into the container and then was able to pick another person to put in more sand. He choose another boy who he considers one of his good friends. This is the conversation that followed.

Student 1: Mrs. Hurckes, I thought Chris would pick you.
Me: No, he really likes Steve more than me.
Student 1: Well he likes everyone more than you.
Student 2: Mrs. Hurckes, I like you more than everyone else...except for Amelia (her twin sister).

I wasn't bothered at all, but I got a good laugh out of it.

** The names have all been changed.

Our new Drapes!

On Thursday Rick and I went to visit one my the teachers I work with because she is on maternity leave. There house was decorated very nicely and we got the idea to add drapes to the windows in our living room and dining room.

After we were done with lunch (and taking pictures with the hippopotamus') we went to IKEA. We were able to find some very nice drapes AND get them installed today! There were many choices of types of drapes and beams. We had planned to get silver beams, but once we looked at them and bought all of the pieces separately we thought the brown ones were much better looking. They are a much better match to the rest of the decor in our two rooms. Here are some pictures of our work!





As with all of our projects it wasn't as simple as it looks. The beam which holds the drapes is two pieces. So we had to make sure everything was level and connect the two pieces (these pieces liked to come apart and try to assault us). Once the beams were up, then I ironed the drapes (this is more ironing than I have done in my entire life) and hem the drapes to fit.

At IKEA I also got a sifter which I have been wanting to assist in my baking efforts. At Menards we bought insulation for our hot water heater and new insides for one of our toilets (Rick is insistent on me calling it "ter-lets").

Hippo's!

My blog is named after a book called "But not the Hippopotamus" by Sandra Boynton. In the book all of the animals play together, but not the hippoptamus. This is the case until the end when the hippopotamus joins the other animals, BUT NOT THE ARMADILLO!

Today, Rick and I went to The Promenade shopping center in Bolingbrook. It is an outdoor mall. The play area for kids had a bunch of Hippos. Of course I thought of the blog and wanted to share. Rick and I were able to watch a lot of kids play while we ate our lunch today!

Pumpkin Patch continued...

Alex sat in the moonwalk for a few minutes and then Rick joined him! They walked back and forth. Rick said it looked more fun than it really was.

I think I was more scared going down the slide than Alex was....

The pony ride was probably Alex's favorite part of the day. Rick walked next to him, except for the second pony picture in which Alex was holding on so tightly that Rick got a great picture.

Train ride #3....this time is was my turn.

As you can tell, Alex was WIPED out at the end of the day. Although he hasn't mastered the use of a straw he loved his pumpkin cup. He quickly fell asleep on the ride home.
Back at the house Alex had another popsicle. The red are much more visible on him!

To the pumpkin patch....

This afternoon Rick and I took Alex took Cootonwood Pumpkin Farm. There was so much to do and even though it was 90 degrees we had a wonderful time.

There were many wooden cutouts to pose with at the farm.

Rick wore his Cubs hat today, but thought it looked better on Alex---he disagreed!

I am not sure what this "thing" was called, but it was filled with air and there were balloons flying around inside. It took a few minutes to get used to, but Alex seemed to enjoy it after a while. The above picture is of Rick looking in at Alex and me.

Alex loves trains. Lucky for him, they were all over the place. This is his first train ride of the day.

Alex enjoyed looking at the animals at the petting zoo. He thought anything with four legs was a "puppy".

Train ride #2--this one Rick rode with him. He was happy and content. He would have ridden the train all day. We wished the train farewell afterwards--"bye, bye choo-choo".

Alex Visits Lockport!

Alex came to visit us today. Jackie went to visit Holly and Alex spent the day in Lockport. After lunch and before we went out Alex had a "baby taco" or popsicle.




Here is a video of Alex telling you what Turtles and Goats say. Sorry it is turned the wrong direction.

Alex loves to dance. There are two songs that he likes in particular- Rockstar by Nickleback and Hurricane Hey Bay Bay by Purple Rayze. Here are a couple of videos of Alex asking for his favorite songs. (The picture won't be very big or very clear, but as long as you can hear him, it is well worth watching).

Mackenzie visits Chicago!

Today we met Mackenzie, Tyler, Matt, and Amy (Mack's roommate) downtown. Tyler and Matt are running the Chicago Marathon tomorrow! Rick and I took the train to down town and met them near Matt's apartment. Matt and Tyler went to register for the race while Amy, Mack, Rick, and I went to Millenium Park and Buckingham Fountain. Today was soooo hot for October. We were sweating!

Amy and Mack on the swing at Millenium Park!

Rick and Me on the swing!

Can you find us?

At Buckingham Fountain wiping off the sweat...

Mack talking to Tyler...finding out how long they would be until they were back for lunch.

We went to the Chicago Hilton to wait for Tyler and Matt. We enjoyed the air conditioning and the expensive water. We ventured to the top/private floors to see the view. When asked why were up there, Rick answered because he was admiring the architecture.

Rick loves this red building. It was on our way back to our train.

This was a vintage Metra train that was at the station today. Rick took this cool picture with the city in the background.