Weekend Diary has become a popular part of the 5th Grade year at Stranahan. I love Weekend Diary for many reasons. First of all, it helps me get to know my students better and it helps them get to know me. In addition to that, we work on numerous writing skills throughout the year all while creating a memory book to be saved. Some of these skills include: editing, revising, bold beginnings, colorful vocabulary, figurative language, organized paragraphs, creativity, and many more. Often I will share my Weekend Diary with the class. Often there will be mistakes that the class will help me correct. They will also look for ways that we can revise it or make it better. This whole process models for the students how they can become a more experienced and creative writer not to mention taking ownership of their own writing skills. I will try to post the classes finalized version of my entry each week on this part of my site. Hope you enjoy! :)
September 6th, 2011
Dear Weekend Diary,
The air was as crisp as fallen leaves and the caramel apple cider warmed my hands like an old, cozy pair of gloves. It was hard to believe that Friday the temperatures were in the high nineties. Labor Day felt like a chilly, late October fall day. It was my birthday and Kyle and the kids and I had picked up some warm drinks from Starbucks and some lunch. We drove to one of my favorite places, Sidecut Metropark. Thank goodness we brought our coats because the wind had a chilling bite to it that we were not used to. We settled on a picnic table that overlooked the river and spread out our lunch. We enjoyed Subway and chicken nachos from one of our favorite mexican restaurants, El Vaquero. Afterwards we threw the football and took a leisurely walk through the woods. I told my family that I couldn't think of a better way to spend my birthday and there is no one that I would rather be with.
A Thankful Mom,
Mrs. Hunt
September 19, 2011
Dear Weekend Diary,
The passionate chants of "Go Blue!" and "Go Bucks!" could be heard loud and clear in the back of my Chrysler minivan. The family and I were headed to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the Michigan game. Well, the Michigan fans were going to be dropped off at the game and the Buckeye fans were going shopping. I have a divided household, Kyle and Kasey are Michigan fans and Kamyrn and I are Ohio State Fans. Kali is still undecided because she just shouts whatever someone else tells her to shout. It was a picture perfect sunny September Saturday. While the boys enjoyed the game, the girls and I hit up Trader Joes for some grocery shopping. Kali is a textbook two year old right now, so she flopped to the floor like a wet noodle numerous times when she did not get her way. Next, we journeyed to downtown Ann Arbor where we casually walked through a few stores. Kamryn ordered a cherry soda at the Cherry Republic Store and we hunted for fairy doors so she could leave some change on their doorstep. The fairy doors are a well known part of downtown shopping in Ann Arbor, it is very cute. After the game, we picked the boys up and headed back to Ohio. It was a happy car ride because Michigan won. I was just happy that my family got to spend some good quality time together.
Have a Good Week,
Mrs. Hunt
September 26th, 2011
Dear Weekend Diary,
"McQueens has the juiciest apples!" This was Kasey's response as he bit into a delicious red apple at McQueens Apple Orchard. Kyle was out of town at a conference, so on Saturday evening the kids and I made our first visit to the apple orchard. First, we filled a half bushel bag of apples. Since it was the first day for picking, we had no problem reaching them. Even Kali could easily pull some off of the tree by herself. Once we were satisfied with our pickings, we headed into the store. The sounds, smells, and sights of fall drifted deliciously around the marketplace. We each savored a cup of fresh apple cider and waited in the long line to order some doughnuts. We carefully selected a dozen doughnuts to take home for breakfast. Kasey picked a frosted apple pie doughnut and Kamryn and Kali settled on the sprinkled ones. Once we were content with our selections we headed to Subway for dinner. We all agreed that we can't wait to go back! There is nothing better than fall and this was a great way to kick it off! However, the 4 dougnuts that I have eaten since is probably not the best start. :)
Your Friend,
Mrs. Hunt
November 6th, 2011
Dear Weekend Diary,
"Go Horsie Go!" shouted Kali through her pacifier as she watched the t.v. intently. The whole family was snuggled together in the living room with a lively fire burning in the fire place. It was Friday night and we had all met back at the house to enjoya quiet evening together while watching the movie "Secretariet". Kasey and Kyle had just returned from a football game. The girls and I had just finished up grocery shopping. With cozy p.j.'s on, we popped our own popcorn over the stove to enjoy with the movie. Everybody gave the movie a thumbs up, except for Kamryn that is. She was sawing logs next to me before Secretariet won her first race. The fact that it was based on a true story made it even that much more interesting. It was a good movie for the whole family. As I watched, I looked around and took a deep breath, very thankful for my blessings. What a wonderful way to start the weekend!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hunt
November 13th, 2011
Dear Weekend Diary,
Shopping with Kali can be next to impossible. Not only did she knock over an ornament filled Christmas tree, but she also refused to put a diaper on and proceeded to walk around with just her pants on. Mind you, she is not potty trained. I felt like I was walking on egg shells, waiting for her to make a mess. We were at Downtown Delights in Downtown Sylvania on Friday night. My neighbor, Deb, and her two girls met Kamryn, Kali, and I for a girls night of shopping. First, we filled our bellies with Charlie's scrumptious cheeseburgers and curly fries. Once we arrived downtown we nonchalantly meandered our way through the shops that lined the Main Street. There was a band playing and the streets were blocked off, so the girls had fun dancing and running around on the road. The Christmas Spirit inside of us was definitely awakened by the Christmas Carols and bright, bold seasonal colors. We each left with an ornament and a few other small items. Each year, Kamryn picks a new ornament for our tree. This year she unselfishly selected a football ornament for Kasey. She can be so thoughtful. Kali's episode happened at the last store we were in. It was a pretty obvious sign that we should call it a night and head back to Perrysburg. Kali always seems to take a somewhat uneventful evening and turn it into a three ring circus. She wears us out, but we love her anyway.
A Tired,
Mrs. Hunt
November 21st, 2011
Dear Weekend Diary,
"You throttled me again mom!" are the words that flew out of Kasey's mouth after our backyard battle. On Sunday afternoon, Kasey and I went head to head in a basketball game. We had just finished raking the leaves in the backyard when Kasey asked to play. He reminded me that I am not allowed to block him until he is ten years old. Even with this rule in place, I can still beat him pretty soundly. However, I always let him score a few baskets and teach him some things while we are playing. Despite his loss, I remind him that there will be a day that will come sooner than I would like in which he will be able to beat me with one hand. Until then I will enjoy my wins, but more importantly I treasure the invaluable time that we spend together.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hunt
December 12th, 2011
Dear Weekend Diary,
I think that December has to be the busiest month of the year. We attended our 2nd family Christmas party of the year and Kasey and Kamryn have 5 birthday parties between the two of them in two weeks. The family party took place at a Clubhouse in Perrysburg on Saturday evening. There were about 40 people there and it was for the Hunt side of the family. The festivities started around 3:00, however, I didn't get there until after 5 because Kali was napping. Everyone brought a dish to share and drinks were provided. Santa surprised the kids and brought them each a gift. Kasey was thrilled to receive a football figure of Drew Breese and some football cards. The gift that Kamryn excitedly opened was a bracelet making kit. It was the perfect gift for her because she loves making things for people. Since Saturday she has created numerous uniquely styled bracelets. Last, Kali was given Dora Bath Toys. She is at the age where she expressively imitates characters and loves imaginative play. So she entertained herself with Dora, Boots, and Swiper all weekend. The night flew by as card games were played and the kids played tag, pool, and ping pong. The party ended with a coloring contest. Kamryn was the winner and anxiously accepted the candle as a prize. She has never had her own candle before, so she has peacefully fell asleep to her vanilla bean candle softly illuminating her room. Speaking of peace, amongst all of the business I try hard to remember what all of this is about and keep the peace. :) Talk to you next weekend, probably about another Christmas Party.
All Partied Out,
Mrs. Hunt
February 21, 2012
Dear Weekend Diary,
We made a quick stop to the Way Public Library on our way out of town. With a couple of books on c.d. and a Dora D.V.D. for Kali, we were ready for our road trip. A couple of times a year the kids and I head to my sister Kari's house in Columbus. With a total of 7 kids in the mix, it is always a crazy circus. The last time we attempted to do this, I came down with the flu and had to cancel. So, the kids have been begging to go for quite a while. After a somewhat calm and uneventful trip, we pulled in their driveway around 1:00 on Saturday. Kari's kids did not know we were coming, so Kasey, Kamryn, and Kali devised a plan to surprise them. We put our luggage in the hallway and ran upstairs to hide. When the kids came inside, they were baffled by the bags. Once they uncovered our hiding spots, there were hugs and shouts of joy. The kids used their short time together well. Kasey and the boys played football, basketball, and soccer outside for close to 4 hours. Meanwhile inside the girls had a "Fassion for Passion" show as Kamryn spelled it. After dinner, we met Mimi and Papa at the hotel they were staying at for cookies and swimming. When we arrived home the kids were worn out and went right to sleep. After church the next morning, we rushed back to Perrysburg for Kasey's soccer game. It was a wonderful weekend, but I sure am glad to have Monday off.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hunt
February 28th, 2012
Dear Weekend Diary,
"How does Michigan lose to an unranked team?" Kasey cried in disbelief. Kasey and my two nephews, Andrew and Avery, were briskly walking back to our car after watching the Michigan verse Purdue basketball game. When we first sat down in our seats the boys' eyes were as wide as saucers as they gazed around the arena in awe. Throughout the game they had fun participating in cheers, dancing, and eating snacks. We shared a soda, pretzel, and nachos. Michigan never held the lead at any point during the game. It seemed as though Purdue was on fire, they couldn't miss! Even though the outcome wasn't what we wanted, we all enjoyed the atmosphere of the game. On the way home, we picked up a couple of Little Caesar's Pizzas. Andrew and Avery ended up spending the night, but they had to head to bed early because they had an 8:00 soccer tournament the next morning. I had to head to bed early too! :) I really enjoyed spending time with just the boys.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hunt