Mote Marine

While Lila's Mom and Dad moved into their new house with some assistance from Jeff, Braeden, Teagan, and I took Lila out for a day of fun. First we went to Mote Marine, our local aquarium.

We could pet stingrays. They had the barbs removed, so they would not sting. We all noted they were very soft (except for Lila who liked the water better than the stingrays).
Lila would only let Braeden carry her or pick her up to see and he was great about it! Here they are able to touch things in the touch tank. Lila liked splashing in the water best. The rest of us were thrilled to touch sea urchins and sea stars.
Lila loves Teagan's flip flops. Actually I think she loves all flip flops, but Teagan's are especially great!
Inside the shark tank!
Posing as divers and sea turtles.

octopus
hammerhead
Earl the sea turtle
manatee

Island Park and Allen Play Area

We stopped at this fun play area after Mote Marine. It is on Sarasota Bay and the little fountains make a great play area for children and adults. There is also a playground.

Lila exploring the fountains.
Teagan conquering the cat.

Braeden wrestling an aligator.

"My" classroom

This is where I teach. Although Lori and I set it up, it is not really our classroom, but belongs to the students even more than us. These were all taken before they came in. The room is huge! It includes a full kitchen, a science area with built in tables, a sink for science and a sink for art. Also a library and an office for Lori and I. Out the back door is a porch and from there some garden space.

The math area.
Geometry materials, looking toward cultural studies and the science area.
Language, cultural studies, and the kitchen in the background.
7 north--the name and location of the classroom.
Entrance to the school. Braeden helped his teacher Ally put up all those flags. They represent the nationalities of the staff and students at the school.

FIrst Day of School

Braeden and Teagan in my classroom on the first day of school. Uniforms are a NGFS logo shirt, khaki or navy bottoms, and closed toed shoes. The shirts have Braeden getting used to collars and Teagan has made do with colorful footwear. The closed toed shoes are to protect against snakes and fire ants. We aren't in Cape Cod any more!

The first day of school over 4 inches of rain fell! It was an unusually rainy week for this area of Florida, but we enjoyed our first week anyway.

We've been busy!

We've been busy the past couple of weeks. Jeff and I have been at school full time setting up my classroom, setting up an office for Jeff, meeting our new colleagues, trying to learn our way around the school, and just generally getting ready for a new school year. Toward the end of the week we also got to meet students which was wonderful! In between work items Braeden started swimming, Teagan tried out for synchronized swimming and is now a SASSY Shrimp, and Teagan went to camp for a week. Braeden ended up feeling that helping out at school worked better for him than camp did.

Lila met us at the Y waterpark for some fun and then we all watch the last part of Breaden's swim practice with the Sharks.
Braeden caught a baby gecko who was willing to play with him a bit. He is loving all of this wildlife!
Swimming with the Sharks! Braeden is on the right.
NewGate-Field School at sunset after a potluck dinner to start the school year.
Afternoon on Siesta Key, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

A water moccasin the kids found at school. They have quickly learned that if you see a snake you step away and tell an adult. This adult simply calls Mr. Butch, the maintenance guy! There are such a thing as snake tongs that some teachers are willing to use to pick up the snakes, but I will not take part in that! Our first aid training included a whole section on snake bites, spider bites, and which are dangerous (5 different types of venomous snakes near the school since we are next to Myakka State Park)! We also wear close toed shoes at school. I thought the kids needed to for the playground, but when I found out it was due to snakes and fire ants I decided taht I would always wear close toed shoes as well!

At the YMCA waterpark

The Sarasota YMCA has a wonderful water park. We went today and met the Bean's there. Teagan was especially excited to see the twins again.

In the water park pool.
The water slides.
Braeden trying out the pool where swim meets will be held.
Teagan, Abbie, and Gwenie
Girls that are happy to be together again!

Lake Manatee State Park

The kids and I went to visit Lake Manatee State Park which is almost across the street from us. It is available for camping as well as just a day visit. We will plan visits in the evening when we don't have to pay the entrance fee!

There is a little playground.
Braeden and Teagan in front of Lake Manatee. There are no more Manatee's in Lake Manatee because they dammed up a river which was their entrance point.
After reading this sign I informed the kids that we would not be swimming in fresh water here unless we are with a guide!