Hh Week is one of my favorite weeks and this one was right at the top of being the best ever. Of course, we talked about letter Hh and how tired he was, having hiked that very high hill, “Huh, huh!” Ask your child to rehearse the Hill story with baby H. See if they can name any H words! But admittedly, it was all about the horse, the hat and the holster!
Monday, we painted our marshmallow shooters with one finger, trading out two AB pattered colors. The children did an amazing job, some of the best I’ve ever seen. I particularly loved Avery’s. She substituted a row of polka-dots as her second stripe. It was very clever, very creative and unique, her very own creation, very impressive. Ha! She is perfectly named, A-very!
The children were so excited. I loved how some dressed up for the occasion. Eli, who had been working on his special cowboy line, greeted Mrs. Walters as she came to get him from the car. Tipping his hat most respectfully he said in his cowboy voice, “Howdy, lil’ lady!” She busted up laughing!” Then we taught all the children to say it together. Fun! Thanks, Eli!
Patches, the pony did not disappoint. Kaylee, after seeing him outside, came in to ask, “Is that a real horse?” Oh, yes! Patches is the best pony ever! He willingly galloped on every ride, being so amiable and wonderfully tame and child-friendly. The children all hugged him at the end, mauling him as a crowd without even a flinch or swish of his tail. Great appreciation and love goes out to my sweet sister, Colleen, who volunteers each year to share her pony with us. It is wonderful. I will not elaborate, but she went to great trouble this year for us to have him. Along with that trouble, she still had to corral and catch him for us, load him up, and harness and prepare him for our use, only to return and dismantle him and cart everything back, free of charge. I certainly have wonderful siblings to be grateful for.
We dressed up all the children with their hats, vests, and holsters and headed outside. They each had a chance to have a ride in the pony cart and pet and love Patches. While waiting for a ride, we had prepared some fun toys and activities. We also hung some ornery bandits and bad guys on the wall for practice in shooting marshmallows, as to be ready for our big shoot-out the following day. One tough part! It was terrrribly painful removing their costumes on Wednesday, “NOOOO!” promising to return them for the next day. “You’ll get them back! I promise!” People ask me all the time, “Why don’t you just make a set of costumes to keep?” Now, I ask you, “Really?”
Thursday, we dressed them up again. Lillian asked, “Do you have boots for me?” Ha! We introduced them to the bouquet of stick horses. I plucked each one out and encouraged them to be thinking of a name for their horse. This gave them lots of time to think as we passed them all out. I love encouraging them to use their creative minds. The names they chose were especially clever, in both classes. I simply must list them all. I’m sorry, but I must!!! Mrs. Walters and I were in stitches!
Allison-Master Fluff, Avery-Star, Boston-Duke, Cannon-Bob, Claire-Bella, Clyde-Spike, Courtney-Crystal, Dani-Peewee, Daphne-Frosty, Evie-Cupcake, Gracia-Rose, Hendrix-Dragon, Jace-Sparky, Joseph-Hot Dog, Kaylee-Tiny, Kohl-Spike, Lincoln-Spark, Madden-Crock, Miles B-Volcano, Miles W-Rudolf, Navy-Cotton Candy, Sienna-Spirit, Todd-Lego, Trig-Peter, Eli-Hawk, Reese-Rainbow Dash, Paige-Pinky Pie, Ella-Rock Star, Fox-Eden, Grace-Twinkles, Ivy-Dash, Jaxson-Jaxson, Josh-Mountain, Kyree-Princess Sparkles, Leisel-Twinkle Toes, Lillian-Hanky, Lilly-Jasmine, Mason-Burrito, Nathan-Navy, Nash-Roxy, Navy H-Ella, Preston-Lead, Que-Poisoness, Reagan-Elmond, Ryder-Corn Dog, Rylee-Angel, Smith-Grass, and Taeya-Foxy. I couldn’t decide which was funnier; Poisoness, Master Fuff or Grass! I’m still laughing!
I reminded the children how we shouted, “Go, Patches, go!” and it really made him go faster. So, we saddled up and headed to the backyard for a trail ride. “Go, Hot Dog!” “Go, Hanky!” Giddi-up, Bob!” “Whoa! Slow on the turns! Don’t get bucked off!”
Then, the game was on to find the fastest horse. 5 horses, lined up side by side, nostrils flaring! And, they’re off!!! Master Fluff was so close! Cupcake on her heels, but Peewee won the first heat by a whole length. Hurray! Cotton Candy won the second heat, with Spirit close behind! Then, it was Peewee against Cotton Candy for the fastest girl horse! “Go Peewee!” “Go Cotton Candy!” Peewee wins! Outstanding! On to the boys… Volcano won the first heat, Burrito, close behind, Spike won the second, with Dragon, so, so close! Everyone cheered for his favorite, “Go Spike!” “Go Volcano!” It’s Spike! Spike wins! So, Peewee and Spike raced to determine the fastest horse in the class. The children cheered, “Go Spike!” “Go, Peewee!” Spike wins again! So, Kohl took his place in the winner’s circle! Yeeee Haaaw!
The afternoon races were just as thrilling, the horses at the gate, lining up for a win. Twinkle Toes won in the first heat. Elmond came in first in the second. The children cheered for their favorites, “Go Elmond!” Go, Twinkle Toes!” It was Elmond by a nose! Yeah!!!! Fastest Girl horse in the afternoon! Next, the boys. They yelled for their horses to go faster, “Go, Grass!” “Go, Corn Dog!” But it was Lead! Lead won the first heat. Hawk won the second. The children chose their favorites, “Go Hawk!” “Go Lead!” Wahoo! Hawk wins! Then, it was Hawk and Elmond, “Go Hawk!” Go Elmond!” Hawk wins! So, Eli took his place in the winner’s circle for the afternoon! Great job!
After the races, we brought our horses in to cool and got a drink at the water hole, then headed back out to the OK Corral for the big marshmallow shootout! Woah! Marshmallows flying in every direction, mostly mine! Ahhhhh! “I’m gunna get you!” “I got you! I got YOU!” At one point, I shot one right into Claire’s mouth! “I shot your tongue!” We laughed and laughed. What a day! We gathered up our backpacks and headed for the cars and we counted ourselves lucky. No one got bucked off. No broken legs; so no one had to get shot! Shew! What a great week! Yippie Hi-yo! Ky-yay!
If you haven’t noticed or are unaware, we have packed a bag of marshmallows in your child’s backpack and equipped your child with two marshmallow shooters to have your own shootout at home. Happy shooting!
Next week is Uu Week. We will talk about and celebrate Ground Hog Day on Thursday. It might be fun for your child to follow the news to see if the ground hog sees his shadow this year or not.
Much love and devotion,
Mrs. McClure
Mrs. Walters
No comments:
Post a Comment