Kris Kringle came to Olive's class today! The students all left one shoe out in the hallway, and when they went back to get them, Mr. Kringle had left a book and a bookmark and a candy cane. Olive was thrilled.

Olive made these puppets at school yesterday, and performed a puppet show for us this morning. Then all 4 kids performed it together. Wonderful.

Olive had a field trip to the nature center today. It was her first time riding a school bus, something she's been anticipating for a couple years, and she was so so excited. She told us all about it afterwards, and had a great time. She even made this little bird feeder.

The Nativity, as drawn by Olive Barragan...on Hello Kitty paper.

Olive is getting so good at reading. It's really fun to watch her developing.

The mommy of one of Olive's friends and one of George's friends passed away last week. We have been heartbroken for the family, and Olive sweetly remembers them in her prayers everyday. In her bedtime prayer tonight she said, "Please help Isla think of all the happy times with her mommy. My tender little girl.

Olive and Lucy got to go to their friend, Emma's birthday party this evening. They got to wear their jammies and bring their favorite dolls. Naturally, they were so so excited. A tiny sister wanted in on this, too.

Chris went and helped on Olive's classroom today. Such a great dad. They made these marshmallow shapes, and did the teepees a few days ago.

Reading has really clicked with Olive lately. She has figured out how to sound things out and knows a bunch of sight words. It is so fun and gratifying watching her grow. She is doing so well in school, and we're just so proud of her. Last night was the kindergarten Thanksgiving feast; they sang a few songs, and it was pretty adorable. So, here's a photo of her and me at that event, along with some recent school papers. Oh, and today is the first time I've sent a note in her lunchbox...

Forgot to post last Friday's spelling test. Another perfect score!

For Veterans Day today, Olive made this little book about the American flag. Our little Dolly Pop.

Play date with Alexie!!

I volunteered in Olive's classroom yesterday, and I just love seeing her in her school element. In other news, she got 100% on her spelling test!

Olive got her report card, and has a perfect score in all her courses!! Mrs. Smith said the "satisfactory" in her citizenship is because she gets a bit bossy sometimes. So Olive, Chris and I set a goal that if she gets an "outstanding" next time then she gets $20 to spend at Target. So proud of our smart cookie!!

Today was the last day of Red Ribbon Week, jersey day. It was also spelling test day. Olive did great!

Day 4 of Red Ribbon Week -- super hero day!!

Did I mention we just figured out that Olive is allergic to pumpkin!?

Day 3 of Red Ribbon Week is jammie day, Olive's favorite!

It's Red Ribbon Week at Olive's school. So, this morning we explained what drugs are (what!?!?) Today she got to have crazy hair (she opted for lots of purple ponytails) and jeans, but still had to have her uniform shirt. Sure looked cute!!

Olive had her first spelling test today! She said she was nervous at the beginning (so was I) but that she did awesome. And when I saw her results, sure enough she did awesome! 10 out of 10 and 8 for 8 (she wrote the 4 letters of the week in uppercase and lowercase). Proud of that girly.

Olive's class went on a field trip to the cannery today, and Chris and I chaperoned. Fun stuff!