Rocky Mountain High

Steve and I just returned from a long weekend in Estes Park with some of our good friends.  We had the best time enjoying the scenery, the fresh air, and some much needed R&R after a very busy school year.

 We took a couple of lengthy and semi-strenuous hikes and the views did not disappoint.  

 We spent our evenings by the campfire next to the river.  Lots of laughs and some good s'mores.

Our fire pit by the river.

 Being in the mountains sure makes you feel small.  It's incredible to think about how powerful Mother Nature is.  On our hikes, we spent a lot of quiet time just enjoying and reflecting.

 Due to late snowfall in EP, there was still quite a bit of snow on the trails.  It made for interesting maneuvering on the inclines, especially as the sun shone and the snow became slick.  We managed without falls, though!

 Not sure why, but we didn't see a lot of active wildlife this time.  This elk was grazing nearby on one of the trails, but other than that, all we saw as a bunch of chipmunks.

 Last time we went to EP, we took a nighttime tour of the famous, haunted Stanley Hotel. That was fun, but this time we opted for a drink in the hotel bar.

 Of course the Stanley is also where "Dumb & Dumber" was filmed, so I had to take a selfie with the "we landed on the moon" sign from the bar scene!

 We spent one day enjoying Downtown EP, where the annual Scandinavian Festival was in full swing. 

While downtown, we did some shopping and site-seeing, and we ate famous hamburgers at Penelope's.  They were delish.

 The weather was gorgeous for the entire trip, and although we were in multiple layers at times, the sun shone and the sky was blue.  After our downtown excursions, we found a patio to enjoy a beverage and a river/mountain view.

 The pictures of this place don't even begin to do it justice...

 Taking it all in. 

 

After our trip a couple of years ago, we knew we had to go back to eat dinner at the Dunraven.  We were there Saturday night, and then made another reservation for Monday night ... it's that good.  If you're in EP, you have to eat at this delicious, funky little Italian place! 

 While we were gone, the girls had a great time with Papa and Mamas.  They swam, went shopping, and even went to their first drive-in movie.  We were all glad to see each other when we got back, but the short vacation was good for all!

What a perfect way to kick off my summer break! After a little time at home, we're headed to MN next before I go back to work.  More adventures to come!

Cyclone Family Picnic Fun

We had a great time last Saturday at the DFW Cyclone Family Picnic.  BBQ, face painting, snow cones, games, giveaways ... all with a lake view on a beautiful day.  It was a great time!

 

 We were super excited by the celeb visit: Chris Babb from a few years back, coached by The Mayor.  Chris brought his mom, girlfriend, and new baby, and was super friendly.  His younger brother, Nick, is currently on the *Big 12 Championship* team.

 Steve and I joked that Chris might make the xmas card this year.  (That might not be a joke.)

 There were a lot of kids at the picnic this year.  It was fun to see them all in their Cyclone gear, being indoctrinated in their early years.  Love that these cuties cheer relentlessly for the Cyclones with us!

 We are so glad to be surrounded by a great alumni group here, hundreds of miles away from Ames.  When we all get together, it's a mix of young and old alumni, and even some high school graduates headed to ISU.

 I recently hired a new coach who played football at UNT for Dan McCarney (former ISU coach), and who was also recruited by ISU.  I told him it was too bad he made the wrong decision, but I'm sure glad he's headed to my school next year.  I also hired a teacher who graduated from Drake.  The team gave me a hard time, saying that I only wanted to interview her because she's from Iowa.  Only partially true ... she will be a great teacher, too.  It's always good to have your roots close by!

Summer Vacay

Since I don't have to work Fridays in June, yesterday was my first real day of summer break ... and I was disappointed to wake up to thunderstorms.  Although my original visions of a day outside in the sun were not to be, the girls and I headed downtown for a fun day at the Perot Museum.  

Photo dump of our excursion:

 

 We visited the dinosaurs and planets twice. Big favorite!

 

semi-view of downtown

 Gems!

 

 The earthquake simulator was a good time (although we agreed it probably wouldn't be so fun in real life).

 

 

 

 They raced multiple people/animals multiple times.  Always a fun attraction.

 

 We made it to the engineering attractions late in the day, and decided to start there next time.

 

 

 By the time we finished, the rain had stopped and the girls took off their shoes to hop in the stream outside.  A fun day with my girls was just what I needed after a busy school year.

School's Out

My first school year as a principal ended yesterday, and I have so many stories to tell.  My initial goal this year was to listen and learn, and to implement new only where necessary.  As it turned out, I learned last summer that one of my first jobs would be to overhaul the campus discipline system ... more implementation than I originally anticipated.  So with the help of my assistant principal, counselors, hard data, and a number of teachers who - thankfully - trusted me blindly right away, we embraced Social Emotional Learning and worked very hard to learn about and use Restorative Practices to build community and address problems.  It was a long but productive road, and we're only scraping the surface; yet even with bumps in the road, our work this year has been successful both in ways we can measure and in ways we cannot.  On Thursday afternoon, the staff gathered in the Learning Commons for a Closing Circle, which I thought would last 15-20 minutes ... it lasted 45.  We shared reflections and celebrations, and for the first time in a very long time (maybe ever?), I was in awe of the respect and admiration the people on my staff have for one another.  To be successful (and sane) in a school, you truly have to be surrounded by people you trust, love, and upon whom you can rely every single day.  I can't begin to pretend that my school is without issues, but a staff of people who genuinely care about each other and kids isn't one of them.  And people are what make a public school ... not test scores, not money ... always the people.  As I was driving home Thursday, it occurred to me, again, that to have been selected to lead this staff and community is truly the greatest honor I could imagine.

We had a nontraditional end to the year, as on the last day yesterday, we had to be completely packed and out of the building by 2:00. Huge dumpsters showed up during early-release carpool (always a great time at elementary school), and the movers showed up not long after.  We've literally spent months keeping the school running while packing and labeling every last book, piece of furniture, trash can ... you name it - all in preparation for our renovation this summer.  I also spent endless hours with my office manager selecting and purchasing large quantities of furniture ... to the point that I never want to pick out another chair or appliance (although I am so grateful for the experience).  I have to run back to school tomorrow for a last walk-through with the movers to make sure they've moved everything, and then construction crews will begin demolition.  It'll be so exciting to return to a new, updated school in August.  I still can't wrap my head around the timeline, but after many meetings with the architect and construction guys, I've decided that they are the experts and I can't worry about it.  They do this all the time.  We might be starting the school year without bulletin boards hung and desks labeled, but we'll be there, in our refreshed building with brand new furniture and lots-and-lots-and-lots of boxes to unpack!  In the meantime, this summer I'll be working out of Sara's school, just a short walk from my front door.  I also have my hardhat ready to go so I can check in on progress at my school once in a while.  

I learned a lot this year, possibly the most about myself.  I learned that even on humid days when the air destroys my hair, morning carpool is my favorite part of the day.  I learned that, when the buck truly stops with me, it's okay to process - sometimes for a while - before I speak.  I learned that a little praise goes a long way, and so does the occasional surprise food in the lounge.  I learned that I'm hard to read (and once someone told me this, there were many laughs about it).  I learned that I have to listen more than I talk (not always great at this), and I have to consider what I stress when having conversations with teachers - and I have to know who needs to hear what.  Mostly I learned that I have a lot to learn.  I'm very excited to continue this journey.  Here's a short recap video that we shared with staff and parents.  I could, and probably will, watch it a million times over - always with a smile.

Next year we are adding pre-k to my campus, which will be another adventure.  I look forward to knowing a little bit more than I did this year ... although now I have a better understanding of what needs to be addressed and I'm going to have to jump in and do it.  Knowing what to expect will come with its own set of challenges.  I also need to work on my work/home balance.  Always a challenge, but hopefully one I can manage a bit better in the coming years.  I feel like I missed a lot at home this year (which seasoned principals told me would happen), and I was always behind the eight-ball (thank goodness for Amazon Prime), but I tried to make up for it as I could.  After lots of begging on her part, I took a personal day to go on a field trip with Sara's class.  It's always good to be reminded that we're not that important at work ... a place can totally run without us!  And I had a great day with my big girl and her friends.

 After yesterday, which capped off a very successful year, that big girl is headed to 3rd grade.  And little sister will be in private kinder at Primrose (she misses the cut-off for public school kinder by two days - ugh - so she has another year before she gets to join Sara at the elementary school).  In the long-run, I think being on the older end of her class will be great for Emma ... it's just that right now, being on the younger end would be great for my wallet. Oh, well.  Here she is with a tattooed face and her drawing of a kite with wings ... mmm-hmm.

Ms. Molly will be coming back this summer to watch the girls while Steve and I are at work, and they cannot wait!  They love her!  They are looking forward to sleeping in, swimming, art camp, $1 movies ... all the good things summer brings.  I'm looking forward to stress-free mornings where I only have to get myself ready.  Also looking forward to a couple trips, hopefully some good books, and lots of reflection on Year One.

Book Talk

 I was looking for a book and came across The Things We Leave Behind, a short story prequel to The Girl Who Stayed.  I believe it might only be available in the Kindle version, which I got for free on Amazon, and as my reading time has been limited, a short story sounded perfect.  This prequel follows Zoe as she works up the courage to leave an abusive relationship, and although it ends with her seemingly walking out the door, the title of the counterpart novel suggests otherwise.  The blurb about it online makes it sound like Zoe does, in fact, get away from her current nightmare but comes face to face with more challenges. I'll probably pick it up when it's available for a lesser price.

I also got the Kindle version of The Bookshop on the Corner for next to nothing, and really enjoyed this easy feel-good read.  Nina is in her late 20's and finds herself out of a job as the public library system begins to fold.  Motivated by her love of books and lack of ties in her current city, she challenges herself to do something totally uncharacteristic.  She purchases a large van and makes plans to sell books out of it, and in the process, of course, really gets to know herself.  Great summer beach or pool-side read; there is so much happiness in simplicity.

"I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading."

-Jane Austen

Mother's Day Weekend

 It's been a great Mother's Day Weekend!  Friday morning when I took Emma to school, she gave me the present she made: a mug with her hand prints on it.  She has since used it multiple times for her drinks because, although she made it for me, she made it.  So ...

Friday evening we came home to a package from Grandma: pics from recent visits, clipboards, stickers, notepads ... all the good stuff.  Happy girls!

Yesterday we slept in, I went to the gym, we ran a couple errands, ate at a restaurant that everyone agreed upon (win!), and then enjoyed the afternoon by the pool.

Today we headed to Arlington to watch the Rangers beat the Oakland A's.  Our cheap seats were actually in the shade, which was awesome!  We enjoyed lots of overpriced treats and drinks, and had a great afternoon together.  Emma had been waiting for the 7th Inning Stretch to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and it did not disappoint.  Another highlight for both girls was the wave that traveled around the stadium a number of times! 

 Emma and I took selfies when Steve and Sara went out in search of snacks.  At the ballpark today they were giving away these cute Rangers scarfs!  I had to take it off after a while because I was sweating, but I'll definitely wear it again. 

 Apparently Sara was in charge of her own selfies.

Everyone is tired after the game, so it's been a relaxing evening at home.  Probably one of the more important things I've done in a while happened tonight: I posted this gofundme page for Melissa and Adam, who are starting their adoption journey.  Please consider sharing or donating!  I am so hopeful that, soon, Melissa will also get to celebrate Mother's Day as a mom!