ESL Endorsed

I'm officially (sort of) ESL Endorsed! I finished my class today and had my Exit Interview.  It was such a fun experience and great practice to work with kids this summer. I had an absolutely amazing mentor teacher and had fun with the other student teachers. I loved our car rides and talks about the good and the bad. I'm very glad the many papers are done! Horray! It was a wonderful learning experience about students learning English as the second language. It taught me a lot about how I'm going to teach my own class.  I came to love my little 3rd graders.  We had some fun times, especially water day with all the water games. 

I'm now officially in full preparation mode for school to start on August 21st, exactly one month away. Yikes! The real world is definitely sinking in as I begin my first real job as a 3rd grade teacher. Wish me luck! 

Water Day

All of us teachers!

Tomato TomAto

I hereby announce that the newlywed Jennings have officially harvested their first crop of tomatoes!!! (clapping and cheering in the background) We are growing a variety of herbs as well but they don't give us quite the excitement. Summer is so fun because light brings warmth this time of year. We love it, especially when it gives us tomatoes. One day we'll have a rockin' garden, but for now we'll be happy with our little pots. :)

Summer Nights

A lot has been happening this summer with both of us working and me in school. We go into survival mode and count down to the weekends or the rare times we see each other when it is light outside. Here's what we've been up to lately.
-Picnics in the park. We especially love it when Jennifer and Chris join us!
-Walks down to center street. Our favorite place in Provo with its unique shops, restaurants, and live music. We have a singapore restaurant that's now on the list to try.
-Gift card to olive garden where they now have the St. Louis famous TOASTED RAVIOLI! Man, what a great day.
-I tried Mountain biking. It'll take me a bit to try again.
-The fires in Utah county have been CRAZY! Despite evacuations, no one I know has had any damage done to their home or property.
-City Days. We went to Strawberry Days and the Freedom Festival. Both awesome! Utah county is so festive during the summer. I loved walking around and seeing the different booths, which resulted in me buying the cutest maxi dress ever and matching sunglasses for me and the hubby.
-The fireworks display for the fourth of July was amazing. I have never been so close to an amazing display. The parade in the morning was great as well. We were lucky enough to find a spot on University to park our chairs. A feat only understood by those who have been to the parade.
-We're headed to Lake Powell this weekend for a family reunion. Can't wait!

A high class picnic with pizza. 

Our favorite park for people watching.

Mountain Biking

Strawberry Days

Smoke from the dangerous fires.

Toasted Rav!

Happy 4th of July!

Tom and Jerry!