Last Days in 5th Grade

The last two days of school were very busy for Caiden.  On Monday, I went with him and his class to Kanopolis Lake to hike around in Horse Thief Canyon.  We had a great tour guide.  She showed us some of the edible plants around including:  yucca petals (did not know they were edible), sandplum bushes, blackberry bushes, and black willow tree bark (used for aspirin).  We also got to hike up into a couple of caves. 

 

Trying the yucca plant for the first time

 

We also went to the Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands.  There, they learned about the wetlands ecosystem and they also got a chance to dissect owl pellets.  Caiden didn't find very much in his besides a lot of jaw bones from little mice or rats.  Some of the students found up to 6 skulls in their owl pellet!  It was quite interesting!

 

I had never been to either place, so I was happy to have gone along!

On the last day of school, Caiden's class had 5th grade promotion.  It's not really that big a deal, but the band played a few songs (they've come a long way this year), and they each got to walk across the stage to receive a certificate of completion at the Elementary School.  There was also cake - a bonus!  He's excited and a little nervous about jr. high.  As smart and organized as he is, he will do just fine! 

The cousins came!

We all have to say good-bye to Miss Krehbiel (middle front).  After
three years of teaching this class, she's on to something new!  She is
a fantastic teacher - some school will be lucky to have her!

It's a tradition for the 5th graders to send off balloons, then have a water fight with Mr. Fast.  The weather didn't cooperate very well (it was only about 50 degrees), but they still had fun!

We're proud of you, Caiden.  You have grown up so much this year and we look forward to seeing what the next few years bring!