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!