You can't catch me...

That Shabbat Feeling!

Celebrating Shabbat on Thursdays feels so, so good! First we gather outside under the tent. Once we all get settled Tina and a few of the children lead the group in the blessings of Shabbat. Then we all sing Shabbat songs together ("Shabbat is Here", "There's a Dinosaur Knocking at my Door", "Shabbat Shalom ", "I have that Shabbat feeling all over me" etc...).

Decorating Visors!

The children really had fun decorating visors today. They carefully squeezed the fabric paint on the visor. When Mia was done with the paint she asked for a spoon because she wanted to mix all the colors together. What a great idea! Rachel watched Mia as she mixed the paints with the spoon. Surprise, surprise, soon after Rachel asked for a spoon and did the same thing! Tomorrow they should be dry and ready to home. We sure could have used those visors today at our sing-a-long with Julia...That sun was strong!

Kids Taking Photos!

Making Challah Is So Much Fun!

Today everyone in the TBSCC had the opportunity to make challah! We listened to some beautiful Shabbat music as we kneaded, rolled, braided the challah, then placed it on a cookie sheet. Tova was kind enough to put it in the oven and wrapped it up for us to take home. Thanks Tova! Making challah is always so much fun!

Shabbat Shalom!

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Swooper Cohen!!

It's a bird , it's a plane, it's Swooper Cohen! Finally SWOOPER came back to visit us! It's been a long time coming! Those of us who know Swooper welcomed him with open arms and the children/staff who meet Swooper for the fist time yesterday, were just delighted to meet him! Ally Cohen (his sister) took him around to each classroom and talked to the children about how you take care of parakeets and keep them safe and healthy. Ally also talked about how like people, all parakeets are different and have their own likes, dislikes and special ways of doing things. Then she shared with each group some of the thing Swooper likes to do at home...He spends most of his day out of his cage, his favorite foods are spaghetti, cantaloupe, bagels, and corn on the cob, he enjoys taking baths with his (brother) Jake, likes to listen to books before he goes to bed, and last but not least loves to give Ally and Jake kisses. Life with Swooper has been truly a gift for the whole family. We all love that guy very much! The only issue we have with Swooper is, he is still not potty trained! We have tried everything, if anyone out there has any advice please feel free to share it!!!!!!!

Let's make beautiful music together!

Ryan said, "Let's make some music!" Ryan loves listening to music, singing music and making music with the musical instruments! Tina was kind enough to bring in the whole box of instruments before she left for the day. Right after we put Mr. Parachute away the instruments came out. All throughout the building you could hear the sound of the drums, tambourine, bells, maracas and the xylophone too. Then all of a sudden Sam, Lucas, Teddy and Alana started yelling "Cut!" I asked the children "Why are you saying cut?" Lucas explained we have music but we need a singer to sing...So let's play the music softer because we need to hear the singer sing!" Josh offered to sing "Old McDonald had a Farm." Then Sam yelled cut and tapped a little tune on his drums "Tap, tap rap". Then Sam asked, "Does that sound like a familiar sound to you?"

I asked the group if they had a name for their band and Sam replied, I am still thinking about it, I will tell you later." I suggested they come up with a name for their band together. Tomorrow we will discuss it further..Stay tuned!

Parachute Fun!

We didn't let the rain put a damper on our day! We proved once again that with or without the sun we always have fun! Mr Parachute came out to play. The children played "Cat and mouse", "Switch", "Pop the popcorn" and "Where, oh where is that little mouse?" If I had to guess I would say the "Cat and mouse game" was their favorite. When you get a chance you might want to ask you child what their favorite parachute game is...

Alana's creation that will just delight her Grammy!

"I am a great artist and I practiced for days! I am making a snake machine that is extra slithery!" My Grammy is picking me up today and she is going to love it! Lauri, I know my Grammy is going to just love this!" How else could I respond except, "That's for sure!"

"Well Grammy don't you just love it?"

"Help Someone Today!"

Everyday Ali Fransblow says "Lauri will you please read my note." Today it said, "Help someone today." Ali's Mom always sends in a special note in her lunchbox, with an age appropriate message on it. We all look forward to Ali's message of the day!

I said, "Ali you did help someone today! You helped Alana take off her water shoes when she asked for help." She smiled and said, "Oh yeah I did." At the end of the day once again Ali offered to help Julia lead the group in a sing-a-long! Ali thanks for being such a great helper today! We really appreciate you!

Sand, Mulch and Water = Fun

Sand and water play ...It does not get better than that! Everywhere you looked today the children were engaged in sand and water play! Near the sand box there was a group of children making a "mud trap" in a large blue bucket. Over in the swing area just beyond the pools, the children created a stream in the mulch with shovels and water. At the end of the day when parents came to pick up their children, they looked a little like a group of adorable dalmatians.

I am sure everyone was asked to take a nice long bath tonight!

Tzedakah!

The children enjoyed preparing a tuna casserole for Rosie's Place. We had to use our big strong muscles to stir the bowl filled with macaroni, cheese, tuna fish and butter. It looked yummy!

Happy Father's Day!

The children enjoyed decorating cards for Father's Day! They used a variety of collage materials, markers and glue to create their own special card for their own special Daddy.

From all of us to all of you HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Enjoy this beautiful day!

Climbing, climbing, and more climbing!

The children are really feeling successful climbing the jungle gym on the playground. The photos say it all!