Zootastic

This week we heard that ZooTASTIC was having a Teacher's Appreciation Day for all teachers and their children.  With school ID, all teachers and their families get free admission and free lunch.  I wasn't sure what to expect, and as we know, anything free usually means 'not that good'.  We thought we would try it out anyway.



I invited a few of my teacher friends with kids but the only ones that responded was Mrs. E. and Mrs. M.    Unfortunately, Mrs. M's little fellow got sick :(   (missed you guys) so we were left with 5 in the party van.  

I have to say that overall we had a very good experience and a really fun day.  I wish more businesses would offer "Teacher Appreciation Days" because 1.  it is so appreciated by any and all educators 2.  we will give you MORE of our business.  

See more from Zootastic Here: 

Turtle Power!! 

I named this one Raphael. 

These huge turtles would walk right up and eat from the hand.

Sasquatch Spotted!

Mrs. E. and I have a thing about Bigfoot.

EXTRA!  EXTRA!  READ ALL ABOUT IT!  WEEKLY WORLD NEWS:  Bigfoot captures two teachers so that he can finally learn to read!!!

(I always have fun with Mrs. E.)

Give me a kiss baby!

2 Gals and a Lizard

Retired Joe Camel

Feeding the baby goats and ponies.  

They loved the carrots best.

“A zebra will never see the funny side of things because he is always thinking in black & white.”

another kisser

The visit provided a wagon ride where the animals would walk up and feed.  There were not quite as many animals on the ride as the Lazy 5 Ranch but there were a lot more animals through the walking path.  For additional price, they also offer some pretty cool animal encounters.

Remember Zoboomafoo?

That was Connor's Favorite

Surprisingly, free lunch was good.  

They provided grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, cold drinks, slaw, beans, and chips.

The kids had a ball with these animals.








Tiger Feedings

Even Carlee fed the tiger, 

thanks to a gentleman who gave away his feeding card to her.  

The Giraffes were my favorite part.  They were such cuddle bugs.  

B. had Giraffe Hair all over himself.

It was a great day full of sunshine and laughter!  
Thanks Zootastic! 

Where is Mrs. E?  

Tumble Star

Do you see this little tot?

She is growing, growing, growing.

This year she finished both first grade and her very first Tumbling performance (on stage).  There were challenges associated but both taught her to be her own person in many ways.

Back Stage:

I loved all the little dancers getting reading for their times.

Silk, Ribbons, and Sashays are all up my alley! 💗

pretty ballerinas 

GiGi helping out with hair

  

When we first merged into the world of dance, we immediately opted out of dance shoes and performance fees.

I knew that my introverted daughter would never go for performing in front of potential hundreds on stage. I had doubts about her even taking the class seriously. 

The thought of her accidentally messing up, falling, dissolving into tears, and running away in the middle of a number convinced me there was no way we should go there yet.  

photo courtesy of Joan 

It isn't that I don't have faith in my kids, it's just that I live with them every single day.  

I know things.  I have witnessed things people. 

I am a realist.

Within a month of the performance, the studio owner convinced me that not only should Carlee do the performance but that she really seemed to be thriving in her tumbling class.  

She had no doubts about it.  

I took Carlee to the side, looked her straight in the eye, and explained "if you agree to this, $125 says there is NO backing out" .  She gave a slight nod up and down with no words (leaving me with less confidence than I started).    

The dance instructor took her measurements and we were on our way. 

photo courtesy of Joan 

The day OF the performance left me with extreme anxiety.  This was all new to us- costume, hair, times, placement.   I nearly forgot the Bones for her hair and sent the whole thing into an epic meltdown.  (I didn't even mention I forgot the tights.  Thankfully she didn't notice.)  

I can't really blame my daughter for hyper-focusing on certain things, well...

I think you get the idea about me from this blog.

Due to family emergency, Darren was unable to attend.  I begged on all the women I could call on to join me.  My mom, sister, step-mom, and the male member Connor (who was as nervous as me).  They all had to drive pretty far but I needed the moral support.

Finally, I had to do what is so hard to do.  

I dressed Carlee and left her back stage all alone.  I couldn't exactly go on stage with her (but probably would have if possible).  

She had to do it on her own. 

photo courtesy of Joan   & my favorite 

I went back to my seat and it was time for Carlee's number- 'The Witch Doctor'.  I noticed that the curtains stayed closed a long time. ( Oh no, did Carlee have a meltdown?  Is she refusing? Did she freeze?  If she doesn't go, the whole number will be off! Should I get up?  Is she wondering about me?)

photo courtesy Joan

Then the curtains pulled back and the number began....

photo courtesy of Joan 

 I guess even the most introverted performer can come alive under the stage lights.

She was wonderful and didn't miss a beat!

I was so proud of her and I literally cried like a baby (like a baby).

Her whole team did a great job.

Way to go ladies!! 
I really liked this studio.  I thought the costumes were age appropriate, the numbers were kid friendly, and everyone had fun.

Who knows what next year will bring but we definitely have the dance bug! 

Just take my money now.

Here are a few highlights from the year.

Sechrist Family Olympics

Due to the rainy weekend, our pool plans were canceled.  We were totally bummed but then Connor decided to create the first annual- 

Sechrist Olympics 

(inspired by his favorite episode of The Office).

I personally was much more interested in napping but Connor's organization and enthusiasm of the event propelled me to participate.  

Even Darren (not pictured due to a lack of upper body clothing) got in on the action.

Our first event was created by Carlee.

1.  The Nail Polish Game:  Close your eyes, pick a color out of the box, and guess the color.  The person who guesses the first 7 colors win.
winner- Amanda

I won the first event (actually the only event).  

2.  MUM Ball:  toss the ball back and forth and the first to drop is out.  

winner- Carlee

3. HORSE (with a ball and trashcan): The idea of the game involves matching baskets. The player who makes shots that the opponent does not duplicate, wins the game.   winner- Connor

4.  Black Jack/21:  First Player to win 4 consecutive games in a row wins.  

winner- Darren

5.  Shootout:  Whoever shoots the ball in the trashcan from the farthest distance WINS.

winner- Connor

6.  Drawing Game:  Set the timer for five minutes and the best picture wins.  winner- Carlee

Carlee (2 in 5 min):  pizza and bunny

Connor:  a shoe with scriptures to sway the Christian vote

Me- The Watermelon

Darren (who cheated by using google drawing tutorial then naming himself the winner before judgement)

I relied on Mrs. E. to help.  

 

She was zero help to my cause.  🤣

 The Winners

4th:  Amanda (Darren was point keeper and I know he cheated)

3rd:   Darren

2nd:  Carlee

1st:  Connor

(both winner & excellent organizer of the games)

He even designed the Winning Shirt and Belt
(obviously having zero faith in an adult winning). 

2nd place winner:  All the Watermelon!

What a hoot!

Can't wait for next year's- 

Sechrist Family Olympics

Educational Play Day Please

Last week I joined Carlee's class on a fun educational trip.

I was partnered with Carlee and her BFF (yay)! 

Aside from Carlee feeling bad, we had a great time.

I loved this location.  

I have never been before but I would love to take the girls back this summer.

There is definitely a lot to play! 

 The pizza restaurant had seating for the patrons with a menu, as well as a place to check out and pay.

 Dressing at Nana's House.

Outdoor Swinging

Water Science:

kids were soaked after this room

My best teaching buddy and her baby....

do you love his glasses?  

Time for the Doctor- 

No line, No Waiting

They had an area with all the newborn babies to weigh, dress, and check.  

I needed help too!  

(don't worry I just borrowed the crutches but no one really wanted knew what to do.  I don't think kids know how to really play pretend.)

When I saw this playground, I nearly DIED.

Apparently,  it contains two European-imported 30-foot-tall Neptune XXL Climbers connected by a suspended net tunnel at a height of 25 feet (the only ones of their kind in the world) and designed in a way that is impossible for a child to fall and get hurt.  

It almost makes me want to be thin enough to test that theory.  I'm pretty sure I could find a way to get hurt up there.

There were plenty of children that got stuck at the top (including my kid) but there were also a few brave teachers who climbed up there to get them too.   The boy in the red shirt here-

had zero fear and I believe he might be Spiderman's son.

DRAMA

and the girls begin a little tune.

Behind this curtain was costumes, dressings, and other props to put on a performance.  

Big Rig Time

(watch out, these ladies are taking over the road)

Just in time for a Train Tea Party

What a fun day!

I vote our state brings back MORE play to the educational day.

It was a blast.