Looking forward... to 2016

Museum of Tolerance

The Museum of Tolerance contains many exhibits about the Holocaust. Anne Frank is featured, with reproductions of her diary, a 360-degree feature film of her time in the annex, and an interactive lab where visitors can record their thoughts. We had a nice afternoon visiting the museum with Gabbi, Olivia, Seth and Rachel.

Anna's Mochi Project : Step-by-Step

December Candids

La Jolla and Mount Soledad

I'm still amazed at the places we have yet to visit in Southern California. We decided to do a little excursion to La Jolla, where Lily's soccer tournament took place recently. We took a walk along La Jolla Cove and watched several sea lions as they relaxed on the sand at their own private beach. Many would waddle in and out of the water, mostly waddling onto the sand to sun themselves. Afterwards we drove up to Mount Soledad and its infamous cross. It's a spectacular view of the whole city once you climb up the stairs to the summit.

Christmas Dog

Crystal Cove Beach Cottage

We watched the sunset gradually,
Chilly outside, ocean vast
Then through glass windows of an old-fashioned beach cottage
Darkness hit quickly
Waves crashed and lulled us to sleep, surprising
Morning stroll down to shore to eat breakfast
Headed home... was it all a dream?

Winner!

For a couple of weeks prior to Christmas break, the student council sold lollipops, which came with a sticker that they can place on a teacher's construction paper Christmas tree. The teacher's tree with the most stickers would wear a Christmas tree costume. Well, I "won". It became apparent this would happen, as students would come back to class after recess, having lollipops in their possession, everyday. I wore the costume all day. Needless to say, my students were distracted, and no testing was done that day. Afterwards our staff celebrated with crazy Christmas sweaters before heading out for our two week holiday.