Where did the time go? How is is possible that T is done with second grade? It just felt like yesterday we were sitting in the kitchen with his new books and I was using our new dry erase board that has since had plenty of use.

Tomorrow T will have his promotion night. He is excited and he is hoping he will get a chance to speak in the microphone. No, he's not shy!

On Saturday we will be having our TOG year end party. It will be a Civil War party with about 50 people. Everybody, including adults must come in costume. The older kids will be giving oral reports and speeches and some of the the younger kids will be giving shorter reports. There will be lots of activities for the kids. I will be teaching an embroidery project. One of my friends will be making pea shooters. I know there will be a scavenger hunt based on the Underground Railroad. And of course there will be lots of yummy food. I'll be bringing fried chicken and Bryan's grandmother's famous sweet potatoe pie.

All week long I have been working on the final details of our costumes. Those that know me well know that if there is a costume involved, I'm there. I guess I still have not grown out of the joy of playing dress up, only now I get to dress my whole family up! T will be wearing a Robert E. Lee costume I picked up for 75% off at one of those Halloween stores after Halloween. (Always go after Halloween for the very best deals!)  T has worn it so many times this year and he has really enjoyed it. B has seriously considered doing some re-enacting after he is done with school. I had save up money to buy a beautiful Confederate costume from C & C Sutlery. It's very well made with 100% wool just like they would have worn in the 1860's. I have no idea how those poor men wore such clothing in all that heat and humidity. My mom made a beautiful costume for A.(Thanks Mom!) Her dress is a blue calico that looks perfect with her blue eyes. The pattern we used is a reproduction of one from the 1860's. It also has pantaloons and a petticoat. She looks adorable in it and she just can't stop spinning to see the skirt fly up.  I will set her hair to make those long ringlets that were so popular. My costume I got from E-bay. It's a "camp dress" which is a skirt and matching blouse and an apron. The colors are peach and green. I have a hoop that I will wear under the dress. You know, wearing a hoop is actually pretty comfortable.

Next week I will post pictures and tell you all how it went.