Graduation 2011

So if you know us we have been wondering whether Darren would get the deed done and finish everything so that he can graduate this summer. Well he is about done. He has finished all of the required assignments and has to take 2 finals ( Quarter 1& 2 ) for Adult Roles. Tough class huh? Anyway last Monday we found out that if he finished everything that the high school is holding their graduation ceremony next Thursday night. So he has been working like a mad man to finish and get to walk with a cap & gown.
Last night my friend Cindi took his senior pictures for him. I'm going to post a few here for your enjoyment.

Boston 2011

I was very fortunate to participate in a Teaching American History Grant this last school year. We had various trainings and received LOTS of fun books, dvds and ideas for my classroom. To top it off we got to fly to Boston and stay at the Embassy Suites by the airport and have a whirlwind trip of the many historic sites (and a few none) of Boston...including Plimoth (as spelled by William Bradford) Lowell Cotton Mills, Paul Revere home, Concord/Lexington green, USS Constitution, Bunker Hill, Old North and Old South churches.
We also had the opportunity to do some geneology work in Salem (one of my direct ancestors was hung), do temple work in the LDS temple and a harbor bay cruise. I'll post some pictures but I made one of the guys on my team take pictures for me and he has over 2000 so when he gets them organized and burned then I will have some.

The month of May

Wow... It is almost over, the school year, Darren's high school career, my job at Saratoga, it seems like everything is coming to an end. Stephanie has 3 more days of elementary school then she will be in junior high, Jessica has 3 more days of jr. high and then she will be in high school.
I can't believe how fast this school year has flown by. I moved out of my classroom this weekend I will only be a shark for 4 more days.
I have loved the people that I work with. I will definitely miss the staff at this school. I am excited for my new adventure and had fun playing with the people on my new staff. I'm also excited to go to Boston next week. I am also excited for the 2 babies that will join our family in the next 5 weeks!

Mrs. Shinn

Holy Cow! Jessica amazed us last night in Music Man. She was fantastic. We cracked up everytime she was on stage. Numerous people told us that she is their favorite character. I am so proud of her. Come see her Saturday night. Vista Heights Middle School. 7:00 pm $3-student, $5 general, and $15 a family of 5.

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Choir Tour

Over twenty years ago I was introduced to Choir/Theater tours. My first adventure was flying from LAX to Washington D.C. for a week. It was really fun and a trip I will never forget. We had very 80's tour outfits and we performed with John Jacobson America Sings...
The next year we made trips to Disneyland, Palm Springs, Sacramento and San Francisco. They were fun trips as well but made on charter buses.
Well this year it was Darren's turn. He left on a bus for Seattle on Wednesday afternoon and just arrived home at 1:30am. That is a lot of bus driving. It was fun that we could text his cell phone and check up on him and visit while they were driving so we had a good idea of when he'd be home. Now I'm off to bed I'll have to visit with him more after we have both done some sleeping.

The Cake Boss

It is spring break. I have spent a couple of days working, we have had doctor visits, Darren has done lots of homework and today we discovered ....

The Cake Boss on Netflix