the Schrader 5

The Rocking Rockets Rock Band! The boys set up their jam session area yesterday after I took down the Christmas tree. We had Will on the keyboard, Ethan on the electric guitar, and Noah on the drums and microphone. We got some rope lighting yesterday and they all got new matching rocket pajamas, hence their band name and uniform. They are begging us to get out the fog machine and strobe light out for their performances. We may need to start charging for their performances with their elaborate set-up. I can't promise the music will equal the show itself. But, hey all those other pop stars lip sync.

So, Lori, this is what beats your winter wonderland. Chris and Mike went up to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse last night to take some pictures. Chris and I went for a long bike ride last night and the moon was amazing over the river and ocean. Of course we didn't have a camera with us then!
Today we signed Will up for horseback riding lessons. We had previously checked out a barn that was sketchy and we were not at all comfortable sending him there. So, today, we checked out a new one that Melissa found and it was really nice. The barn is brand new and beautiful. The horses were all well cared for and seemed happy. They had very nice fields to play in as well. He starts next Friday and is very excited! Emma is taking lessons with him so they should have a lot of fun.

Today is Pop-Pop Wayne's birthday. He just told Alina and Aidan that he was turning 36. Ha! Will and I made him a cake while Ethan and Noah were at the beach with my mom. It is sunny and 80 here today. Tonight we are going out to dinner.

As if we haven't had enough sad news currently, Ethan's old kindergarten aide teacher passed away on Sunday. It was a very unexpected death. She leaves behind teenage boys that were everything to her. It is so saddening. She was such a young, vibrant, wonderful woman. She is the one that turned Ethan onto reading. She always got him excited about reading and Ethan really bonded with her. His desk was next to her desk in the classroom and he would always come home with Ms. Spinney stories. I was lucky enough to get to know her by eating lunch with her each day while she was at our school. I'm still in complete disbelief. I will miss seeing her and Tom walking along Riverside Drive each Tuesday and Thursday while I'm out for my bike ride.