Signs

Spring comes late to Northern Michigan, and even later to Mackinac Island. It makes sense - were surrounded by million of gallons of cold water. It takes a great deal of energy to heat up all that water, so Mackinac Island typically has late cool springs. Even though spring is not my favorite season, I do tend to keep an eye out for signs of spring, and crocuses are a sure sign that warmer weather is almost here.

The Wheels on the Bus

We bought a new bus! We use to own half of a bus - one we shared with another district, but it had their name on the side. This is our first ever bus with our name on it! If you ever see us driving down the road, be sure to wave hello!

First Attempt

I have always liked the look of cookies iced with flow icing, but I've never tried it. Until now. My youngest child decided they wanted an Animal Crossing themed birthday party this year, so it seemed a perfect time to try. 

I 3D printed an Animal Crossing cookie cutter and got to work. I will never again complain about how much these cookies cost! Not only are mine marginal at best, but decorating them took forever - and I only flooded one color! I shudder to think about how long it took to make cookies like these. 

K loved them, but due to Covid-19, we had to enjoy them at home and pre-packaged doughnut holes went into to school to celebrate. Despite the gigantic mess in the kitchen (and trust me, there was green icing everywhere) it was fun to give this new technique a try.

Spring

Another sure sign of spring on Mackinac is Worm Day. We joke as a family and call the first day each spring, when the worms come out en masse, Worm Day. It's still a little early for the invasion, (that usually occurs in May,) but it was nice to see that things had warmed up enough for them to start coming out. I noticed this little guy this morning...

Monday Morning

Foggy mornings on Mackinac are a sure sign of spring. Luckily the boats are running, because if we had to fly this morning, we would have missed our appointment.

I Heart Kid Art

As I'm sure you know, the Mackinac Island Public School is small. Our entire K-12 school is about 60 kids, half of which are in the "upper end" (7th - 12th grades.) Amusingly, my two kids are the only two taking high school art this semester. I love walking by the teacher's hallway displays and trying to decide which one of my children created each piece. 

This week is was block prints; my youngest made the character in black while my son carved and printed the rose in blue. The art teacher knows me well enough that she had each of them print a second one for me to hang on my art wall at home.

It's Happening Again

Back in the beginning of the Covid lockdown, I started seeing seeing faces and it's happening again. Every time I walk past the windowsill in my classroom, I swear this cactus wants me to stop for a quick chat. And then I start to wonder - just what is she smiling about? And then I remember - today is the last day of school before spring break! No wonder she's smiling.