School's out!!

Unfortunately, its been raining for days. Really cold too. So we couldnt have the end of the year party at Hush Valley. It was really fun though! We watched Diary of a Whimpy kid. It was in spanish, but they made the subtitles English.
We all got lots of nice gifts from the teacher, too. I even got a blue tooth speaker! It was a fun party.
Today, we had a graduation ceremony for my friend Tamara. She is going to a different school next year in Copey, because she finished the sixth grade.
it was a very happy time, but kind of sad too.
In Costa Rica, when a student graduates the sixth grade, they go to the next level called collegio . After the graduate 12th grade, they can go to University.

This is a picture of my whole class, and my teacher- actually, the whole school! I will miss Tamara next year.

My teacher, whom we call Nina, will also be moving to a new school, so we will have a new teacher. Next year, it will only be Tomas and I in class. Unless someone new moves into the area. Its sad that my teacher is leaving. She was really a good teacher.

At the graduation, the families of the students were there, and so was the school board. There was even some people who graduated from Rio Blanco school, that are adults now. We sang the national anthem and we did a flag ceremony. I got to carry the flag with Tomas! Ive never done that before. We didnt do that in my old school. The flag for Costa Rica is also red, white, and blue. Like the States. Did you know a flag is a symbol for a country? Thats why flags are never supposed to touch the ground.

After the graduation ceremony, we had cake and food. Everyone had a really nice time. They even had ornaments for each student and their families, with their names on them! These were our first Costa Rican Christmas ornaments.

Even though I like my school, and the other students, Im really ready for summer to begin. I have to learn a lot of Spanish before the next year starts though. The teacher told my mom and dad that I have to be fluent, or it will be really hard for me, because they aren't going to let me speak English next year. I have been practicing on the app Duolingo. It really helps me.

We are still working very hard on our new project at Hush Valley. There has been lots of leftover wood. My mom asked if I wanted to make a small project out of the scrap wood. She kind of tricked me though.
First, we took some small cut off pieces, made them the same length, and then spray painted them different colors.

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Then, she had me think of all the things I do around the farm every day and make a list.  Then, we painted the things I do on the wood sticks.  Monkey helped us paint the sticks. He wasn't feeling very good, and it was raining outside, so he helped us. 

Then, we took a few more pieces of wood, screwed them together, and drilled holes in the bottom to twist some hooks in. 

After that, my mom painted the board, and I helped Monkey drill holes in the little sticks.
I didnt know we were making a chore list for me, but it was fun anyway. My mom says it will help me remember my responsibilities. The red ones are chores for everyday. and the blue ones are chores for some days. The orange ones are just reminders for things I am supposed to do, but not really chores.

When Im done with each job, I take it off and put it on the little shelf.  When the hooks are empty, I get free time.  I hope it works. Im still saving money for my ATV, although I'd rather have a horse I think. 

Well, my mom is losing the bet with Greg. The tad poles really are growing legs.  She is not happy. She does not like to lose. 

My dad  says they are kissing tadpoles in this picture. 

There are so many cool creatures in Costa Rica. Ive decided I will show you one each blog.  This blogs cool creature is this caterpillar.  Minor says its called a Gusano de ortiga.  That means nettle worm.  It looks like it has flowers growing on it.  Monkey found this one, near where he found the walking stick.  

I cannot wait to go on our field trip tomorrow!!