Idaho

Well, February is gone. That's terrifying. 

All is going well on the dorm front. Admissions is the busiest we've been all year. From reviewing applications to granting financial aid - we haven't been bored! 

Luckily, I've budgeted time for some fun Idaho firsts. It was my first time on skis, yurt trip, on a snow mobile, boiling snow for water, playing hockey and addition of a new my family member. 

February -Month of LOVE

Well I can't believe it is already February! Where has the time gone? I feel like it should be November- though I'm glad we are a little closer to Spring and warmer weather =)

Life has definitely been eventful in the Valley of the Sun. I'm in 3rd grade full time now and loving it! I miss those kindergarteners and it is always fun to see them at recess or walking through the halls. I've also been sending them mail once in a while, just to make sure they can't forget about me ;)
The Residence Hall has been bustling with kids- it seems strange to have everyone home at the same time for a few days since the skiers have been traveling so much. They had a competition at home last weekend and all did really well! It was great to see them do so great at home and was good for them to show us that all their hard work is paying off!
Also big news in the dorm --we have a new intern-- Melanie Palmer who attended the College of Idaho with me. It has been so much fun to have her in the program.
Honestly...it's been a lot of girl time with Melanie and Team Sarah. I'm talking smoothies, magical potato soup,  long walks on the freezing cold bike path, a day trip to Stanley, and HOT SPRINGS! And probably the most important, Coyote Muffins. I'm not going to talk about them any more in the blog; you have to come to the dorm on a Saturday or Sunday morning to be let in on this secret recipe. (by morning I mean no earlier than 9:30a.m.)
So anyway- Welcome Melanie and Happy February to all y'all!

Here are some pictures from our trip to Stanley. What fun!

"Interns" a documentary.

Here is a documentary style video created by CS SVSA Senior Chris Nalen on the topic of the TTA internship program.  The documentary features Hannah Mangham, Sarah Thompson, and Connor Wade!

"Interns" by Christopher Nalen from Community School on Vimeo.

Just a lovely snapshot from the valley...it may be cold (in the negatives!) but the sun is wonderful.  The ski racing season is well underway, and our athletes are traveling the U.S...and even Europe!  I've gotten to go on two trips so far with them (and am currently writing from Schweitzer, ID in the panhandle of the state) which have been really great.  It's so fun seeing them race, and just chillin' afterwards.  Going to these ski races brings back so many memories of my own races at these same mountains, and it's so cool to be on the other side of it and see it from a whole new perspective.

Winter Wonderland

Before break we surprised the students with a study hall break at the hot springs!

Made sure to get some quality mountain time...

Made cookies...

...more cookies.

Gave presents (Thanks Jenna!!)

and got ready to go home!

Salt Lake City then to Boston!

Was greeted with a Christmas explosion.

Spent time with my sister

and my brother

And my sister

and more family

Found the only person with more Christmas cheer than my mother.

Made MORE cookies...

Celebrated my beautiful grandmother!

Learned that underwear is not a toy...

the hard way...

Made new friends.

Went for a trip with friends...

Brought in the new year with style!

took a dip

Said farewell to friends and headed back to Idaho!

Decem-buuurrr!!

Only one week left until Winter Break-man how the time flies! December has been eventful with Winter Formal for the kids, holiday celebrations and preparations, and lots of time spent playing in the snow. This weekend some friends from Caldwell visited and I spend my first half day on the mountain. It was great to get out and snowboard with friends! Sarah T had her very first day on the mountain on Sunday and was shreddin' like a boss. Ski patrol did check in on her, however! =) We have also been busy with classroom prep as everyone seems to be getting in some extra teaching time this month. I've met with Mrs. G who I will spend the second half of my placement with and we had an outing with the third grade last Friday. It was a blast! Anyway- here are some pictures to show you what's been happening with the TTA!

How will the kids take their garbage out?!?!

Danna and I on top of Baldy!

The Interns!

Cutest couple ever <3

Brian's snow angel....

....turned out pretty awesome!