The Gibbons Clan in Florida

Some members of the Gibbons family headed to Florida for Christmas. They were shocked at how warm it was here. We are heading to Disney for three days. We actually spent a day on the beach. They thought the water was warm, and actually went swimming! I will post some pictures from Disney. I really don't like Disney...but they really want to go. There are so many beautiful sights and interesting places in Florida. Who knows it may be fun...... I'll let you know!


Megan, Patirck, and Bridey get ready for bed on their first night in FL. There was 3 feet of snow on the ground where they live in Massachusetts.

The Gibbons nieces and nephews take a break from football.

Megan relaxes with ThelmaFrank and Mr. Gibbons dog Franky.

Patrick (we calls him Earl) is a little nervous at first around Thelma.

Thursday Night

Merry Christmas. I hope everyone had a great day today. I am having an awesome break. I went camping for three days, and the weather was perfect. I am very busy but I will post some pictures of the Gibbons family over the weekend. You all made our last week of school before Christmas incredible! I hope that Bridey is doing well at the Zinn's house. Thanks Zinns!

The Pickle Story is Growing!
It seems the Florida Times Union is talking Christmas Pickles too! Click on Pickle to hear their podcast from Jacksonville.com about some of the origins of the Christmas pickle story!

HAPPY HANUKKAH!

Hanukkah begins today and is celebrated over the next 8 days.

Scroll down for new puzzles!

Have a safe and happy break!

We miss you Karson and hope you are feeling better!

I slept late today, after staying up the last few nights cooking, wrapping, and getting things ready for our Bash. It was worth it. I cannot tell you how much fun we had putting it all together for you, and then enjoying it with you.

Hopefully over break you will spend time with your friends and families, and relax...and maybe even READ! This is a great opportunity to get caught up on your 50 Books.

I plan on going camping in Alabama from Sunday to Wednesday, and relaxing!

My brother Frank and his wife Kathy along with their kids Megan, Bridey, and Patrick (we call him little Earl) will be coming down from Boston to spend a week here in warm and sunny Florida. We plan to go to Disney for a few, the beach, and playing some baseball!

Pickle Winners, Candy Jars, Hanukkah, Dinner, Pickle Swap, and Stockings

Our day started off with Mrs. Hartless on Beauclerc Broadcast. She came to school sick as a dog, and hung in like a trooper all day! She announced the categories for which our Pickle Door won. We had fun doing it, and hopefully many people learned the meaning behind the "Christmas Pickle". I think she may have woken up late....she was still in her pajamas!

Today was an incredible day. Thanks to all of you for making this a memorable day for our students.
~Special thanks to the Walkers, who took all the main dishes to their house this morning, and warmed it in the ovens, then toted it up to the school. Mrs. Walker helped serve food as well. We are lucky to have you folks!
~Thanks to the Woods for donating the candy jars to be raffled off in the Ape Classrooms. We had a blast guesstimating the amounts!
~To all of you who sent in food, drinks and desserts.....Mrs. Peck, Mrs. Whitelaw, Mrs. Gay, and Mr. Gibbons greatly appreciate it.
~Thank you to Kathy Zinn for running around like a maniac for the last few days. We know this is a difficult time for you, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
~Karen Gaspard, today was the best Christmas party we have ever hosted. I don't think any of us have ever been a part of a party like that at school...EVER! You were the reason that room looked so incredible, and we are grateful!

The winners are.............................

Italian Feast or Pajama Party?

The Counting Jar Winners!

We are head over heels for Mrs. Wood! She counted every M &M!

Evan and Derek give us another Hanukkah Mini-lesson!

The Party Planner!

Ms. Karon did an awesome job!

The calm before the storm!

These pickles smelled strong!

Mrs. Kornblum and JT

Half of the dessert table

Nick and Mom

Pile that food higher Mrs. Peck, I think we may have overcooked!

Mrs. Walker was incredible today! We hope you enjoyed your day with us. Thanks for taking all those pictures! You truly "ROCK"

Mrs. Whitelaw serves up pizza while Mrs. Walker serves salad.

Packer Backers!

We ran out of seats...sorry Lopez family!

Thanks for the pics Tungett family!

Somebody looks like they need a nap!

Keke helped set up the multi-purpose room. She's great!

Thanks for sharing Rashod!

Doesn't Mrs. Whitelaw look great?

Mrs. Peck serves up her lasagna...or is that Mrs. Wood's lasagna.

More baked ziti please.

Trenton chillin' with Robbie

The serving line

Andrew's family...... by the way...great mac and cheese!

Cristian and Jaz

sluuuuuuuurp

PICKLE SWAP!

I don't know why he's smiling.....he must not know the rules of Pickle Swap!

Awesome.......a first grade backpack!

More ziti! And he wants it????

Cat food? Yes, but it high quality cat food.

Wow, it's 2-ply!

A healthy breakfast is important!

"I think I'll keep it"

"These aren't bad"

Andy didn't hold onto this for long!

More candygrams?

Where's the toy? Derek does not want cupcakes!

Five pounds of Hershey Bars!

"What the heck is this Mr. Gibbons?"

If she plants them, she will get a sweet like chocolate covered cherries, just like in Milkweed!

"I think I'll keep it"

"OK, who whas the dancing reindeer?"

SANTA CAME THURSDAY NIGHT AND OVERFILLED OUR STOCKINGS!

Merry Christmas to all...and to all a GOOD NIGHT! Thank you all for participating in our Bash, the lovely gifts, the cards, the kind words, and the opporttunity to teach your child, not just about books but about life! We are grateful!