LACC Day Trip to Newport Beach (by William)

On April 29, 2017, I went with LACC on a day trip to St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach.  The church was absolutely amazing (it was totally built into the surroundings). 

Photo from Internet

We had a clinic with a very nice gentleman named Richard Messenger.  He taught us how to improve on our songs for the Spring Concert: Une Poule Blanche, Marienwürmchen, Where Go the Boats, Fishing Song, Laugh Kookaburra, and In These Delightful Pleasant Groves.  It was nice meeting Mr. Messenger. 

We also performed in a mini concert.  Three kids joined us to sing Amazing Day for Mrs. Rebecca Thompson.  The three kids were Brigs, Brandon, and Alec.  Alec just happened to be Mrs. Thompson’s grandson.  When we were rehearsing, I learned how Mrs. Thompson composed Amazing Day.  She was very sick one time when she was living on the east coast.  Her husband took her to the hospital where some doctors performed an operation on her and she thought “what if this is my last day.”  The next morning, she woke up.  She tested her toes and fingers and they all worked, then suddenly the tune dropped into her mind.  (You can listen to the song at: http://www.choristersguild.org/store/cga1439-amazing-day/6592/) 

Finally we went to the beach and had a picnic.  I chased waves, built a sand fort, and also observed sea anemones in the tide pool.  I discovered their tentacles are sticky, which I didn’t realize in the Aquarium of the Pacific.  Chasing waves made my clothes all wet, but laughed hard too.  I can’t wait for the next day trip.

The Moon of Endor (by William)

The Moon of Endor is more than just a moon in the Star Wars movies. It is covered with redwood trees, grasslands, and some water. Many cute Ewoks call The Moon of Endor home because it is suitable for life. It can be called Endor, the same name of the planet it is orbiting. Some people also call it the sanctuary moon. It’s in the outer rim territory.

The points of interest are Death Star 2’s shield generator and the Ewoks’ Bright Tree Village. The Battle of Endor took place when the rebels and Ewoks bumped into some storm and scout imperial troopers. The rebels wanted to destroy the 2nd Death Star after destroying its shield generator. Endor’s atmosphere could be breathed by humans. Many raiders and outsiders hunted for cute and furry Ewoks for Ewok Jerky, which was a popular snack in The Outer Rim. The Ewoks later followed C-3PO’s commands because he was all suited in golden plates, and the Ewoks thought he was a god. C-3PO asked the Ewoks to release the other rebels and fight with them against the Empire.

Finally, after the Battle, the 2nd Death Star was destroyed, both Vader and Sidious were dead. Around the galaxy, people were celebrating for being free of the Empire.

 

Mr. Peterson (by William)

I will always remember Mr. Peterson when I go on to 5^th grade and when I grow up.  Mr. Peterson is the nicest 4^th grade teacher ever!  He will be retiring when I finish 5^th grade and for sure, I will be missing him.

He is an old fashioned gentleman with bluish eyes.  Not to be offensive, his stomach is a bit big J  He talks calmly, but when we get too naughty, he may shout at us with his loud and musician like voice.  He is a musician with the Big Tweed Band (http://www.bigtweed.com/p/about-band.html), famous for singing folk and country songs. 

Big Tweed Band - Mr. Peterson is the second from left

I like Mr. Peterson because he shows movies and used to host parties for us.  The most important thing is that he teaches us skills such as decimals, electricity, and California history. 

Mr. Peterson also sizes problemos out.  One time, I told Mr. Peterson that some kids were teasing me about my crush on Kaylee.  Mr. Peterson said, “Those kids will be bothering you until the day you will die, so try to ignore them.”  I learned to have an open mind and to ignore kids who are bothering me. 

Mr. Peterson also picks out good books for read aloud.  For example, By The Great Horn Spoon tells the story about a boy, Jack and his butler, Praiseworthy.  They are two stowaways on the ship, Lady Wilma.  They didn’t purposely do it because Cut-Eye Higgins stole all their money to buy a ticket for himself.  The Lady Wilma tries to defeat another ship, The Sea Raven on a race to California for riches.  Along the way, the Lady Wilma runs into horrible, destructive weather around Cape Horn.  Despite that, the Lady Wilma pushes on to better weather right ahead of the Sea Raven.  The moral of the book is that even if the sky will be stormy some days, but if you hold on and wait, you will eventually open the door and look at the bright, sunny sky.    

Mr. Peterson used to be the principal of Garfield school, head of technology for the school district, and has always been a musician.  He loves and knows kids well since he has his own children and grandchildren. 

Now that you know about Mr. Peterson, don’t you think he is great?!   

Spring (a poem by William)

Spring is in the air

Right through my hair

Spring is like a pear

Being eaten by a friendly brown bear

Spring got mom and dad as a pair

And I think that is very unfair

So I found Kaylee, my perfect care

Spring is the season people like to share

The Poppy Reserve (by William)

During my spring break, I not only visited my aunt and uncle, dad and I also visited Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.

I remember the ground was blanketed with orange poppies everywhere.  The air was filled with fragrant flower scents.  We first went to the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center for some information about the trails and the reserve.  The front desk cashier suggested us to hike on the Tehachapi loop and Vista Point.  

We saw lots of poppies, black caterpillars, and two red tailed hawks.  View on the peak was gorgeous.  The snow-capped San Bernardino Mountains were looming behind the poppy fields.  It was totally fantastic.  We also hiked on another trail and saw even more orange poppies.

Photographer William

Despite the strong winds and gales, the trip was totally worth it.  Seeing all wonderful flora and fauna of the Poppy Reserve really made my day.