At our school the fifth graders learn throughout the year how businesses work. For a reward system they receive "auction bucks" pretend money and at the end of the year they hold a mini carnival. With their money they purchase a business license, rent for their space, food handlers permit, pay for electricity if needed, etc. for their individual shops. Then at their own expense, hold a carnival. The rest of the students in school and parents are given "auction bucks" to spend at the carnival. It is a lot of fun for those attending, and a great learning experience for the fifth graders.
Some parents are very kind and donated more than others. This year I got the most awesome smoothie (thanks Amy). You can also get nachos, soda, and play a lot of fun games.
My son (in the blue shirt) and his friend sold water balloons and toys he didn't want any more. I think they were very successful. Best of all it only cost me two bucks for the balloons!!! And, he learned some valuable skills.
The first weekend of April we had a huge snow storm that took down and uprooted a bunch of trees at the park near us. When my third son called the city asking about Eagle projects they were very excited. The city just doesn't have the man power or money to clean it all up. So to have a service project like this will benefit our city greatly. 
If you are interested in helping we start tonight at 5:30 and go until dark. On Saturday we will be there at 8am until 11am. Bring some work gloves and any pruners you might have. 
It is also a great way for our children to take ownership of the things they use. Hopefully they will take better care of these things in the future. Keeping them nice. They will see that things don't just magically appear beautiful. They must be a part of it.
The men will cut everything in small pieces so the rest of us can put it on trailers or in piles to be taken to the compost pile.
Above is my favorite.
I wish they were this good.
Poor little sister! Don't let her fool you, she can handle them all.
Here's big brother, oblivious to the world around him.:) Dad's making the 2nd oldest check the tires. 
Here they are waiting for their dates. Don't they look handsome.
G's first date.
T's third time to sweethearts with her. They have a lot of fun together. Both boys went with different groups and both had a great time.
Here is the daughter at her first piano recital. She said she was nervous, but I couldn't tell.
Here is Son #1 with his date for the Yule Ball. So handsome! And I've gotta get me a dress like that. It was so beautiful.
My son (in the blue shirt) and his friend sold water balloons and toys he didn't want any more. I think they were very successful. Best of all it only cost me two bucks for the balloons!!! And, he learned some valuable skills.
