Kindergarten Graduate and a Person I Admire

Let's just say that I was NOT one of those parents who cried when my kids started kindergarten, unless it was a tear of joy. I love having my kids attend school. Instead of being sad and nostalgic about Sydney graduating from kindergarten, I am looking forward to her being in first grade and having no half-day committments for any of my kids for a whole year (then we get to start the preschool and kindergarten show all over for the little two.)

The kids performed all of their color songs, weather songs, months and seasons songs. Then they got called up and received a diploma. Quite a bit of pomp considering they will be coming back to this same school in a few short months, but they felt important.

This is Sydney's best little bud, Carly. These two girls are so much alike it is freaky. They've got the same sass, love of dance, silly humor, and sweet spirits. She lives just a street away so it will be fun to see this friendship grow.

Sydney's teacher, Mrs. Hare is people I admire #3. She is a truly amazing teacher. She has every bit as much energy as these 5 and 6 year olds. She talks a million miles a minute and can change pace as quickly as her students. She had the dream job this year, 15 kindergarteners and she took them so far. I enjoyed volunteering in her classroom and seeing the growth, both academically and socially throughout the year. With the last name Hare, she plays it up in her classroom (filled with bunny things). She teaches the kids that they are all someBUNNY special. . .she has even told me and other parents on a regular basis that we are somebunny special too. She taught Carter in first grade last year then moved down to kindergarten (where she says her heart belongs) so she had my kids two years in a row. I might go through Mrs. Hare withdrawal next year and I hope she sticks around long enough to have my other two kids!

Go Fish!

The second grade classes this year put on a musical called "Go Fish." I was actually very impressed with them. They all could have slowed down and spoken a little louder but they sang several songs, with choreography that were adorable. Everyone knew where to go and when to be there and it was super fun to watch.

Carter played the Tuna fish who couldn't carry a tune. He got to sing off key and he did a great job!

The Needle fish on the right was Carter's partner on one of the dances. She told her mom that Carter's hands are made for basketball. . . not dancing!

Of course, I had nothing to do with his amazing costume. I asked Theresa what she would do (their only direction was that he needed to have a yellow tail) and she graciously went to work to make this amazing tuna fish costume. WOW!

A Fun, Simple Family Night

I came across these pictures the other day and they made me smile. Prophet guess who was the easiest family home evening ever and it was a big hit! Everyone got in on the fun. Just have a pad of sticky notes, write the name of a prophet and stick it on someone's forehead. Then the rest of the family gives them hints (starting out vague and moving towards obvious) as they try to guess which prophet they are.

Oh Happy Day!

It's finally warm enough to go on the boat! We went Memorial Day then the following Saturday. That day, the canal water was so low that when we lowered the boat off the lift, we weren't floating. The kids were a little bummed as you can see. Garth wasn't going to let that defeat him so he pushed it off the lift (harder than it sounds) and we were off for some fun! The river is moving so fast that when we pulled out of the canal, Garth didn't even turn the steering wheel and the water turned our boat downriver. We went way further down than we usually do before we skied or let the kids jump in. It is definitely wetsuit weather and water still. . .it might be 4th of July before I dare take it off this year.

Carter loves his new wetsuit because I will let him ski earlier. It only took us 5 minutes to get it on him. . .that bugger is tight!

Wicked Awesome!

Over Memorial Day weekend our friends, the Andersons came to visit and to see "Wicked" with us. I have been looking forward to this for so long! I bought the tickets a year ago and have been excited to go ever since. I really didn't know much about the show except that it was about the Wizard of Oz witches and that everyone I know who has seen it raved about it. The day of the show I was a tiny bit worried that it would be like that movie, or book, or whatever where you hear so many rave reviews then you are disappointed because you expected more. I was NOT disappointed. It was a truly amazing show. . .the costumes, the set, the music, I loved it all!

Dinner at Anthony's was the only so-so part of the evening, but there was this incredible view of the falls!

Blogger Troubles

I am having trouble with my blog. I have about 10 different posts I need to do but for the past week, blogger has not been behaving. When I go to make a new post, the toolbar is not there, hence, I cannot add images. I feel like there is probably a simple solution, but I have clicked on everything I can see and have not figured out how to get it back. If you've had this problem, or know what is going on, please help me. Give me a call or leave me a comment, it would be much appreciated.