Summer fun

I can't believe it is already July.  For me summer is a tricky time.  It is definitely more laid back which can be good and bad.  Jimmy has been working 6 nights a week since May so I have been on my own with the kids.  It makes working a little tricky.  We have somehow managed to fit in some fun activities though. We went to Discover the Dinosaurs which all the kids enjoyed.  

I have to laugh at some of the ways the kids have been entertaining themselves while I work.

And no, Caden and Paige did not suddenly gain weight.  Lol. They each have on about 15 shirts.  Ha!

We just finished up swimming lessons and I can officially say Paige is finally floaty free in the pool! 

We spent the 4th of July swimming with Amy and the boys and having fun.  

This Friday we leave for Destin!  We are ready to get away and have some time with daddy.  We have missed him!

VBS 2015

The kids were away at their grandparents this year during VBS but I still volunteered to help in the preschool department.  Camp VBS was the theme this year.  Every year I try to venture out on new ways to get the lessons across to the little ones.  My group of helpers were great and we all had a blast.  I changed things up a little this year and we did not take part in the beginning singing with the older kids.  In years past there have been so many that cried and I felt like we had little to no control at times.  We did our own pledges and new songs that the kids really enjoyed.  I did not feel rushed and overall I thing it went much better that way.  

Last day of school 2015

I officially have a 2nd grader and a 4th grader!  Ahh!  The last day of school is always a blast.  Caden woke up and the first thing he said was, "party time!"  Lol. At school you can just feel all the excitement in the air.  I could definitely see a difference this year in Caden's party.  It was less about the goodies and treats and more about hanging and saying goodbye to friends.  I always go to the party but I am beginning to wonder why.  Ha!  They were running around exchanging signature books and socializing.  I could tell Caden had a fun group this year. 

Paige's teacher has some personal struggles this year with a sick child but she still managed to make it a great year for the kids.  Paige really loves her.  It is only a few weeks into summer and she already misses school.  

Of course I have to post the first and last day of school picture.  Not as much change this year as last year.  They are definitely looking older though!  

School awards 2015

Today was awards day at school.  Both Caden and Paige have worked so hard this year.  Paige got the Good Citizenship award, Acedemic Excellence, and the Reading award.  She loved first grade and she told me she is already excited for 2nd grade next year.  It was just icing on the cake that her best friend was in her class.  They had so much fun together!

Caden got the Good Citizenship award, Acedemic Excellence, and a gold medal for excelling in both the reading and math portions of the STARR test.  We were not really sure what to expect since it was his first year taking the STARR but he did great!  We are so proud of them both!

It's Almost over!

We are wrapping up another school year.  That means awards and end of the year fun for the kids.  Friday I attended Sam's Pre-k graduation.  He seems to love school and I can't believe he will be in kindergarten next year.  Caden and Paige are excited that he will be at their school next year.  He did so good during his performance.  He put on a show for all of us and I loved it!  We are so proud of you Sammy!

The weather has been horrible the past couple of weeks.  Both the kids were nervous that all the rain might cancel their water days on Monday.  But the sun finally came out and they were able to continue with the fun they had planned.  1st grade has water day at school with slip and slides and water slides.  They had a picnic outside and Paige said she had a blast.  Caden has been waiting for his trip to the wave pool since school started.  It is a big deal with the kids since you have to be in third grade to be able to go.  Caden said it was the best day of his life!  Lol!  I mean, a bus ride, concessions, swimming all day and no school work?  How could it not be?  I love how excited and happy he is about these things.  I think he also loved the feeling of being a big kid.  He was excited to bring me back his change and let me know exactly how much money he spent.  It was a great day for both of them.  

Pictures from school

Yesterday I was on our schools website looking at pictures Caden's teacher had taken throughout the year.  I can't believe the school year is almost over.  I had to post a few just for the sake of having them for memories.  Caden's teachers motto is Work hard, play hard.  I can say he did both this year.  I love the structure and the freedom he has in class.  They can work on the floor, they have no shoe Friday's and snacks while they work.  They are little things, but they make a big difference in his day.  I am glad he is not strapped to a desk all day.  The next few weeks will be busy so I should have more blog posts coming soon!

Zoo Party

Saturday we attended my cousins little boy's birthday party at the zoo.  It was inside one of the pavilions and so adorable.  The cookies and cupcakes were so cute.  They brought out a snake and an armadillo for the kids to see and learn about.  All the kids loved it.  She also gave everyone a ticket to ride the carasel.  We ended up staying at the zoo after the party and had a great time.  The weather was overcast but it never actually rained so it was nice.  Happy birthday Benjamin!