Summer Fun

We've had a mellow summer so far. We've been hanging out at the pool club we joined for the season, house sitting our friends' cats and even fit in a quick trip to Reno to see our amazing GGMa.

 GGMa never ceases to amaze us. She wanted to go shopping one day so we took her to Kohl's where she shopped for a bit and then proceeded to walk all the way to Ross on the other side of the shopping center. Not a short walk in the heat of summer. She is doing so great and we're so happy she's feeling strong and healthy.

 The girls cannot get enough of GGMa's cats when we visit. It's unclear whether the cats actually want all the attention they receive but they get it anyway.

We fit in a night with Aimee, lunch with Uncle Jimmy, a visit with Aunt Karen and a coffee break with Catie so we didn't do half bad for a quick 48 hour trip.

V(olunteer)B(unny) Camp at LOPC

Our first week we participated in VB camp at our church and that's always an inspiring week for us. Audrey was in main camp and Natalie participated in Service Squad this year for the first time as she's officially outgrown main camp. Wha?

Every day of the week Natalie's small Service Squad group (part of a large group of middle schoolers) went to a different site around our county and volunteered their time and muscle. She was exposed to many volunteer opportunities which I think was great experience for her.

Audrey loved her camp experience because one of the crew leaders brought a bunny with her every day. The leader is a teacher of 30+ years so she had the nervous system to handle her group of 10 active eight year olds plus a bunny. I can't imagine. I was able to volunteer one day with each kid and had a great time.

Last Day of School for Audrey

Natalie's 5th grade promotion was on the last day of school but because her last day deserved a post of its own I thought Audrey's did, too. Audrey had an awesome year in 2nd grade. Her teacher made learning fun (and musical) and the result was a kid who was very eager to go to school every day. In fact, on the last day of school she received a perfect attendance award. That's right, she did not miss a single day of school all year long. Not only did she have a very healthy year but she also really didn't want to miss a day with Mrs. Swimme. She leaped two whole grade levels in reading, got very good at math and fell in love with science. She memorized all 50 states, did numerous reports about everything from Florence Nightingale to beluga whales and became a little bit of a better speller (we still need a little bit of work in that department...she sort of takes after her Papa Rod in the spelling department). It was a magical year for her.

 Every morning in Mrs. Swimme's class the kids were greeted with a morning message. They would read it together while sitting on the rug. It was a great way to prepare them for what was in store that day. 

 So happy that I could be there in person when the principal came in to present Audrey with her perfect attendance award.

 Mrs. Swimme playing the guitar and the kids singing was an every day occurrence. Multiple times per day. They were a very well behaved class and I often wonder if it's just that their teacher was so entertaining.

She opted not to go to Natalie's promotion ceremony because she didn't want to miss a minute of her last day with Mrs. Swimme! Such a compliment to a great teacher. Audrey's wish is that on the last day of school, after her sister's ceremony, I could spend the rest of the school day in her classroom. I did and I had so much fun. Kids and parents were in tears when the bell rang and the year was officially over and I was as misty eyed as the rest of them.

Amazing teacher. Fantastic year. Grateful mama. Hardworking (and exceptionally cute) kid. 3rd grade here we come!

This was a letter her teacher tucked into the goodie bags she prepared for each student as they left on the last day. So awesome.

5th Grade Promotion

Yes, in other words, we officially have a 6th grader in the house. Natalie had her 5th grade promotion on the last day of school and it was such a special event. She was gifted a beautiful ukulele by our sweet friend, Kenny, this last Christmas and she taught herself how to play it using YouTube and her own musical talent. She talked to Mr. Abbott about playing her ukulele, along with her friend, Diala on the cello, while the rest of the 5th grade class sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" (the Iz version). He thought it was  great idea. She practiced and she practiced. She practiced with Diala and she practiced alone. She went to school an hour early for days and days leading up to the promotion performance to practice with Diala and with Mr. Abbott and it all payed off. It sounded beautiful. Our girl is truly unstoppable when she puts her mind to something.

 One of her favorite teachers, Ms. Wehrlie.

 And the super cool Mr. Abbott

Diala, Natalie, Elyse, Ashley, Megan, and Ella 

 Our other favorite teacher, Mrs. Philips, who both girls had for 1st Grade. 

This is the class where Natalie and Diala first became friends.

We cannot believe her elementary school days are behind her but we are so excited (and just slightly terrified) for her middle school years to begin. Spread those wings, baby!

2nd Grade Concert

Because Audrey had the delightful Mrs. Swimme this year (who loved to sing and play the guitar with her lucky students), she had music as part of her every day curriculum. It was awesome. Before winter break and again at the end of the year, Audrey and her classmates treated us to a lovely concert of some of the cutest songs I've ever heard: "Any Turkey Can Tango" and "The Nifty Fifty United States" were two of my favorites. Oh, and then there's "The Dirt Made My Lunch."  Adorable.
It was great that Nana and Papa were here to see it.

I'm so sad our year with the glorious Mrs. Swimme has come to an end.

Nana and Papa

Nana and Papa came out for a visit and we celebrated some more. Not just Audrey's, but Corey's birthday, too! It was great having them here for the last crazy days of the school year. Every time Nana is here I wonder how we handle life when Nana isn't here. Thank you, Nana! We took them into the city one day and explored the DeYoung museum. I hadn't been there since I was in college and it was so great checking out the exhibits with the girls. It was a gorgeous day in the city.

 Making strawberry shortcake for lunch. Yum!

This is my one pic of the birthday boy.

At least it's with his favorite cake.

Happy 42nd, Corey!