They had an awards assembly on Monday and the kids got some awards. Cal got a reading award and trophy for reading more and passing more AR tests than anyone in his grade. Emma got some blue ribbons for her music festivals, and was only 4 points away for reading the most in her grade. And kindergartners didn't get anything but were just spectators. Then it was time for the Field Day. Here, they have serious track competitions, not just three-legged races like at most schools. Our kids participated in hurdles, relay runs, softball throws, long jumps, and sprints. They had the best time! It was fun to be a spectator along with Covey. It was well organized and so we were able to catch most of the kids' events, though we were running around to catch them all.
The last week of school was quite relaxing for the kids - cleaning out desks and no homework and playing games and watching movies. They are all excited to have summer but all have expressed how much they will miss their teachers. They have all been blessed this year, but all of the teachers next year will also be so great! *** Here are their class pictures. Though we were gone when they were taken, this way we can remember their teachers and classmates.
On the last day, Cov and I got a little summer display up on our garage. It was so fun because Cov and I hid in the window to see if they'd notice to watch the kids come home. The best was watching Lucy pull up on her bike, notice it, squint her eyes to read it, and then she got the biggest grin on her face! The other kids were excited too! Then we ran out and wished them a happy summer! We got to eat lunch at home with daddy and talked about last feelings about school getting over and ideas for our summer bucket list. Then we had our summer party. Each of the kids got to invite a couple of friends over, which got a little crazy for a while but they mostly did great. Emma had Leah over (the twins had something come up), Cal had Angelo & Torsten, and Lucy invited Kaila, Halle and Brooklyn. We did some sidewalk chalk, had water balloon games, played a few water games with the giant water squirt, jumped on the tramp, relaxed in the hammock, squirted some water guns, and made homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream with our ball ice cream maker. It was a great kick off to summer and our friend party is a tradition the kids look forward to! That night, we made stuffed crust pizza and had pop, played and watched a movie. I can't get enough of this weather and the slower pace of summer! And the summer is pretty long here, since there aren't as many breaks during the school year.
Monday was Memorial Day. We had our own pancake breakfast, did some chores, and were invited to the Anderberg's for a BBQ with their family and some of the Branch families. It was yummy! Roy brought his huge portal bbqs and we had chicken and hot dogs, and lots of tasty sides. Brother Anderberg served in the military for years, so it was great being with him for the day. We chatted a lot and the kids ran through the sprinklers. Then we went to the cemetery, which Sheri & Kris are care takers for. It is a nice cemetery and neat to see all of the flags the Boy Scouts put on the graves in honor of those who served. We talked to the kids before we went to remind them of how we can be respectful at the cemetery. While we were there, Lucy had to tell me "Mom, a bird was not being respectful and pooped all over someones gravestone!" Cal and Emma went swimming again that afternoon. That night, we watched the PBS Memorial Day concert. It was very moving and the kids were even glued. Feeling so grateful for all of the sacrifices, past and present, made by those who have or do serve in the military and their families. Thank you!!! Words can't express my gratitude. And thankful for all those who paved the way for me. Though we were not able to visit any family graves this year, I am thankful to be who I am because of them.
This year for our summer bucket list, we wrote down our ideas on paper strips which we're making into a paper chain when we complete them. This year, we're doing Make It Monday, Time for Science Tuesday, Water Wednesday, Thoughtful Thursday and Field Trip Friday. So the first week, we made rock pets, did an exploding bag science experiment, went to the pool, played Bingo with the folks at the Senior Center and took a trip to Plentywood to get plants. It's been a great kick start to what will be a great summer!
