As the end of the school year approaches...

some reflections.
It's hard to believe that just 9 short months ago, we watched as our son boarded the bus at 7am and headed off to a new school building to start a new chapter in his scholastic career. That same morning we joined MaKenna on her very first bus ride to school. It has been a great year for all of us and the kids have accomplished so many things this year.

Connor has really enjoyed the new building and daily format. He has made the most out of the multitude of activities, clubs and organizations that are offered for these grade levels. He participated and was elected as his class's Student Government association, joined the Paw Print - school paper, band, tried out and made the Page Turner's team, Challenge 24 team and of course Intramurals. Connor really enjoyed his class and his teacher this year. He recognized that he has been "really lucky" to have had "awesome teachers, every year!" He was a little saddened when his teacher was not able to finish out the school year, as she went out at the end of April to have a baby girl! [now that Connor has met this adorable cutie-pie, it was all okay that his teacher didn't finish the year with them!] On Friday, Rick and I were invited to an awards ceremony at Connor's school by his principal. Connor was going to be presented with the Citizenship Award. Connor did not know that he had been chosen for this award and we were asked to keep this as a surprise for him. I avoided the barrage of questions the morning of... boy, does e keep tabs on me!!! Why are you going into work late? what appointment? where do you have to be? for how long???????
Anyway, he was completely surprised and stoked to have won this award! The expression on his face will be etched in my mind forever! Yes, the tears welled up in my eyes! Such a wonderful moment for Connor - a great affirmation for him!
He noticed that we were sitting behind the rows of students shortly before the ceremony started, the good news was that he thought we were there because Rick is on the school board. [I love it when a plan comes together]

MaKenna has had an exceptional year! She developed her own love for school and academia. We have learned that she likes to do, experience things at her own pace. Once she has decided to commit, "she's all in!" otherwise, "forget about it!" Thankfully she had a teacher that understands this about MaKenna and was able to bring out the best in MaKenna! We are grateful for teachers like her, who see the potential in each child and work hard to build on those qualities! Hard to believe that my "baby girl" is officially growing up! Her school career had begun! MaKenna has learned so much this year... all the in & outs of the daily routine, lunch room, play-time, specials and yes, even at this age, friendships! We will attend MaKenna's special "Graduation" ceremony next week and will take some pics to post. We are looking forward to this fun rite of passage!

Then it's Summer Break... yee haa! Connor and MaKenna are looking forward to, and in no particular order...Pools, Lakes, Bikes, Golf, Rec, Bonfires, Camping, Staying up late, Sleeping in, the Drive-in, Fishing, Rec, Fireworks... just carefree time!

Rick and I are looking forward to the above and a slightly more relaxed schedule [maybe wishful thinking on our part :o)], no school calendars, snacks, packing lunches, arguing about what clothes/shoes are appropriate for PE class, bed time, rushing here there and everywhere, permission slips, projects!