LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

It is remarkable to me to look back at the first day of school post and see how emotional and dramatic I was at the beginning of this school year.  My life did undergo a major change that I am still adjusting to in many ways.  However, we had a great year - really.  The kiddos each have thrived in their classes and bloomed in so many ways.  Parenting really does give you a great front row seat to their little lives unfolding.

Yesterday was the last day of school for the girls.  The twins' school is actually year round, but I'm posting pics of them since they are now into summer session.

(finished second grade)

(finished kindergarten)

(mostly done with Pre-K3)

Lily is a full-fledged readerly kiddo now who reads for fun, and we also discovered that she is incredibly strong in math this year.  Bella is reading and seems made for school where she thrived both socially and academically.  We continue to be so pleased with our local elementary school and have had a fantastic educational experience.

The twins have both learned and grown so much.  Both are speaking in full sentences now and have a LOT to say about most things in life.  They love their friends and their teachers and playing on the playground and singing songs.  Somehow, they have come home singing "We Will Rock You" most recently. 😂 😂 😂

The end of the school year brought a flurry of activity at the girls' school and included such fun activities as a Magic Tree House Day in Lily's class with a presentation and treats and costume -

and the kindergarten tradition of Splash Down where all kids are sprayed by the hose from the local fire department.

So much fun.  It also felt like I was at the school one to two days a week for the last month, but it was good stuff, and I'm so thankful to have the ability to be part of it.

Even after only one day of summer, I can tell we are going to have some rough moments, because the twins want to be doing the fun stuff the girls are doing.  I have very mixed feelings about them attending year round, because on the one hand, it is helpful to have childcare for my very busy four year olds, but on the other hand, since the girls are out, I wish we could do all the fun stuff together.  Unfortunately, we do not get all of the things we want in life, and we will have other summers.  But, it is hard to tell this face that we will be going to the library without her.



Happy summer to you all!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

We are officially kicking off summer, and it feels so good.  Our Memorial Day weekend sent us in several directions, and I'm gonna run through the highlights real quick like with lots of pics.

Lily, Bella and I drove to Wichita for baby Mae's Sip and See.  It was a total blast to be there with lots of cousins and all of my siblings.

(She is normally the happiest baby, so this pic is extra funny!)

(Who needs to looks AT the camera?)🤣

My girls really loved being able to be part of the shower (blogged about here in case you are interested!).

(There's another baby on the way!)

Truly, it is such a joy to spend time with my siblings, all of whom I adore.  I see so much of God's goodness in each one of them, and I laugh and smile and feel so grateful to have been raised with these people.  What a gift.

While we were in Wichita, John was in Little Rock with the twins.  There was a big event at CFA with Arkansas Children's, including the "Queen for the Day" and all kinds of fun.

John and the twins celebrated Lenny's birthday at a Trav's game on Saturday night, enjoying the beautiful weather.

The girls and I drove home Sunday afternoon, and this afternoon was our maiden pool journey of the summer where we enjoyed dinner and celebrated Sharon's birthday.  (Lenny and Sharon have birthdays one week apart!)  I can tell the pool will be so much fun this summer, and every year, it gets a little bit easier. 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

(Best way to catch a ball: with your eyes closed. 😜🤣)

We are truly grateful to have the freedoms that we do, and this morning, I spent some time explaining to the kiddos why we observe Memorial Day and what it means.  Freedom is never free, and we want to honor those whose lives have been lost in service to our country.

MAE'S SIP & SEE

Flash back to three weeks ago, and my sister-in-law gave birth to a precious baby girl.  They already have two boys, and they chose to be surprised by the gender, so we were all thrilled and delighted when Mae arrived in all of her girly glory.  She is super adored by all, especially her older brothers.  Today, we hosted a Sip & See in her honor, and I got to come to Wichita to help!



It was black/white/mint with some arrows, and with sisters at the ready, plus a caterer, this shin-dig came together more quickly than most.

So many friends came to celebrate and cuddle baby Mae - she is precious and easy-going.

(these babies were born hours apart!)

(love my mom and sisters! 😍😍😍😍)

Hooray for new baby nieces and sweet family time!