school's out for summer!

Last week, Britton's class held a party to celebrate and present end-of-the-year awards, and we got to attend!  I was certain that the party was a ruse to get us to clean out all of the used-up school supplies (crayon nubbies, eraser-less pencils, ripped and torn homework folders) by taking it home.  But, nope, we didn't have to clean out desks!  The kids had each taped "chatterbox" videos of themselves and what three things they liked best about third grade, and the teacher played those for us.   Each kid had voted on awards earlier in the week, and she presented those as well.

Britton got the "tee-rific" award - best overall in all subjects!  She also received a Citizenship Award, and Academic Achievement, for getting all As all year.

Her teacher also made each kid their own characteristic display, with their name and then words describing that child, like "talented," "smart," and "kind."  She had the kids provide characteristics for their classmates, and then assembled the most prevalent ones into the artwork.  

We were treated to an original song about the kids' futures being so bright (they have to wear shades!), and they did a great job!

Barrett helped himself to the sunglasses from the performance.  We will all miss Britton's teacher from this year - Miss R was incredibly patient and sweet, and she took the time to know the kids individually.  

Garebear Graduates!

I went to Virginia last week for my nephew Garrett's 18th birthday celebration AND high school graduation!  Let me tell you, I am completely unprepared to be in a world where Garrett is now an adult - Jessica and I were a mere three years older than Garrett is now when Garrett was born.  Him moving on to college and his own life is startling to me, because I will always think of Garrett as my sister's kid.  Despite my own issues (Garrett's not the only one with a milestone birthday this year, ugh), we celebrated with a fantastic steak dinner and scuba-diving cake from Sugar Plum Bakery. 

Saturday morning came early - the graduation began at 9:00 am!  Because tickets and space are limited, I was set to watch graduation on a screen in the auditorium.  But while standing in line, a former student's mother recognized Jessica and offered her a ticket for the gymnasium!  I was able to go in with Cammy, Jessica, Tim, and Caroline, and see the graduation in person.

The seniors joined the band (that's Garrett below, playing the trombone) for their last performance.

After the ceremony, we found Garrett in the sea of graduates!  The graduation speaker (the English teacher, voted on by the graduating class) told the graduates to let their mothers take 1000 pictures if they wanted to, and Garrett was accommodating of the fact that we all wanted a ton of pictures!

Then it was home to get reeady for the party!  Stephanie, Alexandria, and Aunt Jill made the trip up, and Jen came over too (of course, I failed to get pictures of anyone but Garrett!).  Family and friends came over to celebrate our graduate!

barrett: 5 years old!

Today, my baby Barrett turned 5!  I'm oddly ill-prepared to handle this milestone - it's hit me all of a sudden that Barrett will be starting kindergarten in a few short months, and my little kids are not so little anymore.  

Barrett is an old soul - he's always possessed a calm and knowing nature, and his empathy is so deep that he has been known to cry when other people are hurting.  He loves to have his back tickled, his arms tickled, his legs tickled - he craves touch.  He will snuggle on a whim.  When it is time to leave preschool, his friends will line up for a hug, because his hugs are so good.  I've never known this kid to let go in a hug first, and his embrace feels like the kind of reassurance that makes you believe in all things good.  I don't overstate his good nature - Barrett is very easy to love.

Barrett has discovered Britton's Shopkins, and gets such a kick out of them!  I found some of Britton's old Shopkins books, and Barrett has read them all multiple times.  So it was definitely time for some new books!  We also got him some LEGO Ninjago and Paw Patrol, of course.  Cammy hooked him up with some Paw Patrol toys and pajamas, and a sweet book that pulled at the heartstrings - "On the Night You Were Born."  I may or may not have teared up (I did) when reading it tonight.  Luckily, the utter stupidity of the new Shopkins books pulled me up!

Likes:  "Believer" and "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons, scootering around the neighborhood, birthday cake for all meals

Dislikes:  having to eat dinner to get dessert/cake

party like a LEGO batman

Like a good Texan, Barrett took the opportunity on Cinco de Mayo to have a party - but no tequila in sight for us!  We had a LEGO Batman pool party!  Memaw came into town to celebrate with us, and helped decorate the house and entertain the kids while the hubs and I were getting party food ready.  

I used Mega Blocks as the cake stand!

We had pizza, carrots and celery with ranch dressing, Cheetos, watermelon, cheese and crackers, and hummus and pita chips - all of Barrett's favorite foods.  We couldn't pull off lobster thermador!

Even the cutlery was made of LEGOs!

Make a wish!

Barrett got some awesome gifts!  He got walkie-talkies, LEGOs, color-yourself pillows, and super hero dolls.

Then it was pool time!  I captured a sweet moment between Barrett and his friend Madison, both relaxing and laughing.

105 months old

I've got to take a moment to brag on Britton!  Her class was assessed for reading level, and she earned a "U" level, which is middle-school level.  I credit her love of reading, and her interest in all things literary!  I remember my sister and I racing to the Walden Books every month for the new "Sweet Valley Twins" or "Babysitter's Club," taking turns back and forth of who got to read it first, and how much reading meant to me, and still does.  

Otherwise, the school year is winding down - they haven't had homework in a week!  The last day of school is right before Memorial Day weekend, and it definitely surprised me to realize that school was over this month.  I'm not ready for the kids to be home all day every day!

Likes:  soccer, getting back into the pool, mochi

Dislikes:  running laps at soccer