Hello! Happy June 1st. I can’t believe that it’s already the first day of June! We spent our weekend at a baseball tournament, and yesterday Travis and Hayden went to the Cincinnati Reds game with some friends while Hadley and I spent some time at the pool.
Of course, the significance of Memorial Day isn’t lost on us. We will always remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
I’m linking up with Tanya to share my Amazon purchases from this past month.
I feel like I have bigger purchase months in preparation for things like holidays or certain seasons. I try to plan ahead, so whenever the time comes, I have what I “need.” So, throughout the month, I purchased a few things in preparation for summer.
This meme made me smile 😉
This month’s purchases were definitely all about summer:
Summer Style:
I shared this top and sandals a few weeks ago. I purchased them as something to wear to finish up the school year with warmer days. The top is perfect with jeans or white pants for going out to dinner, and the sandals are very comfortable.
In a recent post, I shared about this swim cover up that I’ve worn through the years. I own it in a few colors (blue, black, and plaid), and have added a new one to the rotation the past few summers.
Here I am a couple of summers ago in the blue version at the lake!
I purchased this similar cover up for this summer. I like that it’s the high/low style of my tried and true cover up, but I like that it has the button detail. I’ve already worn this to the pool a couple of times, and it’s a keeper.
**When I wash these two cover ups, I hang dry them rather than putting them in the dryer. The black one that was my first one that I purchased a few summers ago, shrunk a bit after some time in the dryer. So, I hang dry them now.
Ok, y’all….I purchased this swimsuit in the “big leopard” print, and I love it. I do not look like this model ;), but honestly, I’ve never felt more comfortable in a swimsuit in my life. It’s cute, supportive, and flattering. Hadley said, “Mom! That’s a cuuuute swimsuit!”
So…with that kind of approval, I did what any mother in her early 40’s would do…I ordered it in another pattern (leopard, but smaller print) ! Truly, this swimsuit is the best purchase I’ve made in a while.
Speaking of swimsuits, I ordered this one for Hadley. She’s back doing swim team for the summer and needed an extra one piece athletic swimsuit to rotate into the mix for daily practices.
I’m kind of freaked out that I’m at the point where I purchased a women’s swimsuit for my daughter, but it was the same sizing as her team suit (26, 28, 30, etc.), so I felt confident we wouldn’t have to return it. It fit her just fine, and she loves it.
Andrea shared about this shampoo and conditioner that she has her daughter use to help with all the chlorine from so many pool days. The chlorine wreaked havoc on Hadley’s hair two summers ago, so I was glad when Andrea shared this recently. Hadley used it last week after only a couple of pool days, and her hair felt amazing after her shower.
This book was one of Hayden’s picks from his summer reading list, and library didn’t have the young reader’s edition of the book, so I purchased it from Amazon. Hayden’s excited to start reading it!
Hello and Happy Friday! How was your week? Ours was pretty busy…but it was summertime busy. The kids had time to hang out with their cousins one day, Hayden has had baseball, and Hadley has had dance. Our pool opened on Wednesday, so we spent most of the past two days there hanging out. That being said, I’m counting on the accuracy of today’s rainy forecast to cross some more things off my “to do” list.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Favorite Food:
Over the weekend, I tried the animal cookie blizzard from Dairy Queen, and it was delish! A “mini” size was all I needed.
I had an evening where it was just me for dinner, so I kept it simple with my favorite Trader Joe’s Havarti Dill cheese, and tried the Trader Joe’s lemon basil pasta, and it was so good! This was a simple summer dinner, and it was delish!
Favorite Activities:
Travis and Hayden were able to play a little golf over the weekend. Hayden was excited to get back to the golf course.
Hayden tagged along with his uncle and cousins to shoot some hoops at UK’s practice facility while his uncle worked for a bit. They had lots of fun.
Of course, the pool is always a favorite summer activity.
Other Faves:
Travis and I took the kids out to dinner on Sunday night for one final end of the school year celebration. With all the hustle and bustle of the end of the school year activities, we hadn’t done anything with just the four of us. We enjoyed at nice dinner at Tony’s where Travis and Hayden split the filet, Hadley ordered the salmon (of course), and I got the carbonara.
I’m not sure why, but many people get their photo on the steps at Tony’s after they eat.
The kids each got the “You are Special” red plate earlier in the week for awesome 4th quarter report cards.
We also cleaned out backpacks, and the end of the year items were a favorite. Hayden’s teacher gave him the bookmark with his name, and a magnet with words that classmates used to describe each other. Hadley had the paper plate that they passed around in class to share kind words about each other.
I love that their year ended on such a high note!
We got to hang out with cousin Wyatt on Tuesday…
before meeting up with Hayden (and other cousins) at a local pizza place, Goodfellas,…that has the best lunch special in town!
We made a quick pit stop at cousin Layla’s Barbie birthday party before dance last night. We can’t believe she’s going to be 4 this weekend.
Lastly, look at how spiffy Homer looks after a day at the groomer’s! He got a bath as well as his nails and coat trimmed! I cracked up when I saw him in his tie! So sweet.
Favorite Mom Meme:
Why tho???!! I swear, bedtime gets more complicated the older my kids get! It was easier when I just put them in a crib, turned off the light and shut the door!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
In the spirit of summer, the kids after some fun in sprinkler in 2014 is a sweet memory.
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts from this week in case you missed one!
What are your Memorial Weekend plans? The weather is going to be significantly cooler this weekend…just time for a baseball tournament! We are hoping to hang with some neighbors tomorrow night if the weather cooperates.
Travis and Hayden have plans on Monday, so I’m not sure what Hadley and I will do. I hope you have a great three day weekend!
Hello! I can’t believe that May is almost over. I’m so thankful we wrapped up our school year earlier than usual, but I already feel like the first week of summer has flown by!
Today, I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for their Monthly Musings post.
This month’s topic is Summer Kickoff...which is perfect because we are officially in summer mode around here.
1. Favorite Summer Tradition:
The 4th of July is one of my favorite parts of summer. I just love that Travis always has the day off, there are usually activities like a parade or pool fun, we usually gather with family or neighbors to grill out, I love the fireworks, and I always put my kids in something red, white, and blue!
My favorite 4th of July tradition is that I always make red, white, and blue waffles. Always.
Another favorite summer tradition is going on vacation. As the years have gone on, it’s been more and more difficult to find a week to go somewhere, but we try really hard to make it happen.
We love the beach.
2. Vacation Plans:
Well, I hope it pans out, as we’ve already had to adjust the dates, but we are hoping to get to Isle of Palm, SC for a few days in between kids’ camps and baseball games!
IOP October 2018
We’ve stayed in Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Hilton Head through the years. The Charleston area is amazing. If I ever win the lottery, I’m buying a vacation home in SC!
3. Ocean, Pool, or Lake:
Well, all of the above!
We spend much of our summer at the pool….
We love a visit to a lake…(KY has many!)…
But…the ocean is my fave…
That being said, I love to look at the water…more than swim it like the kids do. I enjoy a cold beverage, a good book, and a great view!
Photo by Hadley: summer 2019
4. Summer Fashion Items:
Well, I don’t know about summer fashion, but I love to be comfortable in the summer. Honestly, most days are spent at the pool or at a ball game. So, I’m typically wearing a swim suit and cover up or tank and shorts, but I just bought this Amazon dress in two colors, and I love it.
We grill out a lot in the summer. I love that because it means Travis is doing the cooking, and I usually just make a side dish or two. Also, we love fresh fruit as an easy side dish or snack in the summer.
I’ve shared this post with some favorite sides, and it includes this pasta salad that I found on Pinterest and make often.
6. Strawberry Shortcake or Blueberry Pie:
Confession, y’all! I don’t like blueberries! My kids do, but I don’t. I will eat strawberries all day long, and we love Strawberry Shortcake.
Last year, we picked fresh strawberries, and immediately made SSC for dessert that night.
7. This Summer vs Summer 2020:
This summer will be very different than last summer. We will be at the pool again and able to socialize freely with friends, neighbors, and family.
While Hayden played baseball last summer, it was postponed and then there were tons of rules and regulations. Baseball is on track for this summer and those extra restrictions have been lifted.
Hadley’s doing swim team again since we are back at the pool.
We look forward to a “normal” summer again.
8. Favorite Sunscreen:
I typically use Neutrogena in the summer. The spray is perfect for applying to kids quickly, and the face stick is easy for application as well.
9. Favorite Summer Beverage:
I definitely up my water game during the summer.
For summer cocktails, I love White Claws, Simpler Wines (rose’!) from Trader Joe’s, and then I just found this strawberry margarita cocktail at Trader Joe’s a few weeks ago. It was a hit with all the moms at the 5th grade graduation get together 😉 We just poured it over ice. It was easy, light, and refreshing.
10. Summer Garden:
Travis did plant a few things for this summer like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
Last summer, we didn’t plant a garden, but check out this zucchini from our 2019 garden. We had returned home from vacation to find this guy!
August 2019
What are you looking forward to this summer?
The topic for June is end of school traditions/summer plans:
Meet Jane. Newly arrived to Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates—a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side tables of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask if Jane is her real name.
But her luck changes when she meets Eddie Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates’ most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can’t help but see an opportunity in Eddie—not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she’s always yearned for.
Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie’s heart before her past—or his—catches up to her?
With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh, feminist sensibility, The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles, which Mrs. Rochester will get her happy ending?
Quick Thoughts:
I’ve seen a lot of people share this book, and, for me, it definitely lived up to the hype. It was a page turner, and I loved it. I figured out about halfway through the Bea situation, but there were still pieces of the puzzle to be explained until the end of the book. This book was a thriller, and I loved the nod to Jane Eyre.
Hurricane season begins early and rumbles all summer long, well into September. Often people’s lives reflect the weather and The Hurricane Sisters is just such a story.
Once again Dorothea Benton Frank takes us deep into the heart of her magical South Carolina Lowcountry on a tumultuous journey filled with longings, disappointments, and, finally, a road toward happiness that is hard earned. There we meet three generations of women buried in secrets. The determined matriarch, Maisie Pringle, at eighty, is a force to be reckoned with because she will have the final word on everything, especially when she’s dead wrong. Her daughter, Liz, is caught up in the classic maelstrom of being middle-age and in an emotionally demanding career that will eventually open all their eyes to a terrible truth. And Liz’s beautiful twenty-something daughter, Ashley, whose dreamy ambitions of her unlikely future keeps them all at odds.
Luckily for Ashley, her wonderful older brother, Ivy, is her fierce champion but he can only do so much from San Francisco where he resides with his partner. And Mary Beth, her dearest friend, tries to have her back but even she can’t talk headstrong Ashley out of a relationship with an ambitious politician who seems slightly too old for her.
Actually, Ashley and Mary Beth have yet to launch themselves into solvency. Their prospects seem bleak. So while they wait for the world to discover them and deliver them from a ramen-based existence, they placate themselves with a hare-brained scheme to make money but one that threatens to land them in huge trouble with the authorities.
So where is Clayton, Liz’s husband? He seems more distracted than usual. Ashley desperately needs her father’s love and attention but what kind of a parent can he be to Ashley with one foot in Manhattan and the other one planted in indiscretion? And Liz, who’s an expert in the field of troubled domestic life, refuses to acknowledge Ashley’s precarious situation. Who’s in charge of this family? The wake-up call is about to arrive.
The Lowcountry has endured its share of war and bloodshed like the rest of the South, but this storm season we watch Maisie, Liz, Ashley, and Mary Beth deal with challenges that demand they face the truth about themselves. After a terrible confrontation they are forced to rise to forgiveness, but can they establish a new order for the future of them all?
Frank, with her hallmark scintillating wit and crisp insight, captures how a complex family of disparate characters and their close friends can overcome anything through the power of love and reconciliation. This is the often hilarious, sometimes sobering, but always entertaining story of how these unforgettable women became The Hurricane Sisters.
Quick Thoughts:
I don’t think I’ve read a book by Dorothea Benton Frank, but Elin Hilderbrand has paid tribute to her recently and then Sarah mentioned this book, so I checked it out from the library. I loved the setting of South Carolina, and enjoyed the characters in the book. The complex family and friend relationship weave together the plot which kept me reading. I really enjoyed this and am sure I will read more DBF books in the future.
A loving threesome, they ranged the dark hills and river bottoms of Cherokee country. Old Dan had the brawn. Little Ann had the brains, and Billy had the will to make them into the finest hunting team in the valley. Glory and victory were coming to them, but sadness waited too. Where the Red Fern Grows is an exciting tale of love and adventure you’ll never forget.
Quick Thoughts:
I chose this book because Hayden’s class read it recently….and I hadn’t read it since the 7th grade. Hayden said everyone in his class cried at the end! That should have deterred me, but I just thought it would be a good time to re-read it. It was nice to be able to chat with Hayden about it, and I enjoyed it. And, much like Hayden’s fifth grade class, I cried at the end. We are dog lovers, so of course course Little Ann and Old Dan captured my heart!
Favorite quote: “People have been trying to understand dogs ever since the beginning of time. One never knows what they’ll do. You can read every day where a dog saved the life of a drowning child, or lay down his life for his master. Some people call this loyalty. I don’t. I may be wrong, but I call it love — the deepest kind of love.”
and… “It’s a shame people all over the world can’t have that kind of love in their hearts…” ❤️
Rating:
How can you give a classic anything less than 5 stars ? 😂
Summer Reading:
With middle school on the horizon, the kids’ new school is encouraging them to read two books from an approved list. Hayden is fully embracing this. Hadley…not so much.
The kids:
I had the kids choose two book each to read.
Hayden chose Strong Inside and Seas Apart.
Also, Hayden has been loving the Theodore Boone series by Grisham. I just requested books 4 and 5 of the series for him at the library.
Hadley has read a couple of the books in the Mother Daughter Book Club series. That series is on the list, so she *with some major prodding * chose Mother Daughter Book Camp and then seemed interested in Grace, Gold, and Glory (The Gabby Douglas story).
Hayden loves to read before bed, but I’m sure I will implement a designated reading time when needed throughout the summer. When we get home from the pool, it’s usually quiet/cool down time, so maybe they can get some reading done then.
Me:
I’m always altering my “to read” list, but I decided to choose a few “beach/summer” books to read this summer.
Here’s what I’ve chosen to read:
The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton
That Summer by Jennifer Weiner
Here’s to Us by Elin Hilderbrand
Girls of Summer by Nancy Thayer
Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
Big Summer Jennifer Weiner
Not sure I will read all of them, but I wanted to try to read some “summer” books June-August. What books do you have on your list for summer reading??
Hello and Happy Monday…{May Monday Memes}…Try saying that five times fast! 😉
How was your weekend? We had a pretty good one…low key in comparison to our usual weekend activities.
With the month of May quickly wrapping up, I couldn’t let the month pass by without sharing some of my favorite memes.
Without further adieu…
1.
Fun fact: I hate packing. I’m definitely over-packer. I feel like I need all the options for any possible scenario. I wish I wasn’t this way, but I always have been, and I’m assuming I always will be…
2.
Me this summer:
3.
This one definitely made me LOL: 😂
4.
Still working on shedding the Covid 15-19! 😆
That being said, I often order two sizes from places I know have easy to return options like Amazon and Nordstrom.
5.
Y’all, my gmail email inbox currently has 252 emails in it…and it’s killing me. Most of the emails I can’t even find to delete, and I’m officially getting emails from gmail/Google telling me my storage is 90% full. Unfortunately, one of the items on my summer “to do” list is to figure out my email sitch!
6.
I seriously cringe when I’m cc’d on a work email…like what is someone volun-telling me to do?!
7.
Do you know one of my favorite things about summer? My afternoon nap. I am definitely a napper! I can do so and still go to bed at 9:30 no problem.
8.
I don’t really have any projects to do, but instead, like I mentioned earlier, things I’ve put off like apparently letting my emails get out of hand, as well as my closet that I never tackled and more! It’s time to get a game plan and follow through with it.
So those are just a few memes that made me laugh this month! I hope they start your day off right.
This week, I have a few posts planned, but I may spend a little more time getting into summer mode this week…which means a mix of relaxing and “to do” lists ….*see meme #8 😬
Hey there and Happy Friday! This is my favorite kind of Friday…the first Friday of summer break. Yesterday, was my first official day of break, and I let myself be lazy. I slept in (kind of), read my book, watched a few shows and the movie The Wedding Planner (I hadn’t seen it in forever), and then I had my monthly facial yesterday afternoon.
The summer is off to a great start. I’m easing into my summer “to do” list, and figure I will be part productive, part lazy today!
It’s the end of the week, so I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
I usually try to celebrate the little things (favorites) of the week, but feel like it’s been such an amazing week of celebrating some of the bigger things in life which have been favorites.
GG’s Birthday:
My mom and grandma came to visit at the end of last week, and stayed for a few days. It was my mom’s birthday, so we celebrated with cake after Hayden’s baseball game.
Then, we all went out to dinner at Merrick Inn which is one of my favorite restaurants. The weather was perfect for their patio seating.
If salmon is on the menu, Hadley gets it, and I always get whatever they have for the fish special. We talked Hayden out of ribeye, and he settled on their steak sandwich.
Kids’ Baptism:
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, the kids made the decision to be baptized on Sunday, and, of course, that occasion was a favorite from the week.
5th Grade Grads:
And, another major milestone was celebrating my fifth grade graduates.
Elementary school has certainly been a favorite, and we got together with some friends to celebrate.
Dance Photos:
Hadley’s dance recital photos arrived, and they are beautiful and certainly a favorite.
Cakes x 3!:
Well, who doesn’t love cake?! We’ve certainly had our fair share over the past week. We had a bundt cake to celebrate my mom’s birthday, white cake with butter cream frosting for the baptism followed by an ice cream cookie cake for fifth grade graduation.
The good news is that we celebrated all these occasions with family and friends, so there weren’t any leftovers of the cake! So, I didn’t feel too guilty about having a slice of each as we celebrated.
Hayden and Travis had a little backyard project. They made this little putting green in our side yard! Let’s hope it doesn’t get #homered!
My “super mom” friend took six kids (including my two!) to the Cincinnati Zoo yesterday, and they had so much fun. Their summer break is off to a great start as well!
And…last night, we celebrated cousin Wyatt’s kindergarten graduation. The ceremony was sweet and so was the, you guessed it…cake! I swear, next week I’m going to try very hard to dial in my sweet tooth!
Favorite Mom Memes:
For me, this should say cellphone!
I’m seriously going to need to weekend to recover from all the hustle and (blessed) bustle of this week. #somuchcelebrating! #teamforevertired
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
Look at my two littles from May 2010…back when they didn’t run from me when I tried to take their picture 😉I can’t believe how quickly these years have flown by…
Weekly Recap:
It’s been a busy week full of activities, end of the school year activities, and milestones!
Can you believe it? We have nothing planned tonight and no baseball games this weekend! For once, we don’t have much on the agenda, and I’m not mad about it!
I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Well, we’ve had a quite a week. On top of having family in town and celebrating my mom’s birthday, the kids also made the decision to be baptized and had their 5th grade promotion in a matter of a couple of days!
This week has been one full of excitement and wonderful memories have been made.
Baptism
On Sunday, the kids were baptized with other 5th and 6th graders at our church. We had a large class of students scheduled for baptism due to last year’s group not being able to be baptized due to Covid. My kids and seven others were baptized on Sunday.
Before our family came over, I had the kids take pic with the cake I got from a local bakery.
It was beautiful and tasted delicious! (Hadley joked that it looked like a gender reveal cake. 😆 )
Our friends and family enjoyed the cake before heading to the church.
We arrived about thirty minutes before their baptism.
We were so excited for them and their baptism class.
Each baptism candidate had a mentor that they met with over the past couple of months. Together, they read the book of Mark and completed a service project. My kids had terrific mentors and joined forces for their service project. Together, they baked desserts (brownies and cookies) and then delivered them to church members who are unable to attend church right now. It was so great seeing them work together and bring joy to others.
At the baptism, the mentors talked about their mentees and shared about the service projects. It’s always sweet, and a moment of pride, to hear great things about the kids. Believe me, they aren’t perfect, but it’s nice to know they can pull it together when it really matters!
The baptism was live streamed, so out of town family could watch as well.
Thanks to alphabetical order, Hadley was baptized first. Travis and I were able to join them on the stage as they each accepted Christ into their hearts.
I love this moment so much. Hayden waiting for his turn…while Hadley goes first.
The baptism was made even sweeter because they each had a great friend being baptized in their group.
Afterwards, we snapped a few family photos…
I hope they know how blessed they are to have such an amazing support system and family near and far who showed up for them on their big day.
Afterwards, family came back to our house to eat and enjoy one more cake! Since I knew we’d have plenty of people to eat all this cake, I went ahead and ordered them an ice cream cookie cake from Baskin Robbins to celebrate their upcoming 5th grade promotion.
It was so good!
I also had these fun cups on hand with the kids’ first day of kindergarten photo.
5th grade promotion:
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, the kids’ 5th grade promotion was virtual, so some families decided to get together to celebrate our grads afterwards. We are very blessed with a great group of families who have pretty much been together since kindergarten. We were missing a few families, but we had a wonderful afternoon.
Since I had hosted out of town family and then family after the baptism, I kept up my “hostess with the mostest” title and had the kids’ friends and families over on Tuesday afternoon after the promotion ceremonies.
We decided to grill out, and we all divvied up food, drinks, desserts, and decorations to make the afternoon a success.
One mom brought these fun balloons!
…that we then, of course, made our kids hold for a photo!
These sweet ladies have so much fun together.
These boys are tons of fun too!
I probably would have scheduled the lawn letters anyway, but I definitely went ahead with it knowing all the kids would enjoy them, and they provide a great photo op, obviously!
These years have been the best because of these ladies. I feel so blessed to do life with them!
After we grilled out, the kids ran around, ate delicious cupcakes, and then went up to school to silly string their younger siblings as they left the building on the last day of school. Many of us sat around and chatted late into the evening, and it was certainly a day that I will never forget.
Seeing the kids make one of the most important decisions of their lives and celebrate two major milestones in a matter of days makes me so proud, thankful, and…emotionally exhausted! We’ve had such a wonderful and blessed week.
See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites. My favorites from this week are pretty easy to share!
Well, they did it! The graduated from the fifth grade. (I mean, what choice did they have? 😆 , but, of course, I’m very proud of them!)
Here’s a little look at their last day of elementary school!
How it started…
August 2015
How it’s going…
Last Day Photos:
We were up and at ’em a few minutes early, so I could take their last day of school pics! We were going to walk to school, but it started to rain a bit, so we had one final car line drop off.
My friend is a teacher at their school, and she sent me these pics of them as they walked the halls and the little kids cheered for them! I was so happy this tradition was able to continue.
Travis and I settled in to watch each of the kid’s promotion ceremonies as the district said there could be no in person ceremony. I was definitely bummed with that decision, but tried to make the best of it.
Hayden’s class went first…
followed by Hadley’s class…
When their ceremonies were over, they could stay or be picked up early. A few families decided to get together to celebrate the kids, so we walked to check our kids out from school.
The weather had improved, so I took the opportunity to walk to get them like I did on their first day of school.
They were so excited to share about their morning, and show me their promotion certificates.
Both kids had straight A’s this quarter, Hadley also won the Positive Attitude Award for her class, and Hayden was recognized for being the only student in his class perfect attendance, virtually and in person, all year as well as a sportsmanship award.
Celebrating the Graduates:
Once we got home, they let me take a few more photos. I used a local yard sign company to decorate the yard to celebrate the occasion. #Ihavezerochill
Hadley loved the signs, and Hayden hated all the attention. 😂
On Sunday, we had some family over to celebrate another occasion, so we had a Baskin Robbins ice cream cookie cake to celebrate the upcoming graduation.
After we got home from school, the kids put up their backpacks, changed their clothes and got ready to celebrate with some friends!
How fun are these balloons? Another mom picked them up for our festivities.
We had a really great afternoon with friends celebrating these awesome kiddos! I hope to share more later in the week.
As I wrap up my end of the school year posts, I have to thank their teachers. We entrusted them with our children, and they thrived under their guidance. They cheered them on, helped them, taught them, championed them, and did so with grace under pressure. They adjusted their teaching style to an online platform to ensure that they were engaged in academic rigor over the past year. Through the years, they also provided them with fun activities and remembered they were kids who wanted to play in the snow and trade Valentine’s Day cards. Hadley wants to be a teacher because of them. Hayden’s confidence has grown because they provided him with tools to be success at school…and in life. I’m forever indebted to their teachers who have given their all to them over the past six years.
Through the years, the school admin and support staff outdid themselves with events like International Night, school performances, spring carnival, family night spaghetti dinner and so much more. They provided the kids with well-rounded, diverse opportunities. They provided a safe place for my kids to grow, learn, and take risks. Again, I’m forever grateful.
I treasured our time at this school. I know my kids have a wonderful foundation in which to start middle school and move on to the next chapter of their lives. I just wish it all hadn’t gone by so fast. As they say, “Don’t blink.”
Thanks for indulging me with my reflective posts and trips down memory lane this week! I feel pretty emotionally drained but have a very grateful heart!
I’m headed to high school graduation today. I bet the parents of those graduating seniors also wonder where the time has gone.
For this link up, we chat about any topic, and, well, the end of the school year has certainly been on my mind.
And…
Today is the day. Today, my kids will be finished with elementary school. I blinked and they went from toothless grins to braces, from the babies of the school to the oldest ones that the babies look up to, and from teeny tiny to almost as tall as me.
Where. Did. The. Time. Go?
I’m going to take today to reflect through their elementary years. This post is a mix of “why do I do this to myself?” to “there are so many memories, and this post will provide one place to house them all.” So, here we go…
Reflecting through the years…
Kindergarten:
I remember how excited Hadley was to start kindergarten. I also remember how hesitant Hayden was to start “big kid school.” (That being said, he was adamant that he didn’t want to be in Hadley’s class!)
That whole year was filled with new school experiences.
Memories, Activities and Field Trips:
Walking to school
Learning to read
Pumpkin Patch field trip
All about Me posters
School lunch!
Spring kindergarten performance
Ran first ever mile race at the PTA mile/5k
100th day of school celebration
They loved their teachers!
1st Grade:
This was a year filled with growth and new school activities. Hayden had “the best teacher ever!” and Hadley loved being her teacher’s helper.
Memories, Activities and Field Trips:
More walking to school
Field trip to the Living Arts and Science Center
50th day of school celebration
Chess club
Pete the Cat 1st grade performance
Book Fair
Hadley clipped down to yellow one day, and rule follower Hayden exclaimed, “Hadley!” as we walked home from school, and she told me she was talking when the teacher was talking.
Field Day fun
2nd Grade:
Second grade was their last year in the primary hall of their school. Hadley learned that “boys can be teachers too!” as her teacher, Mr. B. was assigned to the class about a week before school started. Hayden loved the second grade and his teacher’s Safari theme for learning and room decor.
Memories, Activities and Field Trips:
Academic Team(both kids)
Boosterthon Fun Run at school
International Night
Derby Breakfast (Hayden’s class)
Both kids got braces
Family Night: spaghetti and puzzles
Valentine’s Day parties
Making signs in support of teachers when their retirement was being threatened
Student led teacher conferences
School carnival
Safety City field trip
Indoor field day
Black History Month celebration: class project and third grade school performance.
3rd Grade:
Third grade was the first year in the secondary wingand the first year earning grades on report cards! Hayden had a few rough patches when his teacher left in October for a district level position, followed by a teacher that lasted less than a week, and then a replacement teacherfor the remainder of the year. It took him some time to adjust with the sudden changes. Hadley loved her teacher and really excelled that year.
Memories, Activities and Field Trips:
Academic Team (Hadley)
PTA movie night
Indoor Boosterthon Fun Run
Arboretum field trip
first KPREP tests
Book character dress up day – (Hadley dressed as Pinkalicious)
Class science fair
Family night: spaghetti and puzzles
School carnival
Cat in the Hat performances
Zoo field trip
Girls on the Run
Multiplication!
Family heritage project
4th Grade:
In the 4th grade, the kids continued to do well in school. Hadley had the same awesome teacher that Hayden had for 2nd grade, and Hayden’s teacher was perfect for him with her love of reading and very structured classroom.
Memories, Activities and Field Trips:
Academic Team (Hadley)
Cross Country (both kids–with their dad as the coach!)
Chorus (Hadley)
Field trip to Newton’s Attic
Movie Night
Recorders for music class!
Science Fair – Hayden earned honorable mention and Hadley made it to the district Science Fair!
Family Night: spaghetti and puzzles
Read Across America week
Packed up their belongings for what they thought would be two weeks…but didn’t return to the building before summer break
Waving at their teachers as they drove through the neighborhoods
Became proficient at Zoom and Google Classroom
Virtual Field Day
Said goodbye to their teachers and classmates on Zoom
5th Grade:
Their 5th grade year started with more virtual school. Seven months of virtual school to be exact. The kids both had awesome teachers who did an amazing job teaching via Zoom. The kids attended a pod of learners (friends!) two days a week which provided them with structured school, academic support, and social interaction. They *finally* returned to in person learning on March 8 to close out their elementary years in the same building they’d attended since kindergarten.
Memories, Activities and Field Trips:
first day at the pod in August 2020
return to in person learning March 2021
Delayed start to the school year
Drive through for textbook and supplies pick up
Virtual School
Pod two days a week
Became distinguished with Zoom and Google Classroom
Teacher front porch visits
Cross country (both kids, with their dad as their coach…again!)
Braces again!
G/T dance and dance club (Hadley)
Learning the flute (Hadley)
Return to in person learning in March which included thermal checks, plastic desk partitions, mask wearing, limited interactions at recess, and lunches in the classroom
Oldest kids in the school building
Field Day
Tie dye day and pizza lunch
5th grade promotion
Final Thoughts:
Today, they enter their elementary school building one final time. This year hasn’t been what we expected, but they adjusted, they made the best of it, and they thrived.
Walking them to school provided me with memories and opportunities for conversations to last a life time. Seeing their independence grow each year was both bittersweet and rewarding. We went from kindergarten where we walked them to their classrooms every day for the first two weeks of school to stopping at the crosswalk and letting them finish the walk to the building on their own. (**and many days pulling into carline with minutes to spare! 😆 )
Letting go at each phase feels natural, but sad as I see the time pass by right before my very eyes.
I will forever treasure our time in this amazing school. The teachers and administration did an amazing job kicking starting their educational career.
Dear Hayden and Hadley,
Happy last day of elementary school!
You’ll move on, you’ll continue to learn, you’ll continue to grow, you’ll make new friends, you’ll keep forever friends, you’ll test your independence (& my patience!), and you’ll continue to become the people you are destined to be.
I tell you all the time how lucky you are to have had the teachers, the administrators, the experiences and the opportunities that you’ve had over the past six years. I know you’ll remember these years fondly.
You’ve made dad and I very proud. Keep leading with your heart, keep being kind, and keep putting your best foot forward. I promise hard work, dedication, and kindness will always pay off.
Through the years, I’ve shared some words of wisdom with you; you know your English teacher mom loves a good quote. Some of my faves are:
“Be silly, be honest, be kind.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson,
“Anything is possible. Anything can be.” ~Shel Silverstein
…and…
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ~A A Milne
So, I will wrap up your elementary years with this:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” ~Henry David Thoreau
I hope you have the best last day of elementary school. You deserve it! I know this is only the beginning for the both of you! Keep up the good work!
xo,
Mom
P.S. No, I’m not crying…why do you ask? 😉😢
……………………………………………….
Tomorrow, I hope to share our last day of school photos. We have lots of fun planned for today with my 5th grade graduates!
Hello! How was your weekend? We had a busy but blessed weekend. I hope to share more later in the week.
*Warning!* This week’s theme for posts is all about school…wrapping up the year and the elementary school years. #holdme
I used these questions last year to have the kids reflect on their school year, so I’m using them again this year! I love that I also have an opportunity to share my responses too.
Hayden’s Thoughts:
What was the best part of this year? Going back to in person learning.
What was your favorite thing about your teacher? She was kind.
What was your favorite things to learn about this year? Government and reading Where the Red Fern Grows
Who was your best friend? Graham and Jonny
What did you like to do at recess? Play 4 square and basketball
What is something hard you did? learn at home
What do you want to be when you grow up? “Undecided…ormaybe a track coach…or a firefighter.”
What was something that made you laugh this year? My classmates
What was your favorite specials class and why? PE because my teacher is a GOAT
What was your favorite school activity or field trip this year? Field Day
Bonus: What is your BEST memory from elementary school? Safety City field trip in 2nd grade
Mom’s Thoughts:
I’m proud of you because…you’ve worked so hard to overcome obstacles and have persevered!
One of my favorite memories of you this year was: watching you win the district championship cross country meet.
It has been fun to watch you: become more independent in your learningand enjoy your favorite subject areas like reading and social studies.
Three things I love about you: your loyalty to your friends, your determination, and your sense of humor.
An area you grew in was: confidence when speaking.
You strengthened our family by: taking on more responsibilities and becoming more independent.
Hadley’s Thoughts:
What was the best part of this year? Going back to in person learning.
What was your favorite thing about your teacher? She makes learning fun.
What was your favorite thing to learn about this year? Long division (#smartypants)
Who was your best friend? Elise
What did you like to do at recess? Play four square
What is something hard you did? Wear a mask during school.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Elementary school teacher
What was something that made you laugh this year? Miller (a boy in her class)
What was your favorite specials class and why? PE because it’s awesome.
What was your favorite school activity or field trip this year? Field Day
Bonus: What is your BEST memory from elementary school? Safety City field trip in the 2nd grade
Mom’s Thoughts:
I’m proud of you because: you stayed positive this whole year while learning at home, at the pod, and finally at school.
One of my favorite memories of you this year was: watching you run cross country, improving with each meet, and placing in the top 5 at the district championship.
It has been fun to watch you: be a classroom leader.
Three things I love about you: your energy, your generous heart, and your outgoing nature.
An area you grew in was: musical performance and playing the flute
You strengthened our family by: being helpful and remaining focused and positive.
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