The 2006 - 2007 School Year Has Ended

Another milestone has come and gone, especially for Spencer and Alexander. Last night we went to Spencer's 5th grade BBQ and graduation at his elementary school. I can't believe he'll be going to middle school next year! I've shed a few tears the last few days. It's been nice having Spencer, Jessica and Alex in the same school this last year. I never had to worry about Alex with his two older siblings in school with him. It was nice having them on the school bus together and Spencer was the "safety" for Alex's kindergarten class.

I had a long conversation with the school principal at the BBQ last night and she told me how impressed she was with our children. She said they were always well-behaved. She was especially impressed by how seriously Spencer took being a "safety" this last year. She supervises the 5th grade "safety squad" and said he was probably her most responsible and dependable leader on the squad. She also told me that she appreciated how involved Joshua and I were in the school and what a big difference that makes to the teachers and most especially our children. It was a really uplifting conversation and I'm glad to have talked to her. It's nice to know what others think of your children once in awhile (especially if it's positive).

Alexander had his kindergarten graduation this morning at school. The kids demonstrated some of the things they learned this year and sang some songs. Alex has had a wonderful year, full of great friends and an unbelievably supportive and compassionate teacher. Boy, will I miss the children's teachers this year. They were very lucky to have such amazing and terrific teachers. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Spencer, Jessica and Alex gave their teacher a bouquet of flowers this morning with a lovely card they made. I also took a picture of each child with their teacher (see pictures below). At the end of the day, all the classes (K-4) lined up in the halls and waited for the bell to ring so they could give the traditional "5th grade clap-out". When the 5th graders came out of their classroom, all the school kids, teachers and parents clapped as they walked the halls. I was in tears!! I can't even believe I caught a decent picture of Spencer as he walked by since I couldn't even see straight.

It's been an amazing and memorable year for me and the children. One we'll always remember. I've had a pretty emotional day today thinking about it. I took the kids to McDonald's for lunch and to see a movie after school to celebrate the end of the school year (it was a half day) and the beginning of summer vacation. I'm excited for the summer. We have some fun and exciting things planned. I'll keep you updated throughout the summer so keep coming back to my blog to see what we're up to.