Last Day of School 2016

Another year of school is in the books! Time really does go by so fast. This time last year we were saying our goodbyes to friends in Virginia. We packed up our lives and started over in California. It has been a crazy and good year.

Here are the kids on the first day of the school year:

Here they are on the last day:

Chris and I started out the day by attending the awards assembly for the 5th graders. I didn't know that Claire would be receiving any awards. Let's just say that she had an amazing year! I am so proud of how hard she has worked and of how she has found herself a great group of friends. It isn't easy moving cross country twice, but she has managed to make it work. Her list of awards included: perfect attendance, the Presidential Award for Academics, 150+ reading points, and the top 5th grade AR reader! She was so happy, and it was really fun for me to see.

 entire 5th grade class

To celebrate the end of elementary school, the 5th graders had a big luau party. I still can't believe that she is headed to middle school next year. I am not ready for that at all. I know she will do great though! 

After Claire's assembly, we went to the one for Grace. She received the perfect attendance award as well. She was very excited. I am also very proud of Grace. She has had a much harder time with this move, but she has persevered. It's not easy finding good friends, but Grace has really put herself out there and been involved with lots of activities. 

Then it was time for kindergarten graduation. I have been sad all week thinking about it. This is really it. My last child is finishing kindergarten. How did that even happen? Where has all of our time gone? I just want him to stay small for a little longer. 

The ceremony that they put on was adorable. His teacher, Mrs. Allen, read a small memory about each child. They received small diplomas and even had a procession. Afterwards was a cookie party. Amazingly, I didn't even cry. I really thought that I'd be a mess, but it worked out. 

Neil also had an amazing year! He has come so far. He is reading and writing and his speech is getting better everyday. I am so grateful for his wonderful teacher! She loved him and he loved being there to learn each day. Neil also received the perfect attendance award from the principal. It was hard to say good-bye to everyone. It really was a wonderful year!

The girls were both sad to leave their friends. We thought it would be fun to cheer everyone up by celebrating at Six Flags. We spent the rest of the day there going on rides. It was pretty fun. We even talked Grace into braving two of the big roller coasters! Now she is hooked. Can't wait to go back again. So long Kindergarten, 2nd, and 5th grade!!