Basketball camper of the day

Max has tray enjoyed the summer basketball camp for elementary school kids each year. This year was even better because some of his friends were there too. 

He worked hard, had fun, got a good report and even was celebrated as camper of the day on the last day for his effort and sportsmanship. 

I couldn’t be prouder!

Art, may turn me into a pack rat

This is a gingerbread house max constructed for me years ago. I think he was still 5 maybe just 6. It’s been on my dresser for 3 years. He was so proud of it when he made it for me. I was proud of him too. It has stood tall and not crumbles. His construction abilities run high!

But if I keep this all forever, I will be Burried in dust! 

So it is off to the dust bin.  Shhhhh don’t tell the kids. 

Middle school is upon us

This is Ellie and Ethan, they are the same age and met when they were infants. I tried to ask them to pose for a picture yesterday, which has happened many times over the years, but yesterday it meant standing 2 feet apart as a starter. I asked them to get closer and this was it. Meanwhile Lori says, “ put your arm around her like your brother and sister.” This laugh that we were crazy was the result!

Actually this one captures Ellie’s reaction to Lori’s ask. 

Lady Grey tells Max goodnight

Each night when we say prayers, ritualistically Lady Grey comes in to maxes room and jumps on his bed. She usually lays beside him, and snuggles into his chest or armpit. Max has gotten quite used to this company and enjoys it. This evening, Lady Grey decided she was going to try to get closer. Today, she made her self a warm soft spot on maxes pillow beside his face. Max found it hilarious! Needless to say lady Gray did not stay long thanks to the jiggling and the giggles.

The kindergarten journey is impressive

I firmly believe the entrance into kindergarten is the biggest jump a child takes. When they go up to public school they’ve still been sheltered mostly in the world, as we’ve chosen environments we’ve had them in app until that point in time.

The kindergarten teacher receives kids in so many different places and somehow manages to teach them how to read write and count. Most of them don’t really know how to read and write going into it. Some of them know the basics, but they are raw. 

Claire’s teacher returned her writing samples which were done each month throughout kindergarten. It was amazing to see the differences and the evolution of the writing over the year. The first sample was barely legible and simple and limited. The last sample was complex and full of thought. Claire has especially enjoyed learning how to express herself better with words this year. This afternoon we sat down and read through her writing journal. She enjoyed laughing at some of the things she had written in the beginning of the year. She really enjoyed the complexity of the things she had written recently. The girl really is a super writer as her teacher said.

I also very much enjoyed reading her year in review memory book. 

Found this today in my calendar

Fifth grade promotion ceremony for Ellie

This last week of school was full of a lot of memories, purposely in the making of the teachers in the schools, for everyone. They were telling him over and over as well be their last this on their last that. I’m not sure how I feel about them pushing the moment so hard on them. That said, today Ellie walked out of new market Elementary school for the last time today. She managed to do it without any tears. We collected on the playground as normal, and proceeded to go get some ice cream from the Derby. Clair was clearly sad and Max seemed to go with it all easy enough. 

Yesterday, they bust the kids up to the high school for a very beautiful celebration ceremony. I gave each child a certificate, sang songs, and had speeches by administrators and two selected 5th graders. The speech by one little boy was really great. He had a theme in it about making turkeys. It was adorable. 

Ellie looked beautiful and so grown up. It was her idea to get really dressed up for the day. This included, wanting to curl her hair. Even did a drive from the curling a few weeks ago. It was lovely seeing her want to get dressed up. She looks so grown up. Fifth grade definitely wasn’t our best year in terms of teachers and Ellie’s love of learning. I’m glad it’s over and looking forward to what middle school brings her. I know she’s ready. I can’t believe she’s going to be a teenager here soon now.

After the ceremony they had an all afternoon party at school. She really enjoyed the day. 

Some pictures of the last two days . I’m so proud of her. 

Into the school for the very last day. 

Out of school on the very last day 

An overnight business trip

Yesterday morning after dropping the kids at school, I left for a conference. They knew I was staying the night and would be back tonight. Everybody’s pretty used to these trips at this point. A one night away is no big deal. Clair even except it, though she makes it clear she misses me. I was happy to find a whole bunch of “mail“ by the side of my bed this evening. She was thinking of me!

I do know they all miss me and prefer if I am home. But these little trips continue to be enjoyable for me from a work perspective and a reminder of how I did love work when I was traveling all the time.

I’m blessed to have a good balance right now.

Visiting the falls - an annual pilgrimage

Today was the first time in forever that her Sunday wasn’t packed full of chores because all the sports have ended. We decided to take it vantage of it and head up the road for a little hike to Cunningham Falls. I don’t really like big hugs, but we can enjoy a little hike to visit the falls and spend a little time in the woods once in a while. Clair really seems to enjoy herself. She ran from Little Rock to Little Rock to jumping and talking about how the rocks made the hike harder and more fun. Max and Ellie were not impressed that I wouldn’t let them take the Harder Trail. I promised them one time I would be prepared for the harder hike. I’m not sure when that will actually be.

Max and Ellie perked up when David decided to let them go down close to the water by the falls and do a little climbing on the rocks. It made me nervous but, I know we need to let them explore a bit. Clair stayed in the safety of my arms and we sat by the falls and snuggled and kissed.

We attempted to pick strawberries at a new place in Woodsboro on the way back home. But the rain came. And, the strawberries are not near as nice as the ones at Larriland Farm is where we normally go. It was a nice little morning family adventure.

The new soccer club was a success for all

The decision to let Max and Clair play for FC Frederick this spring turned out to be very beneficial. Their program is very focused on learning in a particular way. I saw so much progress on both of them this spring. They both enjoyed their coaches and their teams.

Max played his last game last Saturday. His team won most of their games and Max really came along with both his offense and his defense. Max played on a big field this season. I never felt I was close enough to really good pictures. The highlight for him was winning the award at the street soccer tournament mid season. I’m so proud of him.

Clair had her last seven games this Saturday. I was there so I got a few pictures.