Family Day at a Festival with a Few Firsts

The City of Irving had a food tasting festival today. We didn't go for the food, but for all the kids activities they had (for free). Makena got to go on her first pony ride!

We arrived when the event started so there were no lines. Makena was able to ride the ponies more than once. She's taken a liking to horses lately, so this was pretty exciting for her.

Kyle got to go on his first pony ride too. He loved it! Look how cute his little pony is!

Makena played on a huge inflatable slide while Karis got to try out bungee jumping for the first time. They have one of these contraptions at the mall and she has begged me to try it. I thought she'd be too light for it and didn't want to pay for her to try it and be right. But since it was free at this festival, it was the perfect time for her to try it. I was wrong and she surprisingly did pretty well on it! 

  

Daddy gave it a shot too! 

After his flips, he was done. His stomach didn't agree!

Daddy and Kyle played on the playground while I took the girls to get their faces painted.

 

We also got a flower bracelet balloon for Makena and a butterfly balloon for Karis.

    

By this time, it was getting hot and crowded and Kyle was tired, but we got talked into letting the girls try out the zip line. 

We ate some pizza and then headed home to get out of the heat!

Kindergarten Jitters

Karis had been so excited for kindergarten until recently when she realized her friends won't be there. She's nervous about having to make new friends. The thought frightens her because of her shyness. It's killing me because she's outgoing and loves to do new things but her shyness holds her back. I thought I was just going to have to deal with my own emotions about my little girl going off to kindergarten but now I'm shouldering hers as well.

Yesterday the school held an event called The Future Is Bright where everyone moves up a grade for an hour and a half as a preview of what's to come next year. Incoming kindergarteners got to experience their new school. Karis wasn't very excited about going but we talked about how this was a chance to see her new school and what it would be like. She didn't have to talk to anyone or make new friends -- just go and have fun. 

I parked the car a little up the street so that we could have a little time together and she could finish her breakfast. I noticed she started walking a little slower as we entered the school doors. She clammed up when a teacher asked for her name at the registration table. She didn't want to join the kids right away in the gymnasium (we were late arriving), so I stayed with her for a few minutes.  I left her when they started breaking up into smaller groups. 

The project Karis worked on at school.

When I picked her up, she said she had fun and that she met a new friend named Makena who spells her name the same way sissy does. 

She must have felt overwhelmed because she didn't want to talk about anything else about her time at school. We went to the park afterwards and I got to ask her some more questions. I found out that when she said she met a new friend, she actually went up to the girl and asked her, "Can you be my friend?" That's huge for her and I'm so proud of her for doing that! I can't help but think that by the girl having the same name as sissy, it gave her some confidence and comfort (perhaps a gift from God for my little girl!). I have to think that she's going to be alright... but I'm still a little nervous...

I'm looking forward to meeting her teacher in August and finding out who will be in her class. That'll bring some comfort to Karis and will hopefully get her excited once again for kindergarten. 

Let The Summer Begin!

Last day of preschool was yesterday and they had a fun day. It was a day of celebration with bounce houses and fun with friends. We received some nice comments from their teachers. We are proud of our kids and how well they did this past year! They made new friends, learned a lot and experienced new things.

After school, we went to the park with Makena's classmates. It was a great way to finish off the afternoon!

And now summer begins! It'll be an adjustment with the kids home every day but I'm hoping to put some structure in our days and plan ahead so we all don't go crazy! 

First Time Fishing

We took the kids fishing today at Bass Pro Shop. They provide all the equipment and let you fish in the river in front of the store. It was a great introduction to fishing. Karis was super excited as she's been wanting to fish for a long time

.

Kyle wasn't too sure what was going on.

Karis quickly caught her first fish! Makena held the pole but once she saw the fish come out, she lost interest. She was quite squeamish (see her in the photo below). She caught one fish but didn't stick around long enough for me to take a photo.

Kyle tried too. He was more interested in the button and reel. 

Another fish! This one was squirmy!

Kyle didn't want to get near the fish.

Waiting for Daddy to catch a fish.

He caught one!

Since Makena lost interest, Nana took her into the store where she spent most of the time jumping in and out of ATVs. She had a much better time doing that than fishing!

Afterwards, we went to Chik-fil-a for lunch and then Nana had to catch her flight back home.

Backyard Fun with Stephanie and Jimmy

Aunt Stephanie brought lots of fun stuff for the kids so we spent the morning playing in the backyard. 

Bubbles!

Just when you thought his cheeks couldn't get any bigger....

Derek and Jimmy worked on the yard, went to the hardware store and planned out our landscaping renovation.

Sidewalk chalk on the fence

Soaking in the sun

Their visit with us was less than 24 hours -- way too short! But we're grateful we got to see them and spend some time with them. Until next time...

Our Pre-K Graduate

We attended our first graduation ceremony for Karis! Karis graduated from Pre-K!

We're so proud of our graduate! She loved every day of pre-K, never missed out on getting sticker rewards, and completed her homework every week.

She walked down the aisle in her cap to graduation music.

The kids showed us what they had been learning throughout the year. They recited the pledge of allegiance, the pledge to the Christian flag and the pledge to the Bible. 

They sang songs about the days of the week, the months of the year, the planets, and even the water cycle.

They also sang a few of their favorite songs about the fruit of the spirit and growing up.

Then one by one they received their diplomas and answered two questions -- their favorite part about pre-K and what they want to be when they grow up.

Karis said her favorite part was painting and then didn't say anything when she was asked what she wants to be when she grows up. I don't think she's decided yet. But that's okay, she's got a few more years to figure that out!  

Makena got to miss some of her preschool day to watch Karis graduate. Karis wanted her there and Makena wanted the cookies and juice!

Karis with her two teachers, Ms. Kim and Ms. G.

Sweet friends on sugar highs from cookie and juice!

Now she's off to Kindergarten!