The Princess Ball

 

 

First Day of School for All 3!

And just like that, all three are in elementary school!

Our big girl started 3rd grade! She was so nervous to start school. 

Makena started 2nd grade. She was the most relaxed of all three about starting school.

Kyle started Kindergarten! He was excited and just a little nervous until the day before when he started feeling a bit scared. 

How is he big enough to be in Kindergarten all day?! Mommy was definitely sad about her baby going to Kinder!

 

Ready to start a great year at Mockingbird! 

 Karis and Ms. Fox

 

Makena and Mrs. Boyles

Kyle and Ms. Carlton

There were nothing but smiles when we picked them up. They all had a great first day!

School Awards for Both Girls

We were thrilled when we found out that Karis was going to receive two awards at the monthly school assembly. She received an art award for her Blue Dog painting and for being the top girl runner in her class.  

Karis did not like her painting of Blue Dog. She kept saying that the dog looked weird. But she quickly learned that art and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Karis has talent and abilities and I hope she doesn't let her self-doubt or her perfectionism get in her way. I hope she soon sees her beauty and giftings the way we do!

Karis ran the most laps in her class throughout the school year. During the school year, Karis talked about how many laps she was going to try to run in P.E. She was continually pushing herself to run the most she could. This was the first year that each class gave out the runner awards (previously it was the top boy/girl in the school).  So Karis was not trying to win an award, she was just trying to do her best. I loved that she was awarded for her efforts. 

 

After all the attention Karis was getting, Makena was sad that she didn't get an award and that she didn't make Maverick of the Week this school year. It was hard to watch one daughter get recognized and not the other. We soon found out that Makena's teacher was going to award her Maverick of the Year at the end of year assembly. I was about in tears when she told me! We are thankful that she was recognized for her exemplary character all throughout the year! 

Last Days of School

Kyle had a great year in Ms. Marsha's class. He loved every minute of it!

Kyle had a  PreK Splash Day the last week of school. Lots of fun in the sun! 

I was a little nervous for Kyle to start at a new preschool. I prayed the entire summer before he started at the Butterfly School that he would find a good friend. Elliott was an answer to that prayer. He is such a sweet boy and Kyle and Elliott became best buds. I am so thankful for their friendship!

I will miss Kyle helping me on Wednesdays pass out snacks to each class. He was my little helper!

I can't believe how much he grew up during the school year. He looks like such a big boy!

The girls also ended a great year at Mockingbird. Here are a few pics from Field Day. 

Kyle saw all the inflatables and water fun and suddenly he was excited for Kindergarten!

 Karis participated in Hoop It Up again this year and cheered for the student team. 

Our school had an end of the year pool party at the rec center. It was windy, drizzly and cold but that didn't stop the kids from swimming and having a great time. 

Makena's 1st Grade Performance

The first grade program is about recycling. The students talk about recycling and then sing songs about what recycling is and how we can do our part to save the planet. 

Each student is asked to audition for the speaking parts. Makena wanted a speaking part and she got one! She memorized her lines and practiced a lot at school and at home. The line was short so the biggest challenge was talking in a strong voice. As the program date approached, Makena no longer wanted a speaking part! She was nervous, but I told her that was completely normal. 

Makena did a great job!! We were so proud of her. 

Happy Birthday Makena!

Makena wrote a list of all the things she wanted to do for her birthday.

We started the morning with donuts and presents from the family.

While Karis was at soccer camp, she went shopping with Mommy to spend some birthday money. We went to Michael's for Beanie Boos, Barnes & Noble for two Star Wars books, and then Toys R Us for a small Lego set. Our last stop was the grocery store to pick out ice cream for dessert. 

After lunch we went to Going Bonkers -- a slight change from her list. 

After the kids were done running, climbing and sliding, we went to Sonic. The kids love the corndogs and they love eating in the car!

When we got home, we had dessert and then Karis and Daddy had to go to soccer practice. Makena and Kyle stayed home and watched a movie. We hit everything on her list! It was a full, fun day and she loved it!

The next day, our friends from small group surprised us with some cupcakes for the birthday girl!