Last Day of School

Today is the last day of school. This school year has flown by, and when I reflect on it, I am overwhelmed by the changes our family has been through, but I am also overwhelmed by the tender love and care of our Heavenly Father through all of this. Sydney & Ethan are sad that school is over, and I am too, as it brings closure (though it is temporary) to one of the best gifts God has given us this year.

I took this picture this morning. Ethan will be recognized at chapel this morning for perfect attendance. Sydney wore this dress the first day of school, and wanted to bookend the year wearing the same!

Here's Jake!! I took this picture yesterday at Ethan's end of the year party. Jake has been full of smiles and laughter these past couple of weeks. He loves to "talk" to us. At his well baby exam a few weeks ago, his pediatrician diagnosed him as anemic (she said his lips were a little pale and his hemoglobin did turn out to be low), so I started taking an iron supplement which I think has helped us both. I've had more energy since taking the iron.

On Wednesday, Ethan's class had a Kindergarten Showcase. The kids decorated the tables with flowers they picked from the garden, we did an art project together (Ethan drew me and I drew him), he picked out a book for me to read to him in a special spot in his classroom, he served me snack, gave me a present (a Museum Notebook- a collection of his work from the year, like replicas of Van Gogh's work!), and we planted a cherry tomato plant to take home!

This is from the Shakespeare Festival in May. The 6th graders performed Julius Ceasar, but all the grades had some special part in the evening. The Kindergarten class collected entrance fees- "A pence to enter!"

The 1st and 2nd grade girls danced in the Maypole Dance. It was lovely! And it was a perfect evening for an outdoor dance. Sydney is in the pink and gold dress (thanks Ruthie!)

Reid at the Festival, sporting a new shield and sword from the Mountans.

The Mountans were with us for the weekend of the Festival. Saturday morning the kids made lemonade and iced tea to sell in the neighborhood, and did fairly well considering we live in a small neighborhood! Saturday night we went to our family's favorite restaurant, River Birch Lodge. We got to eat outside, and here are all the kids after dinner.


Ethan joined our church the next day. He had been taking communion since last spring when he professed faith in Jesus, but had not yet taken his membership vows. Here he is with Luke (in his K class also) and Ben who also joined Redeemer that day.