Hello Summer!!

John Robert, Preston, and Savannah enjoying their treat

Today was the last day of school!!  After my dentist appointment, I promised I would pick Savannah up early from school so I did ... and then it was off to run a million errands before the big yellow bus arrived with Preston.  We celebrated with another ice-cream truck treat as the neighborhood always has a truck come on the last day of school.  I cannot believe summer is officially here.  Let the adventures begin!

PSE Parties Galore

So somehow I ended up organizing the end of the year 3rd-grade party for everyone . . . I guess it was my determination for the kids to have something more than a popsicle that got me into finding an ice-cream truck to come for the party.  Anyway, although it was stressful, it ended up being a super fun morning for my little guy and his third-grade friends.

The kids could pick any treat they wanted from the truck so they LOVED it!  Plus there were tons of other fun activities on the blacktop to keep them busy too.

Preston's friends and Mrs. Armbruster, the principal!

After the party wrapped up, I was scheduled to work in the office until 1:30 as a volunteer.  So I headed to my next job and whenever I had a chance (not too often as the office was CRAZY on the day before the last day of school) I worked on wrapping and delivering the 30 bundt cakes for teacher gifts. Then at precisely 11:15am, I headed to the cafeteria for Preston's birthday celebration.  I'm not sure what I was thinking cramming everything into one day . . . and giving the kids even more sugar on the day before the last day of school?!? BUT, he was so excited to celebrate his birthday with his friends at school. So we passed out cookie cake, enjoyed our 20 minutes of lunch and then it was back to the office to finish out the day.

It's hard to believe that tomorrow will be the end of third and seventh grade for my kiddos... and that summer will officially be here, but I think we are ready for a break from the busy, busy routine.

Preston's Final Y Guides Adventure ~ Camp Harrison

 So the boys set off for their final Y Guides longhouse Saturday morning super early.  

They had a super fun day, filled with lots of adventures and laughter.  I can't' say for sure what all they did, but here are some pictures from the weekend.

 Sunday morning was filled with more activities after chapel and then they headed home . . . leaving behind lots of clothing.  Ugh!

All in all, it was a super fun way for Dave to spend lots of quality time with each of the kids over the past many years... but I'm pretty sure he won't miss sleeping with a bunch of rowdy boys in a cabin for a while. :)

Science Olympiad 2019

After months of Friday afternoon practices, today was finally the day for Science Olympiad competition!  Preston was on the JV2 team and was able to compete in 3 events . . . ramp and roll (which I coached), 3-2-1 blastoff, and data crunchers

Ramp and Roll teams

After getting up at 4:40am to get my long run in and throwing things together we were off to UNC-Charlotte by 6:20am.  I thought I had all of my ducks in a row, but quickly realized that no matter how much you plan and prepare somethings you just can't control.  Like when one member of your team is late to the event that starts FIRST and forgets the car for the competition! Let's just say it was one stressful start to the day, but things ended up okay.  Lots of lessons were learned too. :)

The second event was Data Crunchers.  Well, let's just say Preston crushed that one!  He and Maks were a team and they said they knew every question on the test.  They did pretty well too, ranking second overall!

Data Crunchers Team

 The final event for Preston was the one he was most excited about!  3-2-1 blastoff was SO much fun!!  His rocket did great and although it did get stuck in a tree, he had a great time.  Thankfully we got some help and managed to get it out of the tree before leaving.

William & Preston partners for 3-2-1 blastoff

We rescued the rocket from the tree and couldn't wait to find out if he placed with this event!

We took a quick break and headed home for lunch (and to pick up Dave and Savannah) before coming back for the awards ceremony.

This kid rocked his first SO competition!!  He placed second in Data Crunchers and third in 3-2-1 blastoff!  I'm sure he would have placed in Ramp and Roll too if we hadn't been penalized for not having the car on time.  But, hey, not many kids left with one medal, much less TWO medals so we were pretty excited!  Actually, he was so excited he says his socks were lucky and refuses to let me wash them. HA!

It was a super long day, but in the end, it was worth it!  Preston says he can't wait to do it again next year, but after my crazy morning, I'm not sure I'm as excited to do it again. . . ever!

Savannah's Spring Band Concert

When you're in 7th grade I guess your worst nightmare is your mom taking your picture at the band concert . . . these are the best I could do!  The concert was fabulous though.  It's amazing how much better the band sounds each year.  So proud of Savannah and the way she has become quite the little trombonist!

Mother's Day My Way

Life has been SO crazy lately!  So for Mother's Day I had no interest in going out to eat.  We went to church, did a few Shipt shops that I enjoy doing and then went for a family walk on the Greenway.  It was such a true JOY not being rushed out the door to get to church.  It was a delight doing everything I wanted to do without any complaining.  I requested grilled burgers for dinner and Savannah added macaroni and cheese, baked beans and fries (reheated).  Ahh, just the way I like things, simple!

Dave & the kids showered me with super special and thoughtful gifts including a peanut butter jar scooper spoon!!!  I also got a phone holder for my car and a new fitbit band.  Just the perfect gifts with all my favorite people.   

To top off my day, Preston gave me this sweet card.  Although Mother's Day is hard for me (even now 9 years later) it was enjoyed to the fullest and filled with love!!!

Preston's Field Day

So somehow I managed to get a sub job again this year for Preston's field day!  Although I was in "charge" of another third grade class I still had ample opportunity to see him in action.

His speed in jump rope was quite impressive.  Another teacher texted me a video and asked "what in the world are you feeding your child?" :)

It was a super fun day with perfect weather.  I'm so thankful he still enjoys me being involved at school because I LOVE being in the know and seeing him in action with his friends.