This is Almost 15!!! Happy Early Bday Savannah!

 

This beautiful girl will turn 15 while away at camp this week . . .so we celebrated early with dinner at Red Robin and opening gifts.

Once in a while, we get the joy of surprising this girl . . and today was one of those times.  She kept pestering me all week about ordering a cake. I was like "Savannah we are going to have so many cakes this week and you're going to camp and will be eating so unhealthy, let's just have some special ice cream or something".  And then I ordered a special ice cream cake to surprise her with after dinner.  It was so much fun and she was thrilled . . and the cake was yum-o!

It's hard to believe that Savannah is turning 15 . . . my how quickly time flies.  This girl never fails to amaze me.  She ventures through life with an easy-going, calm, yet determined spirit.  She is my shopping buddy, personal assistant, fashion advisor, and favorite cook.  I love watching her try new things and am thankful to have a front-row seat to watch her become this truly amazing godly woman.  We will miss celebrating with her on Tuesday, but trust they will have a grand time at camp. :)

Camp Invention

 

After a week of being under the weather (minor colds for both kids) they were thrilled to be better and able to attend Camp Invention this week.  Savannah was finally a lead counselor and it was Preston's last year as an official camper.  They absolutely LOVED attending the all-day camp at PSE.  As always, lots of random "craft supplies" and creations came home today, including some super loud microphones. :)

Drivers Ed!!!

And so the time has come . . . I'm not sure how Savannah is old enough to be learning to drive a car, but here we are.  On this long holiday weekend, her one request was to do some practice driving in the JMR parking lot with Dave before starting real behind-the-wheel drivers ed on Sunday.  I stayed out of the car and made sure Preston was buckled in the back.  :)

After she made a couple rounds around the parking lot with Dave I got in to take a picture and go for a short ride.  This makes me SO nervous!!!

And then today it was official, on the road training.  Bright and early this morning she started her behind-the-wheel drivers ed training.  Lord protect her!!!

Preston's 5th grade Graduation

Today was such an emotional day!  After 10 years at Providence Spring Elementary, we said goodbye to a school we love.  Both kids have had the chance to learn under the best teachers and for that, we are so grateful. For Preston, it was just another school day . . . well he did get to have snacks and leave early, but I think he is ready to move onward.

So out the door he went to his last day of elementary school!

Graduation was virtual, so we all watched and *tried* to listen from afar.

What was most exciting for Preston was the pool party afterward.

He and Henry had such a great time enjoying pizza and swimming with all of the other 5th graders. 

Mr. Grabon sent me this picture yesterday afternoon.  So thankful he knew I would want this and automatically sent it to me.  He has had a lasting impact on both of our kiddos and truly restored Preston's confidence and love for school (after a horrendous year last year).  

So after the pool party and letting Preston choose dinner (Chick-fil-A) we headed back to school to grab a few quick pictures with the 5th-grade graduation signs.

It doesn't seem possible that our little guy is headed to MIDDLE school, but we know HE is ready.  I"m not sure I'm ready, but never the less, JMR here he comes!  He has grand things ahead and I can't wait to watch his life unfold.  For now, I'm clinging to my sweet memories of wonderful days at PSE.  Once a rocket, always a rocket!

Savannah's First Official Job

 It's hard to even believe that Savannah is getting ready to start behind the wheel drivers ed . . . or that she's old enough for a REAL, tax-paying, job!  This opportunity just sort of fell into her lap as she was originally planning to volunteer with Cakeable, but Mrs. Ratcliff offered her a paid position!  She will be working in the kitchen helping special needs kids learn to bake!!  What a perfect fit!!  I can't wait to see how this unfolds over the summer. :)

Soccer Team Party

Today we officially wrapped up the soccer season with the CSA Matthews Mint Hill King team.  These boys were wired up and had a fantastic time playing at the park.  We enjoyed pizza and dessert with all of the families and then presented Coach Jose with a gift.   Although Preston spent most of the season on the IR it was still a fabulous experience and a team he'll not soon forget!

 

Mother's Day Weekend Fun

We have been trying to make it to Top Golf for a few weeks.  Saturday we left bright and early to make sure we could get a bay without a wait.  It was just as fun as we remembered, only this time Preston decided to use the last few minutes to throw the balls with his hands instead of hitting them with the club (and actually socred points)! 

Sunday was a fun day with super-special gifts, church, a nice family walk, one-of-a-kind handmade cards, and of course free TCBY for dessert.  I might add that I also had homemade peach cobbler by Savannah for dessert too. :)