Schools Out for Summer!!

I am so grateful that it is summer once again!  My kids have had a wonderful year, with wonderful teachers, but I am just ready to have them home with me for awhile.

They are growing up way too fast.

Natalie had perfect attendance this year at school.  She was the only one in her class to achieve this and for an award her teacher gave her a minion stuffed animal.  It was their class mascot all year, his name is Banana.  Natalie hasn't let it leave her side since getting it yesterday. 

This morning, before heading off to school.

 

Goof Balls!

 Johnny won the "Jolly Rancher" award in his 2nd grade class.  The award is for being happy to learn every day.  On his report card his teacher wrote the following:

 I wish all of my students worked as hard as Johnny does every day. He is such a positive student and I will miss his dedication and love of learning. Watching him learn something new or teach others about something he has learned is one of my favorite things about him.

I thought those were some pretty nice comments!
I couldn't be prouder of him, he is such a smart and all around great guy.

 Ben's 5th Grade Graduation

Ben getting his Certificate of Completion of Elementary School from his teacher Mr. Parkman.

Ben also received the President's Education Gold Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence.

This is Ben with all his awards from ALPHA (gifted and talented program).  He is one very smart and over achieving little man.

WATER BALLOON FIGHT!!

We were invited to participate in an end of school year water balloon fight, so FUN!

Catching Up

It has been almost a year since my last post and boy what a year it has been!  Here is just a bit of what has been going on in our lives this past year. 

 Natalie's teacher emailed me this photo in September.  I smile every time I see it :)

Johnny and Natalie were on the same soccer team this past fall.  Johnny wasn't too happy about it at first, but I think he really enjoyed having his little sis on his team.  I'm just proud of Natalie for sticking with it through the season.  She never complained about the practices or games, but told me when the season was over that she didn't ever want to do that again.
That might have something to do with the fact that

this is what she did earlier in the year. 

Johnny was baptized on January 4, 2014 and I couldn't be prouder of him.  He is an amazing little boy.  I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to be his mother.  He is a very special spirit.

 Johnny and Grandpa Grumbles

 Can you tell that Johnny was tired of having his picture taken?

Johnny and Grandma and Grandpa Grumbles

 Johnny and his cousin Taylor, who was just baptized two months earlier.

 Johnny, Thomas, Nana and Grandaddy Merrell

 Love my sweet Johnny so much!

 Natalie lost her two front teeth :)

 Pine Wood Derby 2014.  Johnny and Ben both won first place in their dens and Johnny won third place in the pack.  It was a great night.

Easter 2014

We chaperoned Johnny's 2nd grade trip to the zoo.

Field Day 2014

 

 Natalie and her friend hula dancing :)

Ben earned his arrow of light.

Natalie went to a birthday party that was at an ice skating rink.  She had only been ice skating one time before and was really nervous about it all.  I'm so grateful that her friend Jackson was there, he was such a gentleman and helped her a lot.  It was really cute to see him looking out for her. 

 My silly Natalie.  It's silly day at school today.  She couldn't be happier about it.

I know that I have skipped over lots of events that I may add later, maybe :)

Kinder Celebration

Natalie had her kindergarten graduation yesterday at school.  I can't believe that I will never have anyone in kindergarten again.  Seems like this year went by so fast.  She has had a wonderful year and LOVES school. 

 

Natalie was recognized for outstanding math performance.  Only students who received a 96% or higher on their district assessment received this.  I'm very proud of her and all her hard work.

   

Ben and Johnny were let out of class to watch the presentation.  That made my little girl really happy.

 

Aunt Jennifer and Aubrey were able to come to the celebration.  Thank you so much Jennifer and Aubrey!!!  It made it so special to have you there.  Natalie loved it!

 

Natalie's class voted her "Best Smile" in their class.  I have to agree, she does have a great smile :)

 

Natalie with her certificate for outstanding math performance.

 

Natalie with her teacher Mrs. Cadenhead.  She is so lucky to have her again next year.  Mrs. Cadenhead is moving up to 1st grade, after teaching kindergarten for the past 29 years.

Natalie's Kindergarten Class