School's out for Summer (at least for the kids)

For the first time in 4 years, we finished the school year with no promotion or graduation ceremonies in the family. While it made things (only slightly) less hectic, it also made the end of the school year seem kind of anti-climatic.

The last few days were filled with fun extras like field day, which I was able to volunteer for. I worked the mini-golf station until the heat got the best of me and finished off in the shade doing dance parties with the kids. It was a blast!



We made treats and gifts for everyone who has made this school year so special (thanks to Pinterest for all the great ideas).

For their classmates:



For Jadyn's teacher (along with a gift card to her favorite restaurant):



For Jake's teacher (as well as a signed framed picture of her class at the talent show):



And for my students, many of whom will continue in my class next year. I have grown so attached to them and wish I could post pictures and tell stories about how special each and and every one of them are - I don't know how teachers say good-bye year after year:



On the last day of school, we rushed home to get Jadyn ready for dress rehearsal, grabbed dinner afterward and then headed back to the school for a special outdoor movie, a reward both Jake and Jadyn earned for reaching their Accelerated Reading goal. I was especially proud of Jake who spend the whole last week  of the program reading past his bedtime and taking at least one test a day, if not two in order to reach his goal. I was so impressed with his dedication and very proud that he stuck with it. It wasn't easy but he did it!

And the only picture I got from the last day of school was Jadyn and her new BFF Keira (such social butterflies, they were hanging out with graduating 6th graders at the movie):



I was very happy with both kids reports cards and all the progress they made this school year. I can't believe I now have a 2nd and 4th grader. I know I say this every year between their birthdays and the end of the school year, but WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?