Adios Grade 2!

Ben was thrilled to be invited to celebrate Jack's birthday...Harry Potter style.  Ben didn't know too much about HP at this point, but I made a dash to the library to get the first book and then another dash to the costume store to get him all suited up in style!  I'm a huge HP fan, so I admit I was extremely jealous once I dropped him off at the party.  Jack's parents had gone all out, and Harry...I mean Ben...had a fantastic time!  

 

And then, on June 26, it was time to celebrate Ben's last day of grade 2!  Ben had an absolutely amazing year, and Greg and I are constantly astounded at how bright and thoughtful Ben is.  Ben's class made tie-dyed shirts to celebrate the last day in style, and they enjoyed lots of time outside playing and goofing around.  I snuck into the last bit of class, and after the ice cream treats, the tears started to flow.  Ms. Papas loved these kids, and they sure loved her back!  I think Ben is feeling quite conflicted about moving on to grade 3...excited at the challenge, but so sad to not be with Ms. Papas any longer.  Thankfully, he'll be right across the hall next year.  :)  And a special thanks as well to Mrs. Bond who was an incredible help to Ben and our family this year.  We are blessed that Ben is at a school where they really do love their students!

Grade 3...here I come!!

Nathalie is moving on up!

Nathalie enjoyed her last day of gymnastics for the spring.  She amazes me as she is getting braver and stronger all the time.  Way to go Nathalie!

We couldn't wait for June 17th...Nathalie's preschool graduation celebration!  It's so hard to believe that our little gal is now ready to say goodbye to preschool and hello to kindergarten!

The morning and afternoon classes came together for the ceremony.  Both classes did a great job performing their songs with handbells, led by Miss Anna.  Nathalie's class then sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". 

Love this picture of them bowing...well, at least some of them bowing.

 

Nathalie getting her diploma!  And then using it as a telescope.  Ha!

Celebrating with teachers.  Miss Amy...

 

Miss Anna and Miss Pamela

 

And Mrs. Jenn.  Mrs. Jenn has been Nathalie's preschool teacher for the past 2 years until February, when she went on maternity leave.  We're so glad she made it to graduation!  

 

All done with pictures at this point and too busy "smelling the roses" to smile.  :)  But, Mom and Dad are so incredibly proud of you, Nathalie!!  You have grown so much and learned so many new things these past few years in preschool.  You are a smart, kind, and spunky gal, and we cannot wait to see what the next year will bring.  Next stop...kindergarten!



Well...almost ready for kindergarten.  The kids still had one last day of school on Friday, June 19.  Although, I'm not really sure if you would call it school or party...face paint, bounce house, ice cream.  A truly great way to celebrate the last day of preschool with all her friends. 

Greg had the day off, so in honor of Nathalie's big day, we went to Red's Diner for some lunch pancakes!

First day of summer!!!  Nathalie and I spent her first "out of school for the summer" day at the park (while Ben finished up with one more week of classes).  And of course, nothing says summer is here like ice cream!  Happy Summer!

Father's Day 2015

As he did last year, Greg took the morning off work to spend some Father's Day fun with Nathalie at her preschool on June 12.  It was over a week before the actual day, but with graduation and last day of school being the following week, her teachers wanted to make sure to set aside some time to honor Dads!  Nathalie loved showing Greg around, making a picture frame with him, and sharing treats.  Most of all, she loved giving him a shave!  Too cute!  Also cute was when Miss Pamela asked the students what was their favorite thing to do with Dad.  At first, Nathalie said "fishing".  (Except, that Greg doesn't fish and has never taken her fishing.  Hee hee!)  Then, she decided on "piggy back rides".  Great answer!      

 

On Father's Day, Ben couldn't wait to show Greg the presents he had made for him.  Loved this "monster hug" card!!   We treated Dad to a ski shop gift certificate, as I'm pretty sure that Greg believes it's never too early to start thinking about skiing.  :)  Ben and Nathalie are becoming quite the helpers with taking photos, but I think every other picture is now "make a silly face" picture.  We relaxed the day away and talked with the other two fabulous Dads in our lives.  Happy Father's Day!