summertime

 

Some last day of school photos I failed to post

 

Kyler walking out of elementary school for the last time ever. And yes, he took off his shirt.

 Kyler and his awesome teacher

 Goodbyes

 Lexi and her amazing teacher

 1 month garden progress. They all started as seeds.

 Kyler helping Ari jump on his pogo stick. And yes, she's rocking Lexi's flip flops.

School's out!

 

Kyler's teacher emailed me last week to let me know he'd be receiving an award. I did my best to not let Kyler know. When he asked if I'd be at the ceremony, I replied with "what ceremony?!" He was really upset thinking he wouldn't be getting an award.

My dad made the trek out to watch. When Kyler walked in and saw us all sitting there, he grinned, knowing he WAS getting an award.

Turns out he received the presidential award! I am so proud of him!!

 Giving grandpa his father's day gift, in pure Kyler and Lexi fashion.

 Lexi was voted "super style" in her class. And she couldn't be any more proud! :) 
(Vaseline on her face from an art project)

 Last day of 5th grade (for elementary school, entirely!)

 Last day of 2nd grade!

 First day of school: September 2012-last day of school: June 2013. What a difference.

It was so hard walking Kyler in to his final day of elementary school. I can so clearly recall walking him in on his first day, his tiny hand gripped tight on mine (or maybe I was the one with the tight hold). I've always been shocked at how he walked in year after year, full of confidence, no hesitation, with his head held high. I know he's nervous about what's to come, but there's no doubt in my mind he won't continue to be an absolute success along every path he ventures.
My little Lexi is dreading summer break. She is the rare breed that could live at school entirely. Next year she'll be going at it solo for the first time, without her brother there to wager war on every little boy he thinks "checks her out". And I have no fear in my mind. She is a determined girl, with a heart of gold.
What an absolute honor it is to be their mama!!!

and now...

happy summer

Field day

 

The kids had their annual field day at school today. It's hard to believe it's Kyler's last one.

 

Hula hoop

 water balloon toss

 Tug of war. Girls vs boys.

 Girls won and Lexi is pumped!

 Limbo

 Obstacle course

 Laps

 Far throw. Lexi's teacher said "what an arm Lexi, you should play softball!"

 After an exhausting morning, lunch put Ari over the top.

Ocean camping

 

We had an impromptu camping trip this weekend. Jared sold his drift boat, and decided to buy a pop up tent trailer. He headed out to look at one in Portland early Saturday, as I packed and got everyone ready to go.

When I came back into the living room, I found Ari had passed out. (yep, shoes on the wrong feet. That's Ari style)

 Jared unfortunately will miss the real father's day, as he will be traveling for work. So we gave him his gifts early.

 Our new to us tent trailer

 Dad with his kids and gifts. Skim board, shorts, & a hand print shirt.

 Ocean time. The Oregon coast is beautiful.

 The kids were able to feed this chipmunk from their hands.