Goodbye K & 2!

It’s the end of another school year.  The familiarity of Kindergarten and Second grade, simultaneously, has ended, giving way to the freedom summer vacation.  We are sad to say goodbye to another wonderful year at Sutton Elementary and the fabulous teachers that Noelle and Maximilian had the privilege of being their pupils. 

Due to a previously planned vacation, Noelle’s teacher, Ms. Elliott, was unable to attend the last four days of school (she did not anticipate going until the 18th, who would, it’s ridiculous).  We said our goodbye’s and got our obligatory picture, on the day of the Annual Family Picnic. Second grade suited this teacher and she handled the rowdy bunch with a no bull attitude.  Whenever possible I was able to see her in action and loved what I was able to observe.  She joked with the students, but keep the level respect from the students at an all time high.  Balance of fun and learning with much respect was practiced in her classroom.  The students were always smiling and learning to the extreme. Ms. Elliott was able to challenge Noelle, seeing that she could handle things, would give her harder spelling lists and math work.  She needed this!  It was a good second grade year.  Noelle excelled, immensely, reaching reading levels WAY beyond her age. Third grade will be a nice challenge for her and we can’t wait to see what the next school year holds.

June 18th was the official last day of school and Max was unable to attend.  The night before, the overload of junk food from a school celebration and home celebration of their last week lead up some rather disgusting puking.  I was fairly certain it wasn’t sickness, but kept him home just in case.  He cried and screamed, sad to not be able to see his friends one last time.  Kindergarten was a good year for him.  He preformed well, always behaving at the top of his game, making many friends and having a great time.  He is reading above where he needs to be and has vastly improved over the course the year. Mrs. Tidswell had only great things to say about him and while reviewing his report card, I couldn’t help but fill with pride for this amazing young man.  He’s a constant challenge at home, but is a lover of school! Because it was the last day, and a half day, I promised to pick Noelle up.  Max showed me that he was fine throughout the morning, so I was able to meet up with his teacher and snap a quick pic.

The heart aches as I know it will only be a short while until they are back in school full time.  This Fall, Violette will join the ranks of Sutton Elementary students.  Until then, I will try to soak up my precious time with these monsters. 

We have very few official plans over the summer, but our first one started the day after school ended.  We again started up with swim lessons.  The children were extremely happy to have these on their agenda's, who doesn’t love to swim when you’re a child?! 

 

 

On the home front we received our installation of our much needed driveway.  The actual installation was, without surprise, the best part for the troops.  During the day Violette and Zane watched from the garage, diligently keeping watch over the construction guys.  When Max and Noelle came home, the aided in the rolls of Supervisors.  Since then, we have enjoyed the new basketball net (courtesy of my parents for Easter) and countless games of PIG along with many trips up and down on scooters, bikes, and rollerblades.  A paved driveway is really a great thing, and something we took for granted having!  Tomorrow our front door will be painted to match our shutters and then in a few weeks our sprinkler system will be installed along with topsoil put down and grass seed.  We also have opted to have a landscaping company do the landscaping on the three sides of the house (we will put in a deck next summer probably).  It was something we heavily discussed, but it was decided to have someone else get it done quickly and professionally. 

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Although a bit cranky the last two days, I can safely say, having the foursome all together is a complete blessing.  I am looking forward to this summer’s adventures, ready to break free of schedule constants and see what the weeks ahead hold!

Family, Family, Family

These last three weekends we have been going, going, going and family has been the theme of our weekends.  The children have been enveloped with much love and fun, and many smiles and laughs have been shared over these visits.  Many pictures will be posted!

It started Memorial Day weekend.  We packed up the minivan and dove up to Traverse City to partake in a Babcock Family Gathering.  The weather was sunny and high 70's, just gorgeous.  Lake Michigan hovered in the low 40s, freezing all who touched her!  The children didn't mind dipping their toes in, and Zane could be seen completely submerged in the fridge cold water.  We were surround by many of my cousins and all of the six Babcock Sisters were there.  My Grandpa enjoyed the chaos and could be found most of the time sitting back and taking in the phenomenal sight of our large family enjoying themselves.  My Aunt Cindy opened up her beautiful vacation home to us all and the weekend was wonderful!

The first weekend in June brought with it a gathering of the Roehrig Gang to celebrate Grandpa Roehrig's birthday and Father's Day.  The annual get together brings all ten grandchildren together.  The old My Little Ponies are brought out, along with the little green army men.  Despite being so old, the toys keep all the children completely engaged for long periods of time.  

This year Aunt Liz and Uncle Larry decided to try something new and fun for the kids.  They made a water blob that was a complete hit and had all the grandchildren sopping wet and filled with many smiles and giggles!  We even got in a dreaded family photo!  By the time we left our stomachs were completely full and our hearts even fuller.  

One of my favorite pictures showing three generations of Baseball Lovers:

June 7th marked my Mom's 50th Birthday!  In order to celebrate we headed up to our old stomping grounds of Presque Isle, MI this Saturday and stayed at Firseside Inn in some cabins.  First we stopped by my Auntie Di's house (yep, I'm 30 and still call her Aunti Di!) she outdid herself with an amazing spread of food for us to much on, then a great dinner and some delicious German Chocolate birthday cake for desert.  It was a great day!  The children were in heaven with the Grand Lake right at their toes.  My cousin (from my Dad's side) was there was his three children, who are close in age to mine, so they all played nonstop.  Fishing, swimming, paddle boating, the children were constantly in motion! By the time we made it back to our cabins they quickly went to sleep.  The adults headed out to have our own campfire.  We stayed up way late!  In the morning we ate breakfast at the Inn, packed and headed out.  The trip was fast, but we saw many of our old friends and were able to really enjoy ourselves.  Happy 50th Birthday Mom/Glamma!!

After our fun filled weekends we are looking forward to summer and more adventures!  School is in session for Noelle and Maximilian until the 18th, and as the time drags on we are creating our Summer Bucket List and ready for less schedules and enjoying the warmer weather.  

Thursday School Graduation

Violette has graduated Thursday School.  She's ready for Kindergarten in a few short months, before I dwell on the fact that my little girl will be gone every day, I'm going to soak up the moments we have left and take a minute to reflect on the precious Thursday School Program that occurred on Thursday May 15.

Violette and Zane dressed up for the occasion, both donning their fanciest outfits.  Violette asked for makeup and curled hair and Zane insisted on wearing a tie.   They have come a long way from September when I dropped them off.  Zane seems to have blossomed the most, becoming very outgoing and enjoys making everyone one around him laugh.  Violette continues to be our sweetheart, always helpful, and always ready to snuggle in.

September 12, 2013

May 15, 2014

Due to heavy rain, T-ball was cancelled and Tom was let off of the coaching duty, and was able to come to the evening program.  We were all overjoyed that he was able to see this awesome event.  We arrived a bit early to scope out the seating situation and get pictures of the children with their teachers.  I actually teared up as Violette stood next to her teacher.  Miss Michelle was also Max's teacher, and has done an amazing job nurturing my children and preparing them to enter Kindergarten.  It may only be four and a half hours once a week, but in that time so much is learned and gained.  I am very grateful  to find this preschool that caters to those who do not have a need for their children to be in full time preschool.

They sang songs and delighted the audience.  Zane played with his tie, stood up a few times, but for the most part he participated and seemed to enjoy himself, despite the late time and long day.  Violette performed all her moves and stayed on task, of course.  After their songs each child received a certificate while their name was announced along with what they wanted to be when they grew up.  Max had everyone giggling as he stated he wanted to be Hulk when he grows up!  Violette picked a dancer, but later stated she really wanted to be a veterinarian. 

After the children were sitting down with their parents a tear inducing presentation played of pictures throughout the year, accompanied by the song "Let Them Be Little".  As far as the Mom's were concerned, a dry eye was few and far between.  We hugged our children tight and watched the year in photos unfold before us.  Each child was featured and their smiles contagious.  The pictures with animals, fireman, on the bus, on their bikes, and more, showed us all how great of a program Thursday School is.  

After eyes were dried we headed to the fellowship hall to snack on cupcakes and punch and converse with the other parents and children. 

Zane will again attend Thursday School in the fall, but Violette will move on.  She is ready, I am not, but I have a few months to prepare! 

Still Here!!

Spring Break happened.  Easter happened.  T-ball season started.  And yet, my blog has remained updatedless.  I keep forming updates in my head, but timing has not been on my side.

How about some picture updates?

It was a staycation for Spring Break, but we did have some friends visit!

 Above: Noelle, Jacob Zbytowski, Kelana Z., Max, Violette, and Zane

Above: Noelle, Ryhs Dunham, Max, Luke D, Zane, Violette

For Easter the Goodhue Gang came to celebrate! But the camera was severely lacking in it's appearance. 

Courtesy of me, Tom is the head coach for Violette and Max's T-ball team, which held it's opening day on April 26th.  They continue to have games every Tuesday and Thursday.  Both are very proud of their Dad coaching and seem to be enjoying their inaugural year in TALL (Tecumseh Area Little League).  Violette is rather small and her hits do not travel far, but she gives it her all and has picked up the fundamentals of throwing and fielding very well.  Max smacks the ball far and continues to show glimpses of true natural ability (as commented on by a fellow coach who also played college baseball).  He gets frustrated easily if his hitting is not up to par or if he makes an error.  Many tears have already been shed, but he is learning that it's okay to make mistakes, as long as you try your best and enjoy playing.  

Noelle joined running club and runs on Tuesday's and Thursday's as well.  She isn't sure how she likes it, but we have told her that "Roehrig's don't quit and you have to finish the season".  After each practice she is all smiles and very proud of her accomplishment of making it through practice!  

Our house was given a face lift a few weeks ago.  The porch was cemented along with the sidewalks, and our porch columns and railings were added.  The transformation was amazing!  We are still waiting on shutters for the first floor windows and for our front door to be painted.  Also, we are waiting on the driveway to be put in and then we can start the daunting task of having sprinklers put in along with grass seed.  

That's all for now!  We are alive and well!!