Luau

The fifth graders got to vote to see what theme they wanted their end of the year party/dance to be.

The choices were Disco, Western, 50's, or Luau ...

and the winning vote went to LUAU!!!

We anxiously awaited the parade of 5th graders outside the party room, ready to adorn them each with their very own lei.

The moms went all out with the decorating and even built a sno-cone tiki bar.

I couldn't believe they even hired a DJ ~ this is certainly a lot different than when I graduated from 5th grade!

I'm not sure who had more fun,

students or teachers?

I even caught the teachers on the dance floor a few times!

Some of the kids really got into the luau wear...

Bizzy was all dolled up from head to toe...LITERALLY!

No good dance would be complete without the Cupid Shuffle or Cha Cha Slide.

to the left, to the left,

to the right, to the right...

I must say, they are all MUCH MORE coordinated than me!

All that dancing worked up everyone's appetite for some authentic Hawaiian pizza.

I was so glad Mom had taken the day off work so she could come and party like a 5th grader with us!

Brian and Joel were in charge of videography and photography for the day.

Aloha, Middle School ~ Here We Come!

5th Grade Graduation and Reception

Seems unbelievable to me that we have celebrated Savanna's 5th grade graduation!

I am so very proud of the young lady that she has become, but it seems like it has all happened much quicker than I could have ever imagined.

The children had prepared 3 songs to share with all of us.
A few were tear jerkers, but I came prepared with tissues!
They all looked so grown up in their 'fancy clothes' ~ there was no more denying the fact that they are indeed headed right on to middle school.

After the music, they were presented with their awards.

We were so proud of Savanna for getting awards for

Good Citizenship,

Sunshine Math Team,

Presidential Academic Award,

and

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Award.

We were especially proud of this last award ~ partially because it was only given to 2 students from each class, but mostly because it is given for displaying qualities of dependability, leadership, and good character.

Our church was well represented by the All County Chorus Team.

Here is Savanna with her teammates from the Sunshine Math Competition.

We have been so thankful for the wonderful teachers Savanna has had this year.

They both seem to know her so well and truly go out of their way to make her feel special.

We had a few goodies to give our graduate ~ she was mostly excited to find the CASH in her cards though. We've got Disney plans this summer and girlfriend has been wanting some spending money for souvenirs.

We all chipped in together and got her new bedding to give her room a more 'tween' feel.

After the graduation, we had a wonderful reception complete with cake, punch, and a great opportunity to grab some pictures with friends and family.

Our principal has a very special attachment to this specific group of 5th graders.

Her oldest grandson, Colby, is a graduating 5th grader.

Here's all my girls!

Aren't they just the cutest?

Don't you wish you could pull off zebra print the way they can?

Savanna~

There has always been something remarkable about you.

Wherever you go, know that you are an amazing source of love and pride.

We hope and pray that as you continue to grow, you will always listen to your "spiritual compass" and let the Holy Spirit guide you in the perfect plan God has designed for you!

We love you to pieces!

Mama and Daddy

Ball

We have had an awesome season in ball this year and celebrated at our closing ceremonies with trophies for all!
This was Micah's first year in pitching machine and he was blessed with a great team.

Had to get a picture with both of my boys and their trophies!

It didn't take long for the boys to turn these beautiful trophies into toys.

They became guns,

light sabers,

and spinning tops.

Thank you Coach Wayne, Coach Chris, Coach Walt, and Coach "Daddy" for a great season!

Way to go Little Caesars!!!

We wouldn't have made it through the season without our team mom, Mrs. Charity.

She spent every game in the dugout keeping our boys {and coaches} under control :)

Here's a few shots of my favorite memories of the season...

Gabe and Micah waiting to bat

Jacob and Stewart

Brandon knows how to strike a pose for the camera

Micah keeps his eyes on his Daddy, waiting for the signal to try to steal second base.

There's my favorite player up to bat!

This was a thrilling moment for Gabe when he hit his first ever home run!

I actually don't know who I enjoy watching more...

Micah playing or Brian coaching.

It is so much fun to watch them both 'in their element' and they are both so good at what they do. It is definitely a special bonding time for them as well.

I can never resist taking a few 'good game, good game' hand slap photos.

And the post game team chat.

Micah has grown so much this season, not just in his physical skill but also in his sportsmanship.

He takes the game very seriously and is quite competetive, but it seems he is learning to forgive himself a little better when he makes mistakes. Although we always love to win, it is equally important to learn how to lose gracefully and be a good sport. I am very thankful that he is accepting those times when we lose as a good learning opportunity and not just a defeat.

Brian has nearly dislocated his elbow on more than one occassion by passionately trying to motion the runners onto the next base.

Hmmm....wonder where Micah gets his competetive spirit?

Way to go, Bud ~ we are proud of you!

It has been an awesome season!