Twins Turn Two

After Caeden's baseball practice this morning, I drove the kids to Indiana.  They were really happy to see their Gram and Krampa, and are excited to be here to visit for a few days!

Right away, we celebrated the twins' second birthday!  How can they already be 2?!
Aunt Erin put all the kids' names on their cupcakes--how sweet!  

They joined right in singing Happy Birthday, and also noticed their candles were, "Hot!" 

Happy cousins!

Presents!

We sure do love these little guys!

We are happy to be here, and happy for summertime!

7th Grade Marshall

Our tiny rural school is pre-K through 12th grade in one building.  I don't really understand why, but they still insist on having an 8th grade promotion ceremony.  Since Annah is currently the top student in her class, she was given the honor of being one of the two 7th grade marshals for 8th grade promotion this evening.

The marshals lead the 8th graders into the ceremony.

The junior high choir performed a song.

Another job the marshals have is to stand at the base of the stairs to the stage and help the 8th graders down them.

Annah missed getting to play the processional and recessional with the band, since she was a marshall, but she did get to play in the special piece they all played together.

I was sitting behind the band, in the middle of the percussion, while they performed, so this is a bit of a different perspective than usual...

The marshals follow the promoted 8th graders out of the ceremony...

Super proud of this girl.

We chatted with Mr. R. for a bit after the ceremony, and had to get a picture in front of the awesome mural in the choir room.  

Light Sabers

Caeden got 4 light sabers at a garage sale yesterday, so now he is excited to have friends come over to battle with them!  His buddy Kyle rode his bike over this afternoon and brought his own awesome light sabers.

All in good fun...

Sylvia took a turn "impaling" Caeden.

Yep, we are glad summer is here!

Honors Assembly

Our elementary school held an honors assembly today.

The 5th grade band was recognized for completing their first year.  It's a nice big group, as this grade is very large for our school (52 kids), and most of them are in band.  Sylvia has loved band and playing her horn.

Caeden was on the All-A Honor Roll for the 3rd quarter.

Mrs. House and Mr. Harms gave handshakes of congratulations.

3rd grade 3rd quarter A Honor Roll

Those who were on the All-A Honor Roll for 4th quarter went back through the line for high-fives and another certificate.

3rd grade 4th quarter A-Honor Roll

Sylvia was also on the 5th grade All-A Honor Roll for 3rd and 4th quarters...

Handshakes from Mrs. Ogan and Mrs. Jones

5th grade A-Honor Roll

Sylvia was also honored for being one of 3 students in the elementary school to read all the books on the Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award list.  

She loves to read, and usually has at least 3 or 4 books going at one time.

Sylvia and her friend Calli, after the awards...on their last day of elementary school

Sylvia and 3 of her classmates made a pact to play on every single thing on the playground today at their last recess ever.  I thought that was a really sweet and fun way to celebrate.

They were dismissed at noon today and came home for a happy summer.

Last Day of School

Today is the last day of the school year for our kids!  They have made up a lot of snow days, or they would have been finished on the 22nd instead of the 30th.  

This is where Annah usually waits for the bus.  Well, it's how she spends her last few minutes after she's ready for school and until it's time to go to the bus stop.

We are excited for summer!

Some of us are a little more outwardly excited than others.  

All finished with 3rd grade after today!

Today is not only Sylvia's last day of 5th grade, but her last day of elementary school!  Just don't talk to me about it, ok?  I'm in denial.

Annah is finishing up 7th grade today!

We are very thankful for a successful school year, in which each of the kids has grown up more, learned more, and come to understand more.  There have been some tough lessons this year, both mentally and emotionally, but we thank God for helping us press on.

Baseball Game #4

We traveled to Farmer City tonight for Caeden's baseball game.

The game was going well; we were ahead 7-2 in the 3rd inning.

Caeden and Kyle in the outfield

Someone noticed me at the fence with my camera...

Someone did not notice there was a baseball game going on around him...

Later in the game, Caeden played 2nd base.

It was a gorgeous evening!  In fact, so far, we have had perfect, wonderful weather for all baseball activities!

Covering 2nd

The team lost 7-10.  That was a bummer.  But, these boys are learning and growing with each game.