VBS with Kinley

June 8-11: I feel bad that my kids don't get to go to VBS each summer because our church doesn't have one (one of the downsides to meeting in a building that is not our own).  Hopefully that will be changing next summer but for now I was able to say an enthusiastic YES! when the kids brought a flyer about a local VBS that was left on our door handle.  It was for a Treasure Island VBS at a baptist church in Shorewood... the best part it was the week before we planned to leave for vacation.  An extra 3 hours each morning to get packed and read???  Yes please!  I offered to watch a little friend from our life group for two mornings while her (teacher) mom had a workshop so she went with us too.  By the end of the week we had taken several friends (our van was filled to capacity!)  The kids had a blast and memorized lots of scripture (especially Sadie).  Sadie won a very nice bible with a pink leather cover--she was so excited!  Unfortunately we had to miss the last day because we left early Friday morning to head to Virginia.

We enjoyed some fun times with Kinley... McD's play land for lunch, slip & slide, and LOTS of playing!  

Last Day of School

June 3: How fast time keeps flying... We survived 2nd (Sadie) and Kindergarten (Kinnick).  We had some awesome teachers and made new friends (both the kids and myself!)  Both kids had awesome report cards and did so fantastic on their tests.  We have two big kids who LOVE to read!  Sadie is devouring different chapter book series (Stella Batts & A-Z Mysteries are her favorite).  Kinnick loves to read about anything and everything--some of his favorites are Lego, Ninjago, Chima, Scooby Doo, and Super Heros.  He is also getting into some pre-chapter books.  We are so looking forward to summer break...

Kinnick's writing continues to amaze me--both his handwriting and spelling!  He made a card for his teacher.

Oh my... who is this big girl?!?  She has grown so much (and the glasses are a fun accessory!)

These precious 2nd grade students planned a party for their teacher who was retiring.  They had decorations, snacks, crafts, and even an award ceremony!  It was fun to go help.

We LOVED Mrs. Ebert.  She was a fantastic teacher who really encouraged Sadie's leadership and unique learning style.  She continued to push her throughout the year and loved her for who she is.  Sadie isn't one to get emotional but she was very sad about leaving Mrs. Ebert!

Spring Miscellaneous

April 4:  "Birthday in a Box" for the girls from Aunt Jessica & Uncle Jack

April 6:  This boy and his scooter...

April 10:  We had a family March madness competition this year.  We helped each of the kids fill out brackets and Kinnick won!  His prize was dinner at Panda Express.

April 13:  Swimming at the Y... and enjoying the beautiful Spring weather!

April 19:  Soccer Sundays!  (one of my last pics before I chopped my hair!)

April 21:  Cookie Thief!

April 25:  Playing in the Rain

May 2:  I donated 15 inches to "Locks for Love"--this was my first time donating!

May 8:  Mother's Day Spring Sing with Kindergarten

May 9:  Macey got her very own library card!

May 16:  Marc and I got away for a movie date while my parents were visiting.

May 20:  SOOO Much Cuteness!

May 22:  Crazy Sock and Sunglasses Day at School

May 26:  Hawaiian Day at School

May 29:  Brother's Playing Baseball

Macey's AGD Trip

May 23:  5 year old birthday = special trip!  Sadie took her trip to the American Girl Doll Store for her 5th birthday and this year it was Macey's turn!  For Sadie's trip we went during the summer while the Colorado Gorsches were here visiting.  For Macey's trip we decided to wait until spring so we could enjoy some warmer weather.  We also decided to invite the rest of our female family this time around.  

We planned our trip for the Saturday before Memorial Day.  We had a fantastic day in the city.  Grandma Janet and Aunt NeeNee drove to Shorewood Friday night and stayed.  They rode with me and the girls.  Grandma Sue, Aunt Trista, Jadyn, & Jersy took the train to Chicago to meet us.  We enjoyed lots of fun time shopping, we walked across the street to visit the Hershey store, and we ended with lunch in the American Girl Cafe.  

Macey decided (after careful deliberation and lots of advice from big sister) to get a doll that looks like her.  She chose one with dark sholder length hair and brown eyes.  She decided to name her doll Grace.  (Grace is also the name of the "doll of the year" for 2015, the doll Sadie wanted Macey to get).  Macey received lots of shopping money for her birthday and Sadie had been saving her money as well.  The girls had a lot of fun shopping for some new clothing & accesories for their dolls.  They even decided to pool their money to purchase one larger item.  Macey's favorite purchases were probably her poodle dog and the princess tutu set she bought for the dog.

The girls got to end their day by riding the train home with my mom and sister-in-law.  This was a first for both of them.  They enjoyed snacks and games on their train ride.  We had a blast celebrating this special 5-year-old.  I truly can't believe how fast she is growing!