Another year comes to an end

I know I am a little behind the times these days, but our summer was a busy one, as you'll find out in future posts.  But I'll start where I ended....the end of the school year.  Every year, in New York, the kids get to do field days at school.  It's a morning of different stations where they play all kinds of different activities from dodge ball, relay races, tug-o-war, etc.  I got to go to Kate's field day, and then two days later, was supposed to be Cole's but it got rained out!  Bummer!  So they did inside activities instead, but parents weren't allowed to come. So here's what I got of Kate's....

Kate and Grace Mortensen - Besties

Kate's 1st Grade class - Mrs. Mott

 And as I hate to admit it, the parents challenged all the 1st graders, and I'll tell you, I really had to pull on that rope not to be disgraced by the kids!  They were much stronger than they looked!

Lizzie ended her 1st year of Preschool at St. George's Preschool and made quite a few new friends.  She was very sad to have to say good-bye to her friends but was more than happy about the several park days we had before the rest of the school got out.

Lizzie, Calli, and Lauren

 Liz gave quite a cute performance for her graduation and as she walked in, during the graduation song, she graciously waved to the entire audience and gave the cutest little smile, the entire time.  She was so excited.  She sang out, loud and proud, and loved her teachers this year, Ms. Meredith and Ms. Anna.  They were so great with her and have helped her grow so much!  Wonderful ladies!

 She even managed to make another bestie!  We just love our Elyse Bayley!  When Ethan moved, we were so sad and there was such an empty spot in our hearts for that cute boy, we had to fill it with something else.  Elyse was a great replacement!  They loved playing babies, would shove the babies under their shirts and pretend like they were going to the hospital and then would deliver each other's babies.  It was too funny!  These girls couldn't get enough of each other!

 Lizzie and Elyse even had their first crush on the cutest boy in the class....McClain.  He was too cute for words and we were so lucky to get to know him and his family from Georgia.

 I can't believe that she is growing up so fast.  I miss having my little Lizzie around the house and was grateful that preschool was only 3 days a week.  I can't have her grow up too fast!  Love you Liz!

 The one major event we did get to see of Cole's this year was his "All-American" choir performance.  It was quite entertaining!  I must say, I was quite impressed with the choir director at Tesago.  He was very good with the kids and got them all to participate in every performance we saw.

 I know that Cole is going to miss some of his best buds he made this year and we were lucky they lived so close and called often!

Cole and Chris Wang

 Cole and Ricky

 And of course, to end another school year it was off to Red Robin for burgers, chicken and shakes! Yum!  This year, I didn't even have to remind them what the last day of school meant, they reminded me!  Red Robin here we come!

Cole

 Kate and Jared - she proudly wore he signed shirt and loves that she decided to do that this year instead of a yearbook!

 Lizzie

 Last day of school for my 3rd, 1st, and Preschooler.  So proud of all of my kids - the loves of my life

 How could you not just love these faces?

So as another year comes to an end, we look forward to all the growing they have to do this next year as we head back to the valley of the sun and fun!  We will miss New York and the great things it had to offer, the bike rides, playing outside in our cul-de-sac, great neighbors and friends, and the many mini-trips to different states.  It makes me sad when one era ends, but excited for a new one to begin!