School's Out For The Summer!

Okay, now we can do the "School's Out for the Summer" Post. Yesterday was the last official day of school, but let's face it, school work was really over last week. Tuesday night we had an awards ceremony for DS#1, who received a bunch of nice certificates and awards that you can learn more about here. We are very proud of how quickly DS#1 adjusted to a new school, particularly being there for just the 8th grade. Tonight some of his school friends are coming over and I'll be ordering some pizza for them and just letting them "hang out" or watch a movie or something. Unfortunately, one of the first friends he made at the new school is moving and another friend is going to be gone for the summer.
Here is DD at her school party with her teacher. Her teacher is retiring this year after 32 years of teaching. My lovely wife said, "I wish she could have waited until after (DS#3)." This pretty much tells you how good a teacher she was. DD LOVED school this year and we are very, very happy with how she did.

DS#2, of all the kids, reacts the most poorly to change so we were very worried about the big change this year. We had nothing to worry about. His class had 2 teachers for 20 students and he received tons of individual attention and special work. His teacher recognized how advanced he was in mathematics during the first few days of school and called me up seeking permission to give him special math and reading assignments that were "more in line with his level."

I wasn't able to get a picture of the GT (Gifted-Talented) teacher (Mrs. Amey) yesterday. DS#2 had GT all day on Wednesdays and DD had her for about an hour and a half on both Mondays and Fridays. Mrs. Amey is one of the most phenomenal teachers I have ever seen, at any level. The kids truly love being with her.

Today was basically parties and playtime for the kids. Obviously, I went to the elementary school for their parties (the middle school didn't have official "parties" but we all know the kids just goofed off. I took DD and DS#2 with me at the end of the parties, they had to stop by to see the bus driver because he gives out snacks to the kids at the end of the school year (and birthday gifts, and candy every Friday--Mr. Hayes is the most impressive bus driver you have ever met). Then I took them off to get some ice cream before going home and getting ready to go to guitar lessons for DS#2 and piano for DD. My lovely wife took DS#1 out for a shake after he got home.

I picked up Schlotzkey's sandwiches on the way home so we could eat before I ran Anthony off to soccer practice to meet some of the new players and DD went off to swim practice, etc. Basically, it was a very busy day.

Last night I let the kids stay up late (all of them). DS#3 and DD ended up getting tired enough to go to bed on their own. DS#2 stayed up with me until about 11:00 (which is late for him). DS#2 did sleep for an extra hour, but DD and DS#3 were up EARLIER than normal. No, the morning hasn't gone well. DS#3 already through a fantastic tantrum where he smashed his face into the edge of the table and got a bloody lip. I guess he wanted to look good for the in-laws ;).

Anyway, I thought I would close with a picture of DS#3 playing on one of the electronic pianos at the music school yesterday afternoon. He loves music so we'll have to get him involved as soon as we can.