Start of Summer

Summer vacation is here! (Summer temperatures arrived in south Texas long ago.) Although both girls had a good year in school, we were ready for the break. Ever since we moved to our new house we had been doing a lot of driving back and forth so that Abbey would not have to change schools so close to the end of the school year. It meant getting up earlier in the morning and getting home later in the afternoon and it was wearing everyone out.

We kicked off our summer a week early with a "Summer Fun" party. Abbey invited several friends from school and they had a lot of fun! They splashed in the pool, did some slip and sliding, threw water balloons, made ice cream sundaes, decorated summer hats and played Beach Bingo. But most importantly, they just enjoyed running around and being silly together. Abbey won't be in school with any of them again and most of them will move away in the next year, so I was thankful they had one more chance to play together.

Elliott was the only "little" girl but she held her own and had fun with Abbey's friends.

Abbey after making it down the slip and slide.

Then after one more short week of school, the last day was finally here. Elliott's preschool class had a picnic at the park. She had fun but I think she was a little sad about saying good-bye to her teachers, who are so special to her.

Elliott and the wonderful Ms. Maria...

And with sweet Ms. Anna.

Then we picked Abbey up from school and said good-bye to her teacher as well. Abbey enjoyed her class and learned a lot this year. She definitely understood that she would not be returning to her familiar school and had mixed feelings about that.

Abbey with Mrs. Rodgers. (Elliott just had to get in there too!)

I am proud of our whole family for doing well this year! First grade was a big change for Abbey- a lot less play time and more work than kindergarten, and she started the year with no friends in her class. I am glad that she got good grades in all her subjects, and became a great reader. But I am the most proud of her for making new friends, working hard, and showing herself to be a "good citizen" in class.

And then there's Miss E... she started the year in one preschool and while there was nothing wrong with the program, it was not working for her. She had a hard time being away from Mommy at lunch and rest time. But she was so brave, and she tried, and even when she wasn't happy she was kind to her classmates. In January we switched her to "Ms. Maria's class" and she was so happy! She showed herself to be a good listener, a brave girl who tries new things, and a good friend. So, way to go Newman Girls on the Go! I'm looking forward to whatever second grade and pre-K hold for these girls. After a couple more months of vacation, of course.