[Last day of school... Nate - K, Kate - 1st, Eli - 5th, Rachel - 7th]
[Have to do a funny one!]
Need to make sure to post this picture of Nate with his Kindergarten teacher. Nate's Kindergarten year has been pretty special. It's not that he knows anymore than the other kids did in K... it's the fact that he improved so much and most importantly found a love for learning this year! Honestly, I was embarrassed to send him to K, because he knew so little. He just had absolutely no interest. And, I always heard, when they're ready they will learn. So, I didn't really push him. He is a quick learner for some things (mostly physical stuff), but for the academic stuff... he could care less! That is until this year in school. He really connected with his teacher and I thank her for all she did this year. She will say when kids are ready they will learn and he was just ready when I happened to have him in class. Well, I completely disagree. I feel strongly that he did so well this year because she provided a loving and comfortable environment for him. He wasn't intimidated, he didn't feel pressure. I would be in tears at conferences, because he was learning to read and write and before he stepped foot in that classroom he could barely hold a pencil and press hard enough so what he was writing could be seen. I know I've posted about some specifics in the past, but had to include this picture from the last day of school... because Mrs. Pegram is very special to us. :)
[Mrs. Pegram and Nate]
[Because it appears Nate was taller than Kate in the last day of school picture we had to check. Nope, Kate still has him by a very little bit!]
[Our mile runners at Walleye Weekend this year.]
[And, Eli played 3-on-3.]
[Listened to a band one of the nights and guess who fell asleep? Ha!]
[One day all the kids were gone at friends' houses or practice. So, Nate and I stopped for ice cream. These little impromptu dates are always special. I try to do with each kid every once in awhile. It is very rare to have 1-on-1 time with them, so like to make it extra special when I do.]
[Thank you, Mike, for working so hard for our family. We love you!]
[At the beginning of Summer I made a pledge that we will enjoy the break that Summer gives us a little more. I signed them up for many activities, but pledged not to allow them to take over our Summer. This picture is from a Monday morning when I went in to wake up Kate for her basketball clinic (that starts at 8am) and she didn't move. Decided to let her sleep and skip the clinic that day. She's 8 and I felt her sleep was more important than the basketball clinic that morning. It's hard, but I need to help us find a balance and not feel pressure to be go-go-go and miss the fact that Summer is here. It's a time for fun, but also a time to slow down, and I'm trying help us enjoy Summer more this year. I felt my balance last Summer wasn't where I wanted it to be. It was focused way too much on activities... not enough chill time and time at the cottage. So far I think we're doing much better this year.]
[This is what then back of my car looks like many days... even with balance some days are crazy.]
[Ordered some wood chips and our kind neighbor came over with his tractor to help... so nice!!]
[Finally broke down and got Rachel a phone. I was actually the one that really wanted it for her... more than she wanted it. With her on the go so much it's nice to be able to contact her anytime. Big step though for sure!]
JUMP ROPE: NATIONALS in Wisconsin Dells!!!!
Rachel qualified for Nationals for many events, which was really exciting! Her team also qualified for their team show. Love that the competition was in Wisconsin this year. Family could finally see a competition!!!! They're usually out of state and I'm the one who has always gone with her. It was a fun few days!
[It was at the Woodside Center... not what I was expecting the place to look like! It was like a huge bubble. Kind of cool looking inside.]
[Because it was in WI it was easy to forget the girls were competing against kids from all over the US. The parking lot was a good reminder though.]
[Kate and Nate watching Rachel compete really for the first time.]
[Kate and Nate made their own jump ropes, which was fun. They kept them busy while we were there, too. There was a corner of the place they could jump rope in that wasn't too far from where we were sitting. Just perfect.
4th place ~ Pairs Freestyle with Marysa
4th place (and qualified for Grands!) ~ DD Single Freestyle with Esther and Allison
5th place ~ DD Pairs Freestyle with Esther, Allison and Claire
[These two girls have been amazing role models for Rachel. They have really helped make her jump rope experience amazing. I can't thank them enough for their constant encouragement, leadership and humor!]
[Just Nate... doing what he does well.]
We stayed over night in the Dells and the kids got to go swimming. Nate as slipping constantly... was really odd. Nobody else was. He wasn't even walking fast... his feet just seemed more slippery than everyone else's. We were teasing him and laughing about it. He, literally slipped, about ten times... and nobody else slipped at all. He was trying to be so careful, too.
So... Nate took religion class for the first time this Summer. He really enjoyed it and shared a lot with me about what he learned. He was very interested in it. Loved to see it... very cute.
When he went to look in the drawer in our hotel room I thought he might find a Bible and be excited. Sure enough, he found one and was excited. He started looking through it and came to me when he found this...
[Bottom of first column reads: "... Lord, I shall not slip." We were laughing so hard! What are the chances he'd open to that page and actually read that line.]
Keep smiling!
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