Schools Out for Summer

I can't believe another school year has come to an end.  Wednesday was the boys last day at school.  Both boys had a great year, but they are definitely ready for a break.

Walking home from the bus stop, they seemed pretty excited for summer!

I was watching the little boys yesterday, they were very excited to see their cousins get home.

After the little boys got picked up and Jason got home from work we decided to go out for dinner to celebrate.  Wednesday is kids eat free at ABC so we headed there.  The boys got to order a special dessert.

The balloon girl was there too - both boys asked for a sword.

Cadence was a really good girl and patiently waited for us to finish eating.

They had great report cards.  Ashton had almost all 5's.  Ashton and his dad also had a deal again this year that if he maintained a 90% on his spelling tests that he would receive $65.00.  Spelling is a struggle for Ashton - each week he'd have spelling homework and then a spelling test each Friday.  Throughout the year Ashton got 100% on all of his tests.  We are very proud of him.

Bowen has been asking for Minecraft for quite some time.  His dad had promised him if he did well in school and did other jobs for the family that he would get it for him.  As a surprise we took the boys to Walmart and we bought Bowen a tablet that we will download Minecraft onto.  Really it is a present for me so that Bowen won't completely take over the laptop.  Since Bowen got something extra Ashton received $100.00 for his surprise.  They were both so excited they cried in Walmart and gave their dad a bit hug.

Ashton is still deciding what to spend his money on - he's considering a tablet.

So that we don't completely waste our summer I've told the boys that each morning we will all be assigned certain chores that must be done before we play in the afternoons.  Also, to help keep up their writing skills I will periodically be giving them little writing assignments.  I hope we have a great summer - I know it will go by quickly.

My Boys Have Talent

On Tuesday this week the boys school had a talent show.  They had a wide variety of acts.  Musical acts, dancers, hula hoopers, comedians etc.

Bowen played a song on the piano.

Ashton did a magic trick.

They both did a great job.  It was a fun program!

New Discovery

Look at what Cadence discovered the other day ...

I must admit she comes by this habit honestly.  I sucked my thumb until Grade One when a little boy noticed me sucking my thumb and made fun of me.  I remember sitting on my hand in school so I wouldn't do it.

She likes her soother too, so hopefully she'll use it instead.

It is pretty cute though!

Elementary School Graduate

This past Friday Ashton's school held a year end celebration for the Grade 4 graduates.  While mom took Cadence to her 2 month vaccination, Jason and I headed to the celebration.  It began with all the Grade 4's performing a mob dance to "Roar" by Katy Perry.

They then performed a drum number.

Then each graduate was called up on stage to shake hands with their teacher.

After all the presentations they had a little reception with juice and timbits.  One of the kids moms made a special cookie for each of the kids.

Ashton's best friend since preschool.

Ashton's teacher Mrs. Lerner, she was great and Ashton loved her.

Congratulations to our graduate.  We are so proud of you!  Good luck in middle school next year.

No Flood This Year

I can hardly believe another music year has come to an end.  Last night I held my year end recital. Last June my recital was cancelled due to the flooding in Calgary, but this year it went off without a hitch. A few weeks ago I made invitations for students to take home to their families.

Last week of lessons I sent home summer practice charts and treats.

My mom came up last weekend and helped Shelley and I make chocolates.  Ashton and Ashley helped us.  Ashton decided to roll a special fondant for himself to be dipped.

I don't think so!

The rest of the week I was busy baking cookies and making fondant.

I even redid my nails for the occasion - love my Jamberry's!

Yesterday was such a busy day.  Mom and I spent the morning cutting up meat, cheese, and fruit and packing up everything we'd need to bring to the church.

Then mom took Cadence to her 2 month vaccinations and Jason and I headed to Ashton's Grade 4 graduation.

When we all got home we packed the truck for the church.

Mom organized the food onto platters in the kitchen.

Jason and I set up microphones, tables, etc.

The boys set up chairs in the gym, while Cadence did this ...

I was very proud of all my students.  Everyone played and sang so well.  Lots of kids performed on the piano, 6 students played guitar pieces, and several sang.  One of my students and I sang the duet "Say Something".  About 2 weeks ago we decided the boys had better get ready - Ashton played Hickory Dickory Dock, and Yankee Doodle, Bowen played Mary Had a Little Lamb and sang the Rainbow Connection.  They both did a great job - imagine what they could do if I actually gave them lessons throughout the year.  I'm committing to be better in 2014/15 and give them consistent lessons. It was a fun program and I think everyone enjoyed it.

Following the recital I held a reception for everyone in the gym.  I must admit I really enjoy this part.  I like feeding everyone and mingling with my students and their families.

I received some lovely gifts.  Two of my girls brought me some gorgeous flowers.  I love fresh flowers in my home and have really enjoyed them this week.

As well as gift cards to Michaels, Montana's, Tim Hortons, and South Centre Mall, some body wash, and lotion, a beautiful little plant, and a "Forget Me Not" Willow Tree statue, even a little outfit for Cadence.  It was so thoughtful of them.

As always I have a few who will not be returning next year and I don't think I will be filling their spots. With Ashton in Grade 5 and a busy schedule with a little one I think it would be good to have my schedule be a little lighter to spend a little more time in the evenings with my children.  

By the end of the year I'm usually pretty tired (this year was no exception) and am ready for a little break, but my recital always seems to remind me why I teach and gets me excited for the new year. I'm looking forward to starting up again in September.

Best Father's Day Ever

Jason declared yesterday the best Father's Day ever!  We started the day at church.  The boys sang to their dad in sacrament meeting, Ashton gave a talk in primary and Cadence was a little angel.  After church it was time for gifts.  Jason had bought himself a socket set that he had found on sale a few weeks ago and had decided that was his father's day gift.  The boys had made little gifts at school and primary for their dad.

Bowen's homemade card read -

5 Things I Love About My Dad:

1.  He is kind.

2.  He is good at woodwork.

3.  He is a great artist.

4.  He's a good cook.

5.  He has funny jokes.

Cadence was hungry!

We tried for another picture later.

In a much better mood after being fed!

The boys also got their dad the new movie "Robocop".

We made supper - Asian Salad with steak, and watched the movie.

It was a nice, quiet father's day.  I am so grateful I have such a wonderful man to share my life with and that he is a fantastic father to our children.  We couldn't be luckier!

Happy Father's Day!!

Ready to Party

Tonight was a 50th wedding anniversary party for my Aunt Sandy & Uncle Wayne.  Their children put on such a nice evening for their parents.  My cousin Mike cooked such a delicious meal, and they finished up with a great tribute to their mom and dad. It was great to see so many of my family and to be able to show off little Cadence.

It was her first party.  She got all dressed up in a new dress.  She looks a bit stunned in this picture - but I thought she looked adorable.  I forgot to take my camera to the party so I don't have any other pictures.

We got a babysitter for the boys and enjoyed our night out.

Sleeping Beauty

Cadence getting her beauty sleep - not that she needs it!

Look Who's 2 Months Old

June 7th marked 2 months with our sweet little Cadence.  She is such a little angel and we all can't get enough of her.

Age - 2 months on June 7th
Weight - approx. 11 lbs
Sleeping between 4 - 6 hours a night on average
(Last night was her best night ever, she slept from 9:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m.!!)
An easy going baby
Starting to smile
Fits into 3 month clothes
Is alert more during the day
Likes her swing, but loves to be held

I swore if I had a girl she'd never wear headbands - but I can't help it she looks so cute!

I don't know how it is possible - but she seems to get sweeter every day!