Last Day of School Pics {1st Grade & Pre K}

The last day of school is here for our soon to be 2nd Grader and Kindergartner.  What a year it's been!

Ethan had a VERY rocky Kindergarten year last year and we weren't quite sure how 1st grade would go, but oh my gosh we have been SO pleasantly surprised at how great it's been.  He entered as a timid, toothless, Velcro shoe wearing, super impulsive 6 year old with not many strong friendships.  He leaves as a confidant, expander-in-mouth/pre-braces, lace shoe wearing, semi-impulsive (that will be with us for a while I think) 7 year old with "too many friends that he can't choose who to play with each day".  It makes us beam with pride for our boy.  He's earned so many "Eagle Passes" (good behavior) that he chose to spend lunch in the Vice Principal's office for a fun filled magic show/party with a few other people who cashed in the same reward.  He continually got his clothespin on his teacher's necklace (meaning extra good behavior), and even earned Mathematician of the Month Award which really makes him believe even more that "he's really smart"...even though we all already know that he's a pretty smart cookie!  It's been such a fun and rewarding year for him and he really grew and matured.  We just are so proud of this kiddo!

And sweet Chasey boy has had an incredible year as well.  He's had THREE preschools in a year.  Wow that sounds crazy to say.  Talk about an adaptable child.  We left the 2nd school in April and he started back up at Aspirations last month, which is where Ethan went for 3 years.  We've gone full circle!  There were lots of crazy things going on at the other school.  None directly affected Chase but lots of rumors (which ended up being true) and a lack of confidence in the institution as well as the Kindergarten room led us to pull him out of the school quite unexpectedly.  Luckily we LOVE his current school and feel like we're back home.  Chase has learned so much the past year and is beginning to read, and his writing is improving immensely.  He's made friends so easily and has continued to amaze us and everyone around him with how loving and lovable he is.  He is a shining light.

The days are long, but the years are short.

When we sit back from the day to day minutia of raising two tiny humans, and really look at the big picture it's easy to smile at these little boys.  We are so blessed for healthy children who learn every day about how to be a better brother, friend, student and son.  Seeing these milestones crossed is the satisfying part of parenting.

Onto 2nd Grade & Kindergarten!  :)