Fun-Employed!

After 25 years of hard work and dedication, my mom called it quits!  We decided to surprise her as she walked out of Westbrook Elementary for the last time.  We were there with a banner, party hats, noise makers, balloons, flowers, and a sweet treat.  And we waited...

And waited...

 

  And waited...

  

Dad arrived on his scooter...

 

 And we waited some more...

 

Eventually we gave up and decided she wasn't going to come out any time soon.  So we marched ourselves indoors where it was nice and air-conditioned, and invaded her classroom.

 

 She was quite surprised to see us - mission accomplished.  We also gave flowers and a cupcake to her long-time friend/co-worker/fellow retiree, Pam Kidd.  They taught together for 22 years!

 

 

The last item of business for her was to read a story to the grandkids and then we helped haul out the last of her belongings to her car.

Since retiring, she hasn't slowed down.  In fact, I think she sped up!  I'm hoping that she will get some much needed and well deserved R&R really soon.  She has influenced a lot of kids over the years and I know she will be missed, but she is all ours now!  Congratulations Mom and good-bye room #113!

Let's Get This Party Started!

June first marked the first day of summer break after the first year of school for our first born.  That's a lot of firsts, which, in my humble opinion, warranted a celebration.  My kids love balloons (don't they all?), so we had balloon partay!  Brian and I surprised the kids by blowing up 100 balloons the night before to cover our family room floor.  They had a blast!  It proved to provide hours and hours, and even days of entertainment.  The kids were happy and the unused play room stayed clean, which made me quite happy :o)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kindergarten Graduation

 

On May 30th, Ashlyn graduated from kindergarten!  I'll be honest in saying that I wasn't so sure about her teacher at the beginning of the year.  She was a new teacher to the school and so I wasn't able to get any opinions about her from other parents.  She seemed a little disorganized (I think from just changing schools) and Ashlyn came home with one to many sack puppets.  But, I really came to appreciate her and I ended up being quite impressed with her teaching methods. She was very education driven and did so much to teach her students and advance them in reading and math.  I also loved that she did a graduation program.  It was so cute, complete with graduation hats made by the kids.  They sang songs, showed off their counting skills, and presented a special gift to their parents.  Ms. Gammon gave each student a personalized award - Ashlyn received the 'Best Singer' award.  Then she presented each student with a diploma, and we finished with refreshments.  I really hope my boys are lucky enough to get her for a teacher.  Thank you Ms. Gammon!  Now Ashlyn is ready to move on to 1st grade, where she will spend half of each day day learning Chinese! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preschool Grad

On May 17th, Trent graduated from his first year of preschool. Yes, I cried when Miss Amy called his name.  Yes, my heart swelled with pride.  And yes, he will graduate from preschool again next year :o)

 

 

 

 

 

 (One of these kids is not like the others...)

Trent loved going to preschool with Maya this year, and they sure are cute together.

Congratulations Trent!  We are so proud of you.  It was a great program and it was so fun seeing how much you learned this year.  We love you so much!