2016-17 School Year in Review

 

This year sped by ridiculously fast.  The boys thought so too, so I know I'm not completely crazy.  They were busy but had fun, made new friends and new memories.

In the fall, they participated in the Jogathon, Halloween Parade and Balloon's Aloft, which we love.  During the winter, the boys each did a science fair project, Beck went to Math night (Asher had soccer).  This spring, Asher was chosen for a special 5th grade honor's choir for which he spent an entire day learning and perfecting songs, ending with a performance that night for parents.  Beckett participated in to Caldecott Book Club and Asher did the OWL (Our Wonderful Library) Book Program.  Both boys attended parties for them at the year's end. There were field trips, class projects, birthdays, celebrations, and more.  The boys also had great teachers this year which is a HUGE bonus.  Mr. Flowers (5th) and Ms. Garcia (2nd) were both knowledgeable, helpful, efficient and just plain did a great job.  It's not every year you get teachers who care, and we were lucky twice this year! 

This was a nostalgic year for Asher as he looks forward to 6th grade and middle school next year.  He's sad to leave behind familiar surroundings, teachers and friends who are going to different schools but looking forward to change too.I'm definitely more nervous than he is.  Ash is on the excited side of things which will make it easier for me come his first day in August.  How can he be leaving elementary school?!  How did it go by in a blink? I was glad I was lucky enough to go to his 5th Grade fieldtrip with him.  They went bowling, ate pizza, played games and then had shaved ice back at the school. He had a great time. I jokingly asked him later if he was embarrassed the I was one of the chaperones.  His sweet reply was, "No, I wanted you there!" Sigh. Stop growing up, but keep being super sweet.
 

We've walked to school some over the years, but never regularly, and the boys have never EVER ridden bikes, although we thought about it from time to time. Thinking back on all the times I rode my bike to school, I was horrified and we rode the whole last week of school.  In our defense, its' a mile to school, up a big hill and we are rarely running ahead of schedule in the morning.  Bikes, scooters, strollers...they headed to school on wheels and loved it.  I'm just sad we didn't do it sooner. The last day of school, we rode to the 7-11 on the way home and indulged in celebratory summer Slurpees!

We are heading into summer, looking forward to warm weather, pop sickles, swim team, vacations, Yellowstone, and family times.  Watch out!  Good times coming soon! (*P.S. Yes, Beck dresses himself.)

Recital with the Reitz boys

Wahoo!  We just finished a 2nd year of piano lessons. The boys have and are continuing to learn a lot from their teacher Sister Walker.  They've really enjoyed working with her and so far it's been a good experience for them.  I love hearing them start a new piece and hearing how they improve over a bit of time.  Music in the home is wonderful!

Dawson was excited for them too, and after every performer he'd say, "Asher's turn?"  or, "Beckett's turn?" in his slightly too loud voice.  Cute and not naughty but too loud, so Corey walked the halls in between the boy's performances to help keep the peace.  

They learned some fun pieces this year.  For their recitals they each played three pieces.  Asher's favorite was the Imperial March and Beckett loved Herr Schmidt.  They both did fantastic despite being nervous, and were happy afterwards. Their teacher mentioned at the end that she loved

her view at the front because she could see their faces when they finish...so true! I did catch Beck's reaction as he gathered his things to sit down.  Satisfaction and relief.  Nothing like a job well done!  Love my little musicians.