Trip Wrap Up & School's Out!

For the last day of our weekend away we went to Monmouth Battlefield. We debated going back to NYC, but not all of us were up for another long day, so off to Monmouth we went. Just like our last visit, it was beautiful. We watched the movie and then went outside to explore. Unfortunately, the ground was really wet, so we didn't do as much hiking as we planned. On our way out, I offered $5 to anyone who could jog up the big hill without stopping. Thomas, Anna, Jack and Kara all did it!  We stopped for lunch on the drive home and made it back in time for dinner. It was a really fun few days.

As always, my picture doesn't convey, but it was a long, steep climb.

The last few weeks of school were full of activities. Kara had her recorder concert. She practiced a lot and made it to Blackbelt in Recorder Karate. She wants to be in band next year and is thinking of playing the trombone. They also had a 3rd grade picnic, but parents weren't invited this year.

Jack and Anna had a 4th grade Luau. I was able to take some time off from work to go for a few hours. I like that my job has some flexibility and that I can still attend most of their functions. We played games and had a picnic lunch, it was a beautiful day. It is always interesting to see how my kids, especially Jack and Anna, interact with their peers. The older they get, the more introverted they seem to become. Neither one is shy, but they are not as outgoing/talkative/friendly as they were when they were younger. At least at school. At home, they are plenty talkative. Jack and Anna's teachers both sought me out to tell me what a great year they've had. Jack had some significant behavior issues in Pre-K and Kindergarten, first and second grade were slightly rough and there were a couple of minor issues in third grade. Now, as a fourth grader, he was a model student. Thank goodness! Anna's teacher was also pleased with her progress, socially and academically.

I didn't get a Jack picture, he wasn't nearly as festive

In fact, Anna's teacher is moving up to 5th grade next year and both Anna and Jack are going to be in her class. Well, at least we think they are.  She had Jack for reading and Math Team and I heard through the grapevine that she wanted both of them next year. We put on our preference sheets (where we aren't supposed to ask for specific placement) that we wanted both kids in her class. I sent the sheets in on Tuesday, and on Wednesday she told me that the Principal had agreed to the placement. This will be the first time they've been together since Pre-K, but we are confident they will be fine. If not, it's only 180 days, right?

June 15th marked the last day of school. The kids all did very well. They each had one B. In art. Seriously, how weird is that? They have all A's and just one B and it happens to be in the same subject for 3 kids in 3 different classes? That just seems odd to me. Kara was super disappointed, it was her only B all year and she was really hoping to have all As all year. We try not to stress grades, but we know how disappointing it is to fail to reach a goal.

And, without further ado, the last day pictures:

Jack agreed to wear his same first day outfit. I am not sure if the shirt shrunk or he grew :)

Same with Anna, her dress barely passed the dress code!

Kara's dress has turned into a tunic

Aren't they sweet? We had to interrupt Luke's scooter riding, hence the helmet.

These side by side photos show me how bad my camera has become. But, you get the idea.

.