Wrapping up the School Year

We made it!!!  Another school year in the books.  Only one short 4 day quarantine for a positive COVID case in Sadie's class but otherwise besides masks, and lots of extra rules the kids were all able to be in school all year and we are really thankful.  In fact, after spring break the kids were even able to mingle with the other kids in their own grade level a little more which was a huge blessing and we're hoping next year school will be back to normal.  I really did miss getting to be on campus, though I'm not sure with the twins how much I would have actually been able to do, and the kids definitely missed getting to see their friends in the other classes, but we made it and we're thankful!  

On the last day of school Grammy and I, along with Hazel, Evie, and the Twins made a quick trip to IKEA in Portland to get some cubbies for the boys' room, but while we drove I was able to join a ZOOM meeting for Wyatt's class and watch him get his award and Mrs. Lute sent me some video's of Sadie getting her awards which was really sweet of her.

Sadie

Math Award

Leadership Award

Blow Pop Award

Wyatt received the Patience Award for always being willing to give an idea to solve a problem and not being frustrated if people don't go along with his idea.  If they don't go along with his idea right away he just comes up with another. :)

Cooper received the Puzzle Award for always wanting to step up to any challenge.  One example of this was when his teacher accidentally gave him a spelling list that was WAY to hard.  He was the only one in the group who chose to keep the list anyway.   Also he was one of only about 4 students who mastered all of his multiplication facts as a 2nd grader.

I really love the way the kids' teachers get to know them and find the good in each of their unique personalities.  Such a blessing and encouragement to them and to me!

Yes it's buckled into it's own seat in the car...and no I cannot tell you how many times I've heard this song in the last 18 hours.

We stopped at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on the way to IKEA and apparently it was national doughnut day so we got A LOT of doughnuts.

We left the Twins with Grammy and took the kids to Red Robins for a celebratory dinner.  Thanks to COVID they tried to make us sit at 2 tables as apparently parties of more than 6 are not allowed but we were really thankful to the manager for looking the other way on this so that we could celebrate together.

And we ended the evening setting up the boys' cubes, getting all their toys off the floor, and watching a movie in their FINALLY clean room!!!!!

Hazel's Kindergarten Graduation

We have another kindergarten graduate at our house.  Hazel worked really hard this year and all in all had a great year even amidst all the strangeness of the COVID restrictions.  She made some sweet new friends, her reading and writing improved tremendously, and she's working really hard on her counting.  It's so fun to see the new parts of each of the kids' personalities come out as they go to school.  All of Hazel's teachers tell us that is so fun to have in class, that she's a good friend, that she shows self control, and that she works really hard.  Mind you this isn't the Hazel we most often encounter at home but we're glad that she's working so hard for her teachers.

Kindergarten Party

Hazel got the "Growing Award" for showing so much improvement this year.

Oregon still had quite a few restrictions at the beginning of June so we were only allowed to invite Grandparents to graduation.  However, we snuck Uncle Robert in since he lives with Grammy. :)

Hazel Caroline Troyer

"Won't You Let Him In"

"Jesus is Better than..."

Hazel and Paige

Mrs. Lute and Mrs. Lytle

Hazel and Everly

Hazel and Great Grandpa

Uncle Robert brought some candy treats which are always a hit.

We always get the kids some books for graduation.  Hazel got the Elephant and Piggie book set plus some fairies for her fairy garden.

Oh Grammy.... BUT that laugh makes it all worth it!

Hazel,

It's hard to believe your kindergarten year has come and gone.  I remember so clearly sitting in Sadie's first kindergarten conference.  You were about 9 months old and Mrs. Lute was so excited to hold you.  I also remember talking to Mrs. Lute at Sadie's kindergarten testing the summer before.  I was sad that this season of all you kiddos being at home was coming to an end but also thankful that you'd all gotten to be at home together for a little while.  This was of course when I thought you were going to be my baby.  Sadie missed you so much that year and now here we are with you, my seconds ago tiny little baby, finishing up your own kindergarten year with 3 little sisters behind you.  Seriously where does the time go??  

Anyway, you're not always our easiest child but we sure do love you and we're so proud of all that you've accomplished this year.  You are strong and feisty and full of life and love and joy.  Hang on to all of that!  We wouldn't mind if you gave your Mommy and Daddy a break once in awhile, but even if you don't we will still ALWAYS love you, and we pray that God will use that fire He put in your soul to Love Him and others more than we can even imagine.  

Happy Graduation Little Nut!

Love, 

Mommy and Daddy