Last Day of School 2024

 I love to document that first and last day of school and look back to see how much the kids have grown. This school year was big; Charlee Jo graduated from preschool and she's headed to kindergarten this fall. Colson graduated from 5th grade and is headed to middle school in the fall.

Charlee's last day!

I love this time with her. We've decided to put her in a school with half day kindergarten and I couldn't be happier about it. I know once she's in school full time, it goes so fast!

She requested La Costa for lunch with mom and dad for her last day!

And she talked her Daddy into ice cream...

That evening, we went to graduation.

Mrs. Lindley has been such a great teacher for Charlee. She was lucky enough to have Mrs. Lindley two years. She held Charlee everyday for her first year and really helped her to grow in confidence and make friends her second year. Forever grateful for amazing teachers like her.

These boards are so special to me. They are full of the cutest projects and fingerprints.

I was extra emotional on this night. It's sad when your baby is reaching these milestones. 

It's also very exciting!

So many supporters!

She did such a great job on stage singing and performing.

Proud of our girl!

Next up...Colson's graduation! I took all of two pictures. I was in charge of putting together the graduation and when I sat down, I just soaked it all in.

Back in January, the 5th grade students had a contest for their graduation shirts. I asked Colson to please draw something and his drawing ended up winning. I was so proud of him and his talent! It's fun to see an entire class wearing a shirt that your son designed. Colson has had a great time at Shadow Butte and made so many amazing friends. His teachers have been wonderful and this year his principal was the best! Middle school makes me nervous but I know he's going to have the best time and excel!

Last day of school and these kids were ready for SUMMER!

Peyton had a great year in first grade. His teacher, Mrs. Dill, was the best! She really connected with Peyton and he loved being in her class.

Colson had the same teacher he had for fourth grade, Mrs. Garcia. We love her and were so excited to have another year with her. Not only was it Colson's last day of fifth grade but also of elementary school. That was emotional for this mama.

And of course we had to get ice cream to celebrate SUMMER!

Next year we are making big changes. We're excited, nervous, and trusting God that these changes are what is best for our family. Stay tuned!

Charlee starts Pre-K

Charlee started Pre-K yesterday! I'm not sure how the past four years have went to quickly.

For the past two years, before school starts, we have a girls day. I take her to get her nails and toes done and I love this tradition so much. I love the time together and it's a special way to spend a day before she's in school all year.

We grabbed coffee and headed to the nail salon.

We were a couple minutes early so she requested a picture....

and sister was able to play.

It was so sweet...

She's all ready!!!

I took her to the meet the teacher event and she was able to explore her new classroom. She's so excited to have Mrs. Lindley again and some of her friends in class. 

All ready to go! She was excited but also very nervous.

(I always get asked about her dresses, this one is from Elenor Rose and they are no longer in business.)

Her first day!!!

(Shirt / skirt is Taylor Joelle and no long available / shoes)

The perfect pencil bow to match!

Her brothers we sweet to take a picture with her!

A backpack she must grow into! :)

At drop off! 

Drop off was bittersweet for me. This will be my last year with a kid at home with me. Next year they will all be in school full time. I'm going to do my best to take advantage of this time together.

We can't wait to watch our girl grow and learn this year!

Back to School 2023

We've officially began the new school year. The boys are loving their teachers and we're excited to watch them grow over the next year.

Travis and I were gone for the first few days of school so we took pictures and celebrated early...

This is the last year that the boys will be at the same school.

Colson has grown so much this year and he's excited to be the biggest kid on campus this year.

Fifth grade is going to be amazing!

Peyton is headed into first grade more confident and ready to learn. He really likes his teacher. His best friend is attending a different school this year, but he's happy to have a couple friends in his class.

First grade is going to be fun and full of learning!

Every year we have a back to school dinner. We have a dinner because mornings are crazy and no one loves to wake up any earlier than they have too. This year I had so much going on because we were trying to leave town so I asked if we could skip it and was told, absolutly not! So I threw this together quickly and it turned out great!

We usually have spaghetti, this year the boys requested chicken Alfredo.

I use things I have to decorate the table. The plates I ordered a few years ago from Sugarboo.

I wrote a quote from Dr. Seuss on the chalkboard...

We missed Dad this year, but still had the best conversations about this school year.

We talked about the kind of people we want to be, what it means to be a good friend, and things were most looking forward to.

I always get cookies from One Haute Cookie for our dinner.

Of course I always get extras to put in lunches during the first week of school!

Jo was in charge of the first day and did a wonderful job! She got them up, fed them, and headed to school at an early time than last year. That is a job. These boys don't love waking up early.

Papa Jeff was waiting to make sure they knew were to go! 

I'm praying for a year of growth, learning, and good friends!