Last Day of Kindergarten & Summer Plans

Summer vacation starts today, and Mr. Lucas couldn't be happier! Our summer breaks in Arizona are short, so we plan on making the most of it before Lucas goes back to school. We do have a couple of California trips planned to visit family and a wedding later in the summer, and we are hosting family and friends on different weekends throughout the summer. However, other than that, our summer plans are simple...to relax, and keep cool by the pool.  

Look at this guy, this is the face of someone who rocked kindergarten and is ready for first grade. 

Bonus: I've been collecting some quotes from Lucas..mostly from on our drive home from school. I can't help but smile when I read these..I apologize for the randomness of this post. 

Lucas: Mama, for my next birthday its going to be Bible themed. 

Lucas: I'm 1/2 spider man, 1/2 aquaman, and 1/2 Captain America 

Lucas: My head is round, why don't people have triangle shaped heads? 

Lucas: (Alara hit Lucas with a pool noddle) Ow Alara, that hit my heart!! 

Lucas: (Walking into Bas Pro Shop) Oh my goodness, if I had all of these toys I'd be so inspired! 

I asked the kiddos what their goals for the summer are...or what they would like to do and or learn this summer. I feel that by asking the kids this question it helps me plan our summer activities. 

Lucas: 

1. Learn to Read

2. Playdates with friends

3. One on one time with Mama and Daddy

4. Learn tennis 

5. Go to the beach

Alara: 

1. Play

2. Learn to ride a bike

3. Learn to write my name 

4. Eat ice cream

5. Go to the beach

All of these things sound reasonable to me. Especially the one about eating ice cream... 

It's Graduation Day

This weekend we celebrated our oldest's kindergarten graduation! It has been a busy year for Lucas. He started kindergarten, moved to a new state and joined a second kindergarten class midyear. Everyone said that this year would go by quickly, and yes it has! From our first day at LSA, to our second first day at TCE, Lucas rocked his first year of school. My son's TCE family has been amazing, and supportive this year. Lucas was able to adjust, make new friends and succeed academically. His teacher, Ms. Gloria has instilled in him a love of learning and a love for Christ. I am so proud of my now first grader and I am looking forward (with many tears of course) to what this next school year brings.

Love you so much Mr. Lucas.

Forever and always,

Mama

a new podcast to share

It is no secret that I'm a huge fan of podcasts! Our daily drive to school and back is anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes often in traffic. I needed something to keep the kiddos occupied and from arguing about who knows what (once the kids fought over a ripped piece of junk mail). 

Enter the Circle Round podcast!

Circle Round is a story telling podcast for kids 4-10 years old. However, my two..almost three year old daughter enjoys the stories and often asks for her favorites.  The podcast focuses on folk tales from around the world, narrated by Rebecca Sheir and is brought to life by a variety of talented actors and actresses. The stories run anywhere from 10-20 minutes and each story covers such topics as kindness, sharing, and the importance of hard work.

In anticipation of the summer travel season, Circle Round has a couple of special two hour episodes. We have several long trips planning and will definitely be downloading the long episodes for the trip.   

special dress for a special girl

The Fancy Schmancy dress...or aka (as my husband calls it) the Mardi Gras dress.

This little dress was once a Indian shawl. The shawl was given to me a long time ago and just sat in my closet. The colors did not look good on me, and although I thought it was beautiful I didn't know what to do with it. One afternoon, I was suddenly struck with inspiration to remake this shawl into a dress for my daughter. She loves the dress because it is purple..which is her current favorite color and because "it's not brothers."

Win win.