Last Day of School!

The 2016-2017 school year has come to a close!!  It's hard to believe that, next year, Sydney will be in 3rd grade, Taylor will be in 1st grade, and Parker will be in pre-K... all at the same school!

Is it just me, or did 9 months of time make a lot of difference in these two??

Taylor- first and last days of Kindergarten

Sydney- first and last days of 2nd grade

We went to Sydney's class first thing to go to her awards ceremony.  She received the award for the highest average in math- Go Sydney!!

Then, we headed to Taylor's class, where her teacher did cute, individualized awards for each kid.  She also got them a specific present based on their personalities.  Taylor got the "Rocking Reader" award- I'm so proud of her!  Her teacher gave her a journal because Taylor loves to write.  I wish I could upload the video I have, but it's too big.  Taylor had such a great year this year!

Watching Taylor's class' awards.

Taylor's friend Brennan came back to visit from Florida!

Now it's... SUMMERTIME!!

Taylor's Kindergarten Program

The Kindergarten class at Taylor's school put on a special program for their Kindergarten graduation. All the kids sang a song, and then each individual class sang their own song.  They were so cute!  At the end of their class song, each child got a certificate.  Then, they sang an ending group song about going to 1st grade.  Hooray!

Grandmom came!

Parker's Program/Last Day of School

Parker had his end-of-year program the night before his last day of school.  This boy had been practicing SO hard for it- singing his song, doing the moves.  They practiced every day at school.

When it came time for his class to be on the stage, Parker choked up.  I don't know if it was stage fright, or just being overwhelmed, but Parker tried to stick with the song until he just couldn't do it anymore.  He was crying, covering his face, etc.  I'll tell you, I cried.  It was the sweetest most heartbreaking thing at that moment.  (Stephen told me later that he, too, teared up.)

Friday was his last day!!  They had water day and got to do lots of fun wet activities.  A great end to a wonderful school year.

First and last days of school!

Wedding

Stephen and I dropped the kiddos off at the grandparental units for a day/night away.  My friend Meg's daughter was getting married up in North Carolina, and we were heading up for the festivities.

On the way, we stopped in Clayton, GA for lunch at a cute, outdoorsy restaurant.  Then, we continued on to North Carolina.  We walked around the cute downtown of Waynesville, NC for a bit.  Once we got to the hotel, we debated between going on a hike or getting a massage... and the latter won.  Score!  We checked in, got settled and then headed to the massage!  HOLY COW.  I need to get those more often.

Then, we got ready for the wedding!  The ceremony was held at Lake Junaluska in the beautiful chapel by the lake.  The reception was at a nearby Country Club, which was where we were staying.  The reception was a blast.  Aubrie was a beautiful bride.

Sunday morning, we drove back (in the rain), picked up the kiddos (who had lots of fun with their grandparents), and headed back home!

SOMEONE got into my lipstick...

Happy Mother's Day!

Man, am I blessed to:

1) Have an incredible mom who raised me with so much love and care, and who is the best role model I could ever ask for.

2) Have three precious babies that I get to be Mom to.  I tell you, I thank God every day for those three blessings!

This Mother's Day was very special!  The kids surprised me with homemade goodies, cards, and a present.  We hiked up Stone Mountain, flew a kite at the top, hiked back down, then got some ice cream.  We got to be together as a family.  It was a wonderful day!

A morning walk shadow with Taylor.

Stone Mountain!

Cooling off with some ice cream.

Sydney and I made a lego fidget spinner.

And now, the fun homemade stuff.  These are the most special gifts!

By Sydney.

By Taylor.  These always make me laugh!

By Parker. :)