School's Out!

After 45 minutes of school this morning, the year is over.  Trace is the only one who went and was supposed to go from 8:45 to 10 but called at 9:30 to say he was done.  Taylor and Tate didn't want to go and I didn't make them.  It hardly seemed worth the effort.  I purchased this slip and slide thing from Walmart (sorry Lizzie).  It didn't exactly work as advertise, but they still seemed to have a good time. Happy Summer everyone!

Another Graduation!

It was Tate's turn to graduate from kindergarten today.  The kids put on a great program and there was a slide show of pictures from throughout the year.  There was even a picture of Grandma & Grandpa Checchio with Tate for grandparents day!  Tate did a terrific  job and has really enjoyed school this year.  A special thank you to Grandpa & Grandma Checchio and all of the many trips they have made to come and support their grandchildren.  It really means a lot and we love you!!

Dance Festival '08

Sorry Taylor, my camera ran out of batteries!

Trace getting ready to perform

Tate feeling the aloha spirit!

Everyone did a fabulous job during their dances at the dance festival.  Tate did the Huki Lau with all the coordinating hand gestures.  Taylor did the Virginia Reel with a boy partner.  Trace did the final song from Grease and even did cartwheels at the end.  It was a lot of fun!

6th Grade Graduation

Goodbye Elementary School, Hello Jr. High!  The school held a graduation ceremony for the 6th grade on Friday afternoon, complete with pomp & circumstance and baby pictures of all the kids.  Each graduate seemed to enjoy their turn in the spotlight.  Trace is a fantastic kid! We are so grateful to have him in our family.  Afterwards we went to see Indiana Jones with Grandma and Grandpa Checchio.  It was a  great show, Tate only had to look away a couple of times :) This is the last week of school so there should be plenty of blogworthy (I think I just made up that word) events!  

I am not crafty,

but even I can do this! These flower clips are the latest rage here in Happy Valley.  I learned how to make them this past Saturday at the Mom & Miss activity day.  Taylor can do most of it but is a little wary of burning herself with the glue gun.  The best part is she will actually wear them in her hair.  They are very easy and very cute!!!

An actor is born...

Trace was great in his school's production of Treasure Island.  Trace said that while it was a lot of hard work and many hours of practice, the accolades and attention were well worth it.  He truly felt like a celebrity.  At the end of each show he was able to sign autographs!  He had quite the following, some kids his own age would even bring up their little sisters for a personal hello from Jamie (his characters name)!  He has signed up for drama next year in Jr. High, who knows what's next!?

Happy Birthday Dad!

We celebrated the beginning of my Dad's 60th year on Sunday.  Here are just a few things I admire about him.

 - His strength.  When I was young I was aware of his physical strength. Now notice the strength of his soul.

- His sacrifice.  When I was young I thought that all dentists  only worked 3 days a week.  Now I understand that he made a choice to spend more time with his family and less time making money.

- His love.  I have always known that I was loved, and that has made all the difference.

In my free time...

This week I was asked to decorate Tate's teachers door for Teacher Appreciation Week.  This is what I came up with.  Mrs. Beutler is about to give birth so it is kind of a play on her "blossoming" condition.  I hope she likes it!

SPRING???

Today is May 1st and this is what we woke up to.  On the way home from kindergarten I thought that the white spots floating in the air were blossoms, but Tate kept saying it was snow and hail -  in his Utah accent it sounded like snow in hell, very funny!  It ended up that Tate was right and we had a blizzard for the next 20 minutes.