How Did Another Year Pass By??

May 2011

August 2010

May 2011

August 2010

One of my favorite quotes ... "The days are long, but the years are short!" I can't believe another school year flew by!! Next year I will have all 5 in school (preschool, 2 in elementary, middle schooler and high schooler). We had an amazing school year full of academic, social and sports activities!! It is funny to me how clean cut we look a the beginning of the year (all tucked in, brushed hair, ironed shorts) and at the end, kind of like rag tags!! Thanks for an incredible year of memories and fun. "These are the good ole' days!"

8th Grade Graduation (Part 2)

If you follow my blog, you have seen a post about Andrew's 8th grade graduation. He had a "redshirt" year this past year (a blend of 8th and 9th grade classes) but Mrs. Davies (middle school director) really felt that it was important for him to participate in the graduation again this year. These are the kids that Andrew will graduate with. It is such a great group of guys (very athletic and FUN!). Everyone went to graduation and it was a very special night. This graduation had a different vibe ... completely upbeat and super cool. The music was blasting as the kids processed in (boys in suits and girls in white dresses!). Each graduate was called up to the stage (in a random order) and given a book picked out personally for them. A teacher spoke about each graduate personally ... Andrew's baseball coach spoke about him!! It was very touching.

I think it was the first time that I really felt the countdown until college. Probably the biggest win with the redshirt year was giving me another year with my Andrew!! So proud of him ....

Andrew hugging his middle school director Mary Beth Davies. One of the most gifted educators I have ever met!

Checking out the special book.

Two peas in a pod ... they are the most alike.

Excited to be graduating!!

The amazing middle school teachers!

So proud of my original baby!! (yes - again, a new dress!!)

Proud Team Kane ... what an amazing night with our graduate

Happy Kindergarten Graduation

This year we had two graduations on the same day. Kindergarten grad was in the morning. Julia was really excited for her special day. WPS does such an amazing job with all of their end of the year events. At the gala, we bid on front row tickets to K grad and won!! We didn't have to rush and grab a seat ... we were front row. Julia picked out a new, beautiful blue dress and her brothers and sister brought her a celebratory bouquet. The children sang several songs and there was an incredible slideshow. Each child got to cross the stage and receive their diploma. Even though we have been through kindergarten graduation 3 times already, it is always an amazing (and sentimental) day!!

Loved that all Julia's siblings were with her to celebrate!

My sweet kindergarten graduate

Mommy and Julia -- we both got new dresses!!

Singing wonderful world .... love how they each raise their painting while singing ... obviously Julia was 'wonderful world".

Julia's silhouette (bow and all!)

Laker Awards 2011

Hooray Katie!!

Proud Mom & Dad

What a great group of friends (and so smart!!)

My favorite event of the school year is the Middle School Laker Awards!! We had an amazing evening recognizing all of Katie's accomplishments. Katie won awards for Headmaster's List (straight As), Scholar Athlete, Math and Latin awards. So proud of Katie ... she is quite the student and totally motivated (which makes it easy for the momma!) Excited to see her soar next year in 8th grade!! On top of all her school work, she is in student council, volleyball, club volleyball and softball. Well rounded girl!! Love you Kate!

What a Team!

This season of OVA club volleyball might be the best team experience Katie has ever had. She is surrounded by 11 girls that are dedicated, athletic, fun loving, strong and crazy good at volleyball. We were so excited for her to learn from these girls, to grow in her game and deepen her love for the sport. I think all of these goals were met. Some of the girls on the team have become her best friends, we have made family friends as well, Katie's game has been taken to a new level and she has really been a leader on the team!! So fun to win all the time, bring home championships and do it with girls and families you really like!! looking forward to the AAU and USAV national championships over the next 3 weeks. We will be playing in Orlando next week and then Atlanta the last week in June. Go OVA 13 Asics!

One advantage of watching you sister at a Disney tournament!

Serving specialist!

The biggest cheerleader on and off the court. So proud of Katie's positive and enthusiastic attitude!!

Game Strategy

Katie's biggest fan!!

First place!!

AAU National Bid Champs!

Jacksonville Jam champs - 14U!!

National Anthem ... getting ready to play at Disney!

Good pass to target!

Love this picture of Steph and Felix. Stephanie is one of our captains and an amazing team player (as well as an all around great player!).

Confirmation

Nothing warms my heart more than experiencing one of my children receiving a sacrament. Andrew has been preparing for the past two years for his Confirmation. Through this sacrament the grace given in baptism is "strengthened and deepened". We are so proud of the young man that Andrew has become. He is honest, faithful, respectful, and a wonderful son and brother. Both my mom and Sean's family came for the confirmation and we had a lovely time celebrating Andrew!!

Julia's Birthday Luau

Beautiful Birthday Girl

All the lovely, luau ladies!!

Balloons, cake, goodies, oh my!!

First party ever at the new house .. what a special occasion to celebrate Julia's SIXTH birthday. We hosted a swimming/luau party with all her friends. We had grass skirts, leis, fun decorations and lots of food!! We made flip flops with ribbons and played bubbles on the hill. The girls loved swimming and we opened gifts and ate! Just an old fashioned party at home ... loved it!!

We realize how blessed we are with Julia. God sent us one special little girl! She is such a breath of fresh air in our type A, competitive, fast paced and hectic household. She sings and laughs and moves at her own pace. She gazes at the sky and studies flowers. She loves butterflies and fireworks and rainbows. She is so kind and sweet and quiet!! She is loyal and fun and sometimes goofy! She loves to draw and build but also play catch and run! Sean and I always say she is a very special spirit who will have a fruitful and faithful life!! love this girl!! Lucky to be her momma!!

Katie and Taylor helped at the party!! The girls loved them!!

This girl loves her cake!!

So lucky that the Servines came for Julia's party!! Nothing like having your BFF with you at your party.

Love these two besties!!