Aaron's Baptism

Aaron was baptized June 7th.  He had all of his Howell family and my parents there to share in his special day.  The Moores, Aaron's primary teacher, our home teacher, and his special friend Randy also came to share in his joy.  Aaron took the decision to get baptized very seriously, and I'm so proud of his decision to be baptized. 

 

Aaron, Trevin (who was also baptized that day), and Carter (who gets baptized in a month).  These three have been together since birth. 

Sweet baby cousin Gabby

Gymnastics

The week before school got out, we spent two days attending end of the year gymnastics presentations.  After 6 years of gymnastics, Sara and Savannah are ending.  The program they are in only goes to age 12, so Savannah has outgrown it, and Sara didn't want to keep doing it without Savannah.  So this was their final performance.  They did amazing.

After the girls performed, Aaron's class was next.  Aaron is also retiring from gymnastics to move on to scouts (they meet at the same time, so he can't do both).   Aaron can do a mean cartwheel!

The next day was Owen and Nate's turn.  These are the only two kids from our family continuing on next year in gymnastics.

School is Officially Out!

School got out on June 4th.  We celebrated with a trip to McDonald's for ice cream sundaes and playing in the playplace. My kids are easily entertained!

Aaron's summer bucket list.  Let the summer fun begin!

Summer Evenings

Long before school got out, the weather turned nice and the evenings stayed light long past bedtime.  We all were ready for school to be out, weeks before it actually was.  One such evening, Scott and Glen took all the kids down to the river and let them play in the water.

They followed up the next day with a trip to Dairy Queen.  If only every day could be summer.

Sara's Celebration

The last week of school was busy.  Too busy.  I couldn't make it to every child's activities.  So, for Sara's end of the year party (3rd grade), I babysat Maggie and let Kendi go help out to represent both Bess and Sara.  She sent me these cute pictures of Sara.  I love that Sara has Bess as a best friend.  It's been a year since the Moores moved in, and I have watched Sara blossom having Bess to cling to.  They are the perfect match for each other, and I'm so thankful they have each other.

Kindergarten Graduation

My little Nate graduated from Kindergarten.  I cried when he brought home the invitation.

This means that next year I will have 5 kids in school all day long.  It will be lonely.  Nate did great at his graduation.  Each child walked to the microphone and said their name and what they wanted to be when they grew up.  Nate was the first one up, and showed no fear.  He wants to be a dentist when he grows up!

The kids then entertained us by singing songs they had learned throughout the year.

Then they each got a certificate.

Nate and his cute teacher, Mrs. Scott.  This was her first year teaching, and she did wonderful.  Nate adored her.  

I'm so proud of Nate and how much he learned this year.  He's one of the youngest in his class.  He started Kindergarten just weeks after turning 5, but he did awesome.  He's an excellent reader, and one of my favorite things is to watch him read to Owen.  Owen is really going to miss him next year!

5th Grade Celebration

Another end of school activity that I got to attend was Josh's 5th grade celebration.  I can't believe Josh graduated from Elementary School and is headed to Middle School next year.

They started with a music program, then moved on to awards.

Josh received the Presidential award for academic excellence!

 Owen and Kate were mostly patient during the 2 hour long event.

On to Middle School next year!