We Made It! SUMMER!

 Jacob has been counting down the days to have Maggie and Tuttle at home with him for summer vacation.

Maggie's Awards Day was Thursday, and we were able to watch virtually. Although she has received all A's for the entire year, the classroom awards were more playful. Maggie accepted "Future President," "Math Whiz" for learning all her multiplication facts, and the Technology Award for her homeroom. She has loved all her teachers this year, especially Ms. Pennington and Ms. Motil. I could not have imagined a better transition for Maggie into a new school. We adore Arnold Mill!

Tuttle's graduation celebrations were spread out over several days. A car parade was held after school for the teachers and staff to cheer on the 5th grade graduates.

Afterwards Tuttle was invited to a graduation party at a buddy's neighborhood pool, and the family was able to attend. I cannot believe that when I graduated from UGA I taught sixth grade, and now I have my own sixth grade student. Time flies!

Friday was the official last day of school. Tuttle and Maggie will not be in the same school again until Maggie enters 6th grade.

We also watched Tuttle's graduation and awards ceremony virtually. While I wish we could not attended in person, I cannot say enough great things about Arnold Mill and Cherokee County for making in person school a success this year during COVID. Proud is an understatement for Tuttle's recognition at the ceremony. Tuttle had to adjust to a brand new school his last year in elementary during a global pandemic. Not only did he jump right in with a positive attitude, but he excelled. Tuttle was presented with five awards: “A” Honor Roll ALL YEAR, AMES News Crew, Social Studies Achievement (1 boy/1 girl from each homeroom), Music Award (1 boy/1 girl from each homeroom), and a certificate of graduation from elementary school. We are coming for you, MCMS, but first SUMMERTIME!

To kick off summer vacation with a bang, Maggie crossed her most important item off her bucket list today: a neighborhood lemonade stand. She and her friend, Kylie set up a table in the pool parking lot and sold lemonade, cookies, popsicles, Cokes, and candy for two hours. Maggie and Kylie's cuteness and amazing business sense combined with my social media advertising on our neighborhood Facebook page brought in over ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS! Jay was trying to figure out how many hours Maggie needed to run her lemonade stand, so he could retire. :)

Summer Is Here!

 Jacob is savoring his first taste of summer while Maggie and Tuttle are still crawling out of bed at 6am. Jacob is snoozing until 9am, and we are finding some adventures to get into to keep our wild boy active.

Holland and Piper have been up for hiking and swimming in the pool. We are so excited that they home schooled this year and have to flexibility to meet up with us weekly.

I might have told Jacob that his future kindergarten teacher sent home this workbook and will be grading it to keep him focused on some extra practice....

Jacob's baseball season ends on Saturday with one final game. What are we going to do with all this extra time not driving to practices? Maggie does not get a break. Gymnastics is ruthless. :)

Spring Piano Recital

Maggie and Tuttle performed in their spring piano recital last Thursday, and we could not have been more impressed with their growth this year. We found a new piano teacher in our neighborhood after moving to Roswell, and it has been such a great transition, especially for Maggie. Ms. Becky lives in the front of the neighborhood, so the kids walk or ride their bikes to practice each week. 

I used to be very involved in their practice schedules, but their love for piano has increased so much that I can barely keep them from playing when they are at home! Tuttle is very advanced, and I have no ability to help him at this point. If Maggie needs help, I usually call in Tuttle for assistance. Maggie is extremely motivated with Ms. Becky's star chart for perfect pieces. In true Maggie fashion, if there is a prize, she is going to win it.

The concert was held outside at a student's home, and the setting was beautiful and perfect for a spring recital. Each student played two songs that they have been practicing for months. Maggie and Tuttle performed beautifully.

We are so lucky that we found Ms. Becky. I know Maggie and Tuttle feel even more motivated to continue with piano with such a sweet teacher by their side.

Summer is only two weeks away for Maggie and Tuttle. Baseball wrapped up for Tuttle with a team dinner and awards. Tuttle received the "Mr. Hustle Award," and Jay pointed out that this specific award was the best one in our eyes. Tuttle has learned so much as a player, but even more important he always gave 100% wherever the coach needed him. Tuttle is itching to get back on the field this summer with baseball camps.

Maggie has one final project for social studies this year to complete her economics unit. Market Day will be held this upcoming week, and Maggie created poof poof hair ties to "sell." She is hopeful that they will be a big hit among her friends.

Let the countdown begin! 10 days!

Pre-K Graduation

 I absolutely cannot believe our last baby graduated from Pre-K today! I feel like he was just born, and now he is heading to the "big school" next year.

We loved our time at Woodstock Baptist Preschool. I was blown away by all Jacob learned this year with his class. Jacob is well on his way to reading, but I was most impressed with his knowledge of God and the Bible. He can independently recite several Bible verses and the Lord's Prayer.

His graduation ceremony was the sweetest with the traditional diploma walk and performing several songs with the music teacher. I could not help but tear up.

Congratulations to Jacob! I know you will do BIG things and continue to make an impression on everyone you meet.

Feeling Loved

 My Mother's Day this year was absolutely perfect. I was able to sneak away for a little solo time on Saturday afternoon after Tuttle's baseball game. I relaxed with a pedicure, a little shopping, and dinner by myself in silence in my car. This is what dreams are made of. :)

The kids and I met Gram and Cathy's family in Dahlonega on Sunday for a delicious lunch at The Smith House and to tour Camp Glisson. Landon, Sissy, and Noah have never been to camp before, so Gram wanted Tuttle to show them around to help with any nerves before their week later this summer. I never turn down the opportunity to visit Camp Glisson!

I could not ask for a better mother, role model, best friend, or support system than I have with my mom. I could not do life without all her advice and guidance. Happy Mother's Day to all the other moms that help shape me, too!

Also a huge shout out to the one that made motherhood at all possible. I am so thankful to navigate parenting with this stud.

Celebrating Tuttle

 The birthday parties for Tuttle continued into May. We had to make up for his birthday being ruined last year with COVID, and I think we succeeded. :)

The family celebrated Tuttle, Holland, and Grandaddy the Saturday after Tuttle's actual birthday. We hosted everyone at our house, including Gram, Grumps, and Tuttle's special guest, Olivia.

Despite a rainy forecast, the bad weather held out long enough for a little swimming and back porch sitting. It was a very casual evening, but we loved sharing cake and presents with our favorite people.

Tuttle's friend party was planned for this past Saturday. Gram picked up Jacob and Maggie from Tuttle's baseball game, so the party could be completely devoted to our birthday boy and his buddies. It was so strange having a party where I barely knew any of the guests due to all the pandemic restrictions all year, but after meeting his school friends, I hope these guys stay in Tuttle's life for years to come. All the boys were so sweet, polite, and well behaved. They entertained themselves for three hours with football, pool games, trampoline jumping, and devouring all the Moe's nachos and ice cream cake.

The biggest highlight at Tuttle's party was seeing Ryan after SO LONG. Ryan is Tuttle's oldest friend, and he made the trek from Brookhaven for the event. It means so much to all of us that Ryan was there.

We could not ask for a better first kid. Happy birthday, Tuttle! We LOVE you!