Memorial Day Memories

 Jay and I threw our Annual Memorial Day Weekend Party on Saturday. We look forward to starting our summer with our favorites every year! We hosted over 75 friends and family with food and drinks. I did not take nearly enough photos, but the memories and laughs made up for it! Jay and I both agree that it was our best party to date!

There were around 30 kids in attendance, but I did not pause to capture all their fun. Between the pool, the trampoline, the toy crates of cars and animals, and arm wrestling in the basement, the parents actually were able to hold full conversations! 

You know it's a successful party when you wind up in your wedding dress dancing to your first song in front of all your friends. :)

There was little time to recover from an epic party before Tuttle and Maggie needed to pack up and head to Dahlonega for camp! Maggie was extra excited this year to go with Gwen. Jacob and I helped unpack and make beds before exploring Camp Glisson on our own. While Jacob was ready to just stay for the week, he will attend for the first time this year during the mini-camp session in July. Camp Glisson was the highlight of my summer every year, and we are lucky that Gram and Grumps are continuing the tradition for all the grandchildren!

Jacob will get his energy out this week at Sports Camp through Roswell while Jay and I attempt to return to work after a unforgettable Memorial Day Weekend.

Middle School for Maggie!

 The kids' school does such a great job celebrating the 5th graders moving onto the middle school.

The car parade was held on Wednesday after school. Maggie and her friends decorated one mom's truck and rode together around the school campus to wave goodbye to teachers and staff. I did not think I was emotional about Maggie moving onto the middle school until I watched her and her classmates waving goodbye.

The last day of school included the 5th grade awards and graduation ceremony. Maggie was recognized for all A's the last quarter, all A'a all year, technology student of her class, and being a member of Friends Club. She balanced all her classes and an intense practice schedule yet still excelled at both school and her sport. We could not be more proud of her!

How is Maggie already old enough to head to middle school? Her six years in elementary school included a language immersion school with math and science taught solely in German, virtual learning during a global pandemic, and moving houses while starting a new school. She tackled all obstacles with confidence.

Congratulations, Maggie! Enjoy your summer break!

Maycember

 Everyone can agree that May is busier than December with all the end of year parties, championships, performances, awards ceremonies, and school activities. Here is a quick recap of all the action...

Jacob's U7 baseball team claimed the championship title. They had played strong all season, and Jacob learned so much from Coach Matt and Coach Chris. I could not believe how well the boys executed plays by the last game. The Dodgers were unstoppable!

Maggie and her teammates were celebrated at the spring banquet. It was absolutely Maggie's best season to date. The gym recognized Maggie's 3rd place on beam and floor at state, placing 1st as a team at state, and qualifying for Regionals. She will increase to 20 hours a week in June as a Level 7 gymnast. She is ready and already setting goals for next year!

Tuttle participated in the Spring Jamboree at Woodstock High School to scrimmage the surrounding 8th grade football teams. His playing time was limited, but he is really enjoying the experience. The Knights looked strong and won 2/3 of the scrimmages.

All three Thorne kids performed at the annual spring piano recital with Ms. Becky. We have not committed as much time as we would like to practicing recently (there are only so many hours in the day!), but the kids did well with rock-n-roll themed selections at the concert.

Maggie's final 5th grade field trip was one to remember. The classes went on a tour of Truist Park, enjoyed lunch at The Hard Rock Cafe, and visited the Georgia Aquarium. I have learned that field trips are not my thing, so I loved receiving photos throughout the day from friends with more patience to chaperone. :)

Jacob's favorite day at school was Field Day. He joined with his buddies to compete as a dream team and dominate all the events. 

Jacob also was recognized at his Cel-YOU-brate Day at school. He read two of his favorite books to his class, shared a STEM project that Jay and he had put together for Show-n-Tell, and presented a video of his piano playing talent. Jacob does not shy away from showcasing his strengths!

Maggie participated in her last elementary school field day. Afterwards the classes enjoyed a picnic and ice cream to celebrate graduating from 5th grade. I love the sweet group of girls that Maggie has befriended this year. In some ways, 5th grade has been challenging socially, and these friends have remained reliable and accepting throughout the tough times.

The boys were able to catch a Braves vs. Dodgers game during all the May chaos. It was a house divided, and Tuttle claimed victory for his team. Thank you to Uncle Drew for a fun night out!

Maggie and I loved watching Piper at her ballet performance. She was the prettiest dancer on stage!

This has been an unforgettable year for Jacob in first grade with Ms. McGowan. She is truly a teacher that you remember forever. Today was Jacob's award ceremony, and he received the "Handwriting Hero Award" for his beautiful handwriting, "Science Award" for teaching his class about germs, and "Future President Award" for being a leader and arguing his points. I am not ready for Jacob to leave Ms. McGowan's class. We both love her so much!

The kids only have two more days of school until SUMMER! The final days of Maggie's elementary school deserves a separate post before she heads to the middle school with Tuttle!

Regionals, Spring Fling, and Mother's Day Tea

 After the state meet, Maggie qualified for the  Regional Meet in Greensboro, NC for the top 60 gymnasts from each of the 8 southeastern states. The girls celebrated with a team dinner the night before the competition. 

It was not Maggie’s day or her best meet. Gymnastics is SO MENTAL, and Maggie was off. I hate that she was disappointed in her performance, but she also does not want it to be sugar coated.

Ultimately this is a hurdle in a lifetime of meets and challenges. I know Maggie will return to practice ready to improve. I am so proud of her grit and determination in one of the hardest sports.

Level 6 was great, but Level 7 will be even better!

Maggie and Jacob's school hosted the annual Spring Fling, and the kids loved the opportunity to hang out with school friends, play games, and try out several food trucks.

Arnold Mill Elementary School is such a special place. Jacob's class held a Mother's Day Tea on Friday. The students had been working on artwork, songs, manners, and letter for weeks. There was not a dry eye in the room as the kids sang to the moms and grandmothers. I just love our littlest baby!

All the end of year activities and parties are starting, and this year has absolutely flown by. All the kids are thriving in school and sports, and we are looking forward to celebrating them in May!

Official Teenager

 Our first baby turned THIRTEEN, and we officially have a teenager. We have been celebrating Tuttle for a few weeks now, and it has been nice to recognize the birthday boy several times!

The family party included watching The Super Mario Bros. Movie and going out to dinner at Sake.

The friend party had to be held off until a few weeks after Tuttle's actual birthday due to scheduling conflicts with sports and friends, but everyone was available this weekend for a hibachi dinner and a sleepover at the house. Swimming, football, Man Hunt, video games, junk food, and wrestling has filled th house. I love that Tuttle is surrounded by such nice, funny, and supportive guys. 

Tuttle's big gift is flying to Los Angelos to watch the Dodgers play. The date is TBD, but Jay is looking forward to this memorable trip!

Tuttle is hardworking, good natured, clever, kind, ambitious, and smart. I love our relationship and cannot wait to see where the future takes him! Happy 13th Birthday, Tuttle!