Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Goodbye to Another School Year

Today Nathan and Maren will say goodbye to another school year.  For Nathan it will be a final goodbye to Elementary School.  Yesterday we attended his fifth grade graduation and awards ceremony.  He was one of the few presented with the Physical Fitness Achievement Award for accomplishments in his physical education class. His classmates voted him the Most Artistic Boy.  His drawings of comical, silly characters have filled volumes of notebooks.  He is especially known for his frog illustrations.


I discovered this drawing a few days ago in one of his sketch books.  I believe this picture perfectly illustrates the most important life lesson learned in the fifth grade.  


Maren's favorite third grade memories include serving on the student council and as a library assistant.  She was thrilled to wear a fashionable pair of flip-flops instead of sneakers for the last day of school.


Our Summer days will be filled with time at home, day camps, activities with friends, a trip to Yellowstone National Park and visits from family.  How wonderful it will be to have helpful Nathan and Maren around to hold Charlotte and entertain Caroline!  I am looking forward to slower mornings, swim season and more family together-time.     


This post would not be complete without a picture of Caroline and Charlotte.  Baby Charlotte has discovered how nice it is to be held.  This past week she has chosen to celebrate the end of the school year with a few all-night parties.  We are loving the sweetness she has added to our home and are very grateful to have four children who fill the house with noise, laughter and lots of love.

7 comments:

Renee said...

I am smiling from ear to ear as I read of the children and their accomplishments. Congratulations, Nathan, on your awards, and for your understanding of significant differences between girls and boys in the 5th grade! Maren is simply lovely and has proven herself as a dependable and focused student. The photo of Caroline and Charlotte is precious! We'll hope Charlotte gets her days and nights straightened around soon!

Nancy B. said...

I LOVE the purple binky! Enjoy your summer and schedule in some naps (for you). When Vanessa was little we would turn on Matlock and snuggle in for a nap. What is more soothing than Andy Griffith? She even called her white blanket her 'Matlock' blankie that we used specifically for nap time. Maybe that's why she's thinking about law school :)

Jones said...

I love the wording you use to totally convey what is happening. All night celebrations of school ending. That sounds challenging! I loved looking at the photos of the big kids. Oh, they are sweet!
We Austin folks are thinking we need to come and meet Charlotte. I'll be emailing to see how our schedules can mesh.
Love.

Derek and Becca Theurer said...

I am blown away that Nathan is old enough to be in middle school next year. Incredible! His drawing is hilarious--he really has a knack for comedy.
Charlotte is adorable. I can't wait to meet her one of these days.

Pat said...

I loved the sweet photos of your children and your newest addition, Charlotte. What a wonderful sweet and loving family. Oh I miss you all. Love, P

Tiffany W. said...

That picture Nathan drew is brilliant!!! Way beyond his years if you ask me! Sooo funny.

squeezeme said...

Happy Summer to the Giles Clan! What a wonderful break from the school day grind! We wish you the slowest happiest of summers. Congrats to Nathan and Maren for working hard to be great students. I'll bet Maren will miss having Nathan in school with her.