First Day of First Grade

It is always amazing to me to see how fast time goes by. Caden started 1st grade today at Sierra Verde. It was a long, exhausting process making the decision of where Caden would go to school. He had been going to Joy since he was 3. Hard decision to make but we are hoping that Caden will excel at Sierra Verde just like he did at Joy.

Caden was pretty excited to start school. We had gone to meet the teacher night last week and Miss F. had given the kids bags of goldfish crackers--because they were "o-fish-ally" a first grader! Caden loved it. (Food will win him over every time!)  We checked out the Viper Den which is the before and after school care. We were ready for school to start!

Caden and his new backpack

Zane hiding behind his backpack

 It is a good thing we left in plenty of time this morning to get to school. We had to park about 1/2 mile away (probably not much closer than walking form the house).  It was at least 100 degrees outside. Got  Caden over to his classroom and snapped a quick picture with his teacher!  Way before I was ready, it was 8:40 and time to go in the room. I gave him a hug and he walked away without any hesitation. So proud of him!  I couldn't resist snapping one last picture of him settling down in his desk.

OREGON-Part 2 Crabbing!

My Dad's cousin, Duncan took us crabbing. We unfortunately didn't catch any crabs that met the requirements to keep. The ones that were big enough were females, and the males were too small. So, they all went back. But the kids had a great time--and as far as they were concerned, we caught some crabs even if we couldn't keep them. After crabbing, we went to another dock and Jim and Gabe took the kayaks out.  We had a great time being together and hanging out!

Zane, Jim, Caden at the docks

Duncan leading a serious crabbing conversation

Dad throwing his crab trap out

See! A crab!

Jim in the kayak

Playing at the dock!

Caden and Brandon

Oregon part 1

Thanks to my VERY generous parents, we went on a week long trip to Seaside, Oregon. We stayed at a gorgeous beach house across the street from the beach. It was great to see family we don't see nearly often enough. 

Dad and Gabe

Jim and the boys

The water was FREEZING-but didn't bother the kids one bit!

Mom and Dad at the beach

Beach = exhaustion!

Kindergarten Graduation!

So the school year has come to an end. Last day of Kindergarten was today. As I was leaving work, I told a co-worker that I was leaving early to attend Caden's Kindergarten Graduation. She asked if I was going to cry. I said no with emphasis--this was a happy occasion. Why would I cry?

And then I saw Caden walk in with his class. I watched my brave, tall, well spoken 5 year old boy lead the classes and audience in the Christian Pledge.  I teared up.

I saw Caden's medal--which means he completed all of the tasks for the Kindergarten Olympics--he can recognize shapes, he can read, write, count by 1s, 2s, and 5s. He can recite the Pledge of Allegiance, the Christian Pledge, the Bible Pledge, the Kindness Pledge, the Lord's Prayer. He can tie his shoes-well, almost. Seeing the medal and how much he has grown in the last year made me tear up.

 Hearing Mrs. Kempf, Caden's teacher, tell me that Caden was an amazing kid, a born leader, and  truly one of the most special students she has ever had made me tear up. (Even though I am well aware that she probably says that to all of the parents!)  Hearing that Caden's favorite part of Kindergarten was the Mother's Day Tea warmed my heart and made the tears well up again.  Seeing Caden with his friends made me tear up.

So, I technically did not cry during Caden's kindergarten graduation. But the pride and love I have for Caden made some tears of joy appear. Congrats Caden on your first amazing academic milestone!  So proud of you!