School's Out!

School finally got out for the summer on June 21st.  Yes, that is really late.  Most people are into full-blown summer vacation by the time we finish up, but that is just how it is around here (although this year is a little later than usual due to some snow days).  Mostly I don't mind, since the weather doesn't really feel like summer until July anyway.  We don't start school until September, and always have a February break and spring break, so school just kind of stretches out. 

Anyway, the end of school brings traditional photos with teachers.  Here's Ben with his sweet teacher.  He just finished up 3rd grade.

 Kate absolutely adored her kindergarten teacher.  She was actually distraught that school was ending. 

 Kate's class had an end-of-the-year water fun party.   They did shaving cream on the windows,

and Kate's favorite activity--tin can stilts.  She tried these at Ben's field day last year and talked about how she was going to get to do them again all year.

 William had a blast at the sand table.

 The kindergarteners lined up for the waterballoon toss.

The other kids had award assemblies on the last day of school. Ben was excited to get a rope climbing award.  Sarah and Rachel both got academic awards for 4.0 GPAs.  In addition, Sarah got a trophy for having a 4.0 all year and Rachel got a medal for getting the highest scholastic achievement test score for the whole 6th grade. 

I told the kids they could invite some friends over after school to celebrate.  Here's Ben and his very best friend, who will soon be moving.  So sad....

Rachel and her friend.

Kate and her cute friend (who also happens to be the little sister of Ben's friend, and therefore she is moving too.  Double sad...)

Sarah and her friends (she couldn't pick just one).  I picked them up after school on the last day and expected a group of happy girls ready to celebrate.  But no, they were all in tears.  Crying.  So sad that middle school was over and worried that it would never be the same.  They eventually cheered up at our house.

Since it was a nice day, and the first official day of summer, we got out the sprinkler and the little kids had fun running through it. 

William didn't quite know what to expect at first, but eventually he got into it (although he wouldn't let me take off his shoes--silly boy).

 The sprinkler wasn't quite enough water play for the boys. 

 And then it was popsicle time! 

Summer is finally here!