Ritz Bitz Newz: Schools out for Summer!

I tend to dread Summer Vacation as a mother of many children. I really do not do well in the heat. My kids are so bored. Summer is overwhelming for me. I am always trying my best to keep my house from looking like a bomb exploded, and entertain the masses.

Having said all that, I can't help but feel the excitement in the air around here as school comes to a close for the year.

Last week we had Harrison's second and final preschool graduation. He had one last year too. He is so excited to finally start kindergarten. All of his good friends started last year. That's what happens when you have a birthday in the Fall. Sorry buddy.

I read a funny thing on one of those vintage ecards that are popping up all over facebook and Pinterest.

"Happy Preschool graduation! A celebration of the easiest part of your life!"
So true!

At his graduation, receiving his "diploma"

Then, he turned and gave the hugest, cheesiest grin, but it was SO fast! This was the only photo we got, because he quickly turned and ran off, so Jason didn't have time to even try and focus.

So, then the teachers made him come back out and smile for another picture, but Jason wasn't ready. He stood there and smiled another HUGE cheesy smile! The whole audience was laughing because it was so darn cute! He then quickly ran off after Jason had taken this one quick shot.... still not a good one, but it was the best he could do under that kind of pressure.

The kids did a little performance for us before getting their "diplomas." Part of it was 5 Little Monkey's. They had made their own monkey ears to wear for it. Bennett enjoyed the performance so much that he makes us do it for him before every nap and bedtime now.

Little Monkey Harry..... OR Little Hairy Monkey.

This is his pose to show us "NO MORE Monkey's Jumping on the BED!"

Out in the sunshine in his graduation cap he made himself.

Congratulations Harrison! And now the easiest part of your life is over!

He was lucky to have a sunny day to graduate on. That afternoon when I came home from picking up the older kids he was out running around in this cowboy skeleton costume.

At the end of sixth grade Glenn received on academic medal for his good grades. This is really SUPER exciting for us! He has struggled for a long time with school. He is super smart, but has had a hard time in class and with tests etc. This year he has tried super hard to focus, and do well. I was thrilled that he was able to receive an award to honor his goals achieved. He has already set higher goals for next year, and I have no doubt in his abilities.
On to Seventh grade!

On the last day of 5th grade Lily's class did a huge party instead of a graduation. I really liked that idea.
They started at the pool, then went to a nearby park for a pizza lunch. Jason went with her and took some pictures of her with her friends. For some reason all of Lily's close friends year were boys. I am a bit anxious to see how that all plays out in Middle School.

Lily with her 5th grade teacher, Max has her for next year. We really LOVE this teacher. And yes, that is a Limo behind them. One of the dad's from Lily's class got a Limo for his daughter and all her friends on the last day of 5th grade. Pretty much every girl in Lily's class was invited, except her. She said she didn't care, and she really seemed not to. Like I said, all her friends were boys.

Max's class also had a party at the same park as Lily's class that day. Jason was there, but didn't take any pictures of him. Bummer. He is really excited to move on to 4th grade. I really can't believe that my little Maxwell is that old. He spent this last year in a 3rd/4th blended class. Next year he is in a 3rd/4th blend again. Hmmmm.... I don't understand how they choose which kids to go in the blends. Maybe they just draw names. It was hard for him at the beginning of last year because he is the youngest 3rd grader, and he had a very hard time keeping up academically. By the end of the year he was excelling, especially in math. He won Math Student of the month in January, and again in May!

The end of the school year also means our last Portland Ensign Choir concert. We do 3 shows every season. Our last one is in June. I took these last two off to have a baby. I was really excited to sit in the audience and bring the kids. It was all movie themed music, most of it Disney.

The kids with dad after his concert.

Over concert weekend there was a catered lunch for the choir and orchestra at our choir president's gorgeous home. We got to eat with Jenny Oaks Baker, who was the visiting artist. She is amazingly talented. It was great to perform with her two years ago, and I loved being in the audience this time as well.

Not only do Jason and I have a concert in June, but the kids always have a piano recital in June as well. Max took off the last few months to do Soccer. He was so bummed to not be in the recital. I am glad because now he wants to do piano again! Maybe this time he'll practice!

The first official day of Summer Vacation was mid 60's and rainy. That's just Oregon for ya. Poor Maxwell looked out the window that morning, and said in the saddest voice ever, "I guess it's not going to be sunny today." I think that Karl completely agreed. He laid in front of the door just watching the rain all day. Whenever I tried to let him out he would just continue to lay and stair out at the rain.