The End of an Era.

This was the very last picture taken of 'my girls,' just as the bell rang to mark their last day at IVMS. As you can tell by our faces, we were laughing so hard - and those giggles quickly turned to tears of sadness as we hugged and said our 'c-ya later's.'

I've never been so sad to see a group of kids move on to the high school...they are the end of an era at IVMS.

...and the retirement of these lovely folks marks another end to the same era!

Carol Ann Manbeck and Larry Welshans celebrated their last days of teaching with us at our teacher work-day. I helped to put together an awesome luncheon for them and we had such a great time sending them on their way to the rest of their lives!

The end of the school year brought me much sadness this year, but I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't super excited to get my summer started with these two!!

Look alive, soldiers!!!

One of her sweeter moments...

Brooke and I spent our first weekend of the summer IN THE SUN!

Saturday morning, we woke up early and headed to my Sparky's softball tourney in Milroy!

Brooke was so excited to see Taylor and watch some 'ball.' When the first game was over and the heat started to bother us, we packed up and headed home for a quick nap.

While Brooke slept, I got the POOL ready!

Pretty sure we need a bigger pool.

Brooke HATED baby pools last year!

But not this year!
I'm glad she's made this turn-around since we'll be trying our luck at the Poe Valley Lake this weekend!

Notice a little bit of sun on those cheeks?

I think I speak for my entire family of 3 when I say that we're all thankful for the end of the school year and the beginning of Mommy's summer break!

Brooke and I are looking forward to:

lazy mornings

morning walks with Manda and the kids

Poe Valley camping

Benezette!

THE BEACH!

long afternoon naps!

popsicles!

back yard camp fires

swimming

More to come this week!

Happy Summer!

Study Hall.

Do you remember middle school study halls?

You know, those 50 minute periods where you pretend to get work done...?

These stellar 7th/8th graders started a new tradition this year.

Every day 2 and 4, these kids would leave their assigned study hall and come to my empty room. My room is empty because it's my only free period of the day. The free period when I'm supposed to get things done.

Nah.

I'd much rather hang with these cool cats!

It started out with just one sweet smiling face.

My Sparky.

We'd talk. Do Builders Club stuff. I'd help her with school work.

A few others started to join us.

After all, their study hall teachers wouldn't let them talk.

So, they'd come to my room where they could work together on assignments...

These kids are 'the best of the best' in our school.

They make me laugh unlike any of my adult friends.

They're so special to me...

Aren't they precious?

I'm going to miss these study halls. I'm going to miss each and everyone one of these faces.

Things are piling up!

...but hopefully, that'll end soon!

Once this last week of the school year is over, things won't pile up on me nearly as quickly...at least I hope not!

Memorial Day weekend was such a great couple of days for us!

I spent all day Saturday in 'the sweetest place on earth' with the entire 8th grade class at IVMS! I was exhausted and SO ready to get home to my baby, but so thankful for the time I had with my girls!

On Sunday, since I had missed my family party while in Hershey Park, Zig and I took Brooke back to my parents for a continued cook out! We made more homemade ice cream and cleaned up all of the yummy left overs from the party! I do love left overs!

Freddy and Freda rode their 'scooter' to my parents' that evening and asked if Zig and I wanted to take a ride! The picture above was right before we took a spin around the development! SO FUN!

It's probably been close to 12 years since Zig and I have been on a bike together - those days when he had his 'crotch rocket!' The fact that he's dreaming of buying a Harley really soon...well, you can imagine how this short ride was a teaser for him! We had so much fun!

If you've never been on the back of a bike with your lover, I'd suggest doing it very soon! Very romantic!

Brooke beat the heat over the weekend by attempting to leave her bottle behind! I've been stressing about her still drinking her milk from a bottle...I really think she's WAY TOO OLD for bottles, but she will NOT drink milk from a cup! Miraculously, she drank ALL of her milk from a cup for 48 hours straight!

Unfortunately, I must report that she's regressed to the bottle, but at least I have a picture to prove our success! Any tips in the bottle-to-sippy cup department would be MUCH appreciated!!

While Mommy was in Hershey and Daddy was in charge, Brooke learned to drive the sacred Gator at Pap and Nan's!

I'm pretty sure she's the cutest thing I've ever seen!

I mean, really!

...and just when we thought she couldn't get any cuter!

My hair accessory obsession for my little girl has gotten worse! I always loved the big, obnoxious bows on her little bald head, but now that she has hair and long bangs, I love finding clips and fun things to sweep her hair back! Wal-Mart has cute snap clip bows and I've even found some good deals at Gymboree! This little fabric 'puff' was the perfect accent to our sundress for church this morning!

Our new favorite thing! STEPS!

It may not seem monumental to you, but Brooke can now walk UP and DOWN the steps completely unassisted! Like my sister said, this is a pretty important skill! Even though we're always right next to her, she does really well alone! If we try to help she politely says, "Excuse me." She's 'Miss Independent' these days...

See?

I'll be back soon! It's the last week of the school year...
Almost time to celebrate!
Happy week everyone!