365+1 Week 22

School is out and we are having some fun!  The weather has been beautiful, the girls are in good spirits and we are out and about.  I know that it has only been 5 days, but I am just so happy to have a break from all the shuttling to and from places!! How has your summer been going so far?

Photo's #148-154:

"Tradition" Every Sunday Paul and Abby cook a pasta lunch together.  She gathers the ingredients and preps most of them.  Paul cooks the pasta and supervises the prepping.  They have this little saying that they always recite while getting everything out:  "If you want to eat it, you gotta help.  If you want to help, you gotta eat it!"  Needless to say, Olivia does not participate!!!

"Memorial Day"  Aside from getting together for a street neighbor BBQ we met up with Grandma and Grandpa D. over at the cemetery.  We have been doing this for several years and it is always good to go and see the Greats, and this year Paulene's dear sister, leave beautiful flowers and then roam the lawns looking at all the beautiful things.  We always like to find the most interesting stones, or the oldest dates.  This monument is one of our favorites- it is just so beautiful marking the final resting place of a dear child.

Today Olivia had her field day.  She wanted me to make sure and come pick her up early so that we could snap a picture of her dear friends together.  One of these girls has been her very best friend since her first day of school in Kindergarten.  She was moving the next day to Illinois and Olivia was desperately heartbroken over it.  She will be missed, but we wish her the best on her new adventure!

I just feel as though this photo perfectly captures the beckoning of Summer! Beautiful weather, cute sundress, sun kissed skin and bubbles.

"Last Day of School"  All of my girls had a wonderful year of school this go around.  They had great teachers who really loved and cared for them.  They had great friends.  They were happy and content.  They excelled beyond measure.  These pictures document the awards they received from their school and teachers.
I wasn't able to attend Abby's last day of school but she came home and told me that she was called up on stage with several others to be recognized as scoring in the 95% or higher on the state standardized testing!! They gave her this medal and we couldn't have been more proud! Although I am very sad that I missed the presentation :(

Olivia was awarded the clean desk, most self governed in the class, physical fitness, Top Artist in 1st Grade, Top Scientist in 1st Grade, passing the entire 1st grade level reading list, and the Most Creative Award from her teacher!! It read: Olivia, you never ceased to amaze me at what you came up with in your presentations.  From Thanksgiving books to state reports, you always shined with your visual aids and thoughtfulness.  Your sweet personality only exceeds your creativity.
 Way to go Olivia!!

We went to the Ward BBQ Friday night.  We had lots of fun with all our ward family, but this was by far the jewel of the night.  Several of the kids trying to lift Paul off the ground on the teeter-totter!! They were only successful when one of the other dads finally came over to help them!!

Abby had tryouts for the U10 Celtic Storm Club competition team a couple of weeks ago.  It was INTENSE to say the least!! There were no less then 50 girls trying to achieve one of the 20 spots available.  I was a nervous wreck the entire 2 day, 4 hour a day tryouts!  But our talented little girl wowed the coaches and was selected onto the team amid my great relief.  Today was the soccer team get-to-know-you kick off pool party- such a great picture of all the excitement to be a part of the team!!! It should be another great year of soccer with these fun girls.