Logan Graduates Preschool

 Logan graduated preschool on June 20. He has been at that preschool since he was 3 months old, so this was a hard day for both his family and his teachers.  He on the other hand, was super excited!  His only request was to buy his teacher Ms. Vanessa, "a beautiful necklace and flowers" which we were happy to oblige. 

To say that Logan is prepared for kindergarten is an understatement.  He knows how to read over a hundred words, knows his alphabet and all the sounds, loves to speak the Italian he has learned, and can count past 100.  We are so proud of him and even more proud of what a wonderful friend he has been to his classmates. 

Some decisions you look back on in life and wonder if they were the right ones, others you know were definitely the right choices.  This preschool has been part of our family for over ten years now, and we are so happy with that decision.  Our children have flourished there, and Emmie continues to do so.  We are so grateful for this wonderful school.

Tommy & Logan - they look so much alike!

The scrapbook his teacher made - tear jerker!

I love how Logan and Aunt Megan are making the same pose!

The whole family!

Chocolate faced Logan with Cheri

Me & Meg

First Yosemite Trip for Father's Day

Father’s Day weekend we headed to one of our nation’s most beautiful locations, Yosemite National Forest, on the way to spend the weekend with my dad in Mariposa.  We are lucky enough to live only 3 hours from this treasure and were happy to check it off our “Exploring California” checklist. 

The park was busy and despite very thorough and thoughtful advanced planning on Jeff’s part, we forgot the entire box of non-perishable food that we were bringing for the weekend.  Not deterred, we stopped at a convenience store and bought supplies for a picnic which we enjoyed at Cathedral Beach.  It was by far the most beautiful picnic location I have ever been to, breathtaking is an understatement.  Sometimes I wonder if the kids are too young to appreciate a place like this, but when we were sitting on the beach eating our picnic they were all in awe of it.  Logan even turned to me and said, “thank you for taking us to this place, it’s awesome!” 

After Cathedral Beach we made the mild trek to Bridalveil Falls and then headed to Dad’s house.  We spent the night hanging out with my sister and dad, enjoying time together in the mountains where he lives.  The next day I drove the kids home and Jeff stayed behind to go zip lining through the forest with Meg and Dad. They had a great time, all in all a wonderful Father’s Day weekend. 

Making a "soup" in the water at Cathedral Beach with rocks and sticks.

Because our boys don't mess around when it comes to throwing sticks in the water!

Best picnic place EVER!

Fierce

Bridalveil Falls

In awe of the waterfall.

Climbing over rocks at the falls.

Last Day of 1st Grade

First Grade is officially over! What an amazing year Joey had at his new school with a wonderful teacher.  We have been blessed with awesome teachers for all our kids since they were in preschool, and this year was no different.  Ms. Gomes did a great job inspiring, motivating, and teaching her class this year.  We are also grateful for the support of her newly retired husband, Mr. Gomes, for his assistance in the classroom throughout the year.
Highlights from first grade include many field trips to vineyards, farms, the pumpkin patch, state capitol, and the zoo.  There were also several noteworthy class activities including the 1950s Sock Hop, gingerbread cookie baking and decorating, Halloween parade, salsa making, and a Thanksgiving feast. Joey learned so much about plants and animals this year, (which he loved) and even did his first official report (he chose the giant squid to report on). 

The school year started with me walking him to class and him clinging to me, sobbing, scared to go to this new school.  It didn't take long for him to be jumping out of my car with a quick wave, and scurrying off to see his friends. Many mornings I would watch him from my car as he ran towards the school and I would try and take a mental snapshot of the scene - tousled hair, big smile, black backpack disproportionately large for his size, adorable little scurry/run to the gate.  Everyday moments that I try not to take for granted, that I know I will look back on someday and miss.  

On the second to last day of school he was presented with the Laffy Taffy award for having, "the most fun while learning."  

On the last day of school it was Water Fun Day complete with the fire department spraying all the kids with the fire truck hose!  I picked him up from school and we went to get a bowl full of candy with some frozen yogurt in the bottom somewhere...

Below is a pic from the last day of kindergarten compared to the last day of 1st grade: