Endings and beginnings.

The end of this school year has come like a bolt out of the blue.  Here we are, two days into our summer break already and I feel like its hardly spring.

In the past week, I've been to Washington DC and back, and the kids have finished 1st and 4th grade, respectively.  We've visited the lake, attended a local festival, swam at our pool for opening day, and went to the movies.  I've also packed up my classroom, prepped for my summer tutoring, and made approximately 17 lists of all the projects I want to do around the house.  I have yet to begin any of them, of course.  But its the list that matters, right?

I can't believe that these two are my babies.  They've had successful years, and have grown in height and confidence.  As much as my heart wants them to just stay little-- I love watching them turn into independent citizens of the world.

Ivy and Mrs. Sa'ad

This girl.  Seven years old, mouth full of big-girl teeth.  She is a reader now, confidently tackling books and not bothered in the least when she does not know a word.  She's the ultimate teacher's helper, spending a good deal of her last weeks at school helping her beloved teacher clean out her desk and cabinets.  She helps tutor other kids in the class and she is proud to report that her legs are too long for the "little desk" outside of the classroom.  She loves school and reports on all of the goings on in her class-- and there are many, as this first grade class has been a bit of an... adventure.  We have hd few complaints about our kids' schooling this far;  this group of kiddos is my first concern. I  am sure it is no fault of their own, but this particular set of 6 and 7 year olds is apparently singularly lacking in impulse control, and I am not happy that it may be affecting my girl's education.  Her class did not get to go on ANY field trips this year, because the teachers did not feel they could take this group!  They almost did not do a class picnic-- but we pushed for one.  And then only 2 out of the 25 kids were able to meet the behavior requirements to attend.  Sigh.  That said, Ivy does not appear to have suffered overly, aside from one incident of direct name calling, and a lot of exposure to undesirable behaviors.  So far, she's not copying them (thank you, "rule follower" gene...) So far, she does not seem to be missing out on instruction.  So, on we go.  Quietly hoping maybe a few of the troublemakers will move over the summer...I just don't want anything to interfere with my magic -girl and her love of learning 

Jack and Mrs. Bellini

This big boy has had a great first year in the gifted program.  He pushes himself to excel on his math tests, reads like a fiend, and slacks off a bit on his social studies packets.  He always does his homework, but never does it neatly.  His handwriting is atrocious, but thankfully they've been working on typing skills on their 1-1 chromebooks this year.  Jack's favorite books continue to be fantasy or "special school" series.  He recently enjoyed the "Alcatraz" books.  He plays soccer at recess and has made a couple of new friends thanks to transfers into the self-contained classroom.  He played in his first orchestra concert-- the only 4th grade trombone!  He's hoping that we'll let him drop piano-- but sadly for him, he's getting so good at it!  No quitting yet.  At age 9, he is a sarcastic, sometimes ornery young man who enjoys pushing the limits-- and has a heart of gold.  He's getting braver about trying new things and tougher in the face of defeat but transitions of any sort still throw him for a loop. He's so tall and strong and smart and silly, so grown up.  I can't believe he's going to be one of the "giant 5th graders" next year.  When he started at Boulevard, 5th grade seemed impossibly far away.  And now, somehow, we are here.

A picture tour of the rest of the week:

Mom's adventures in DC

 Such a beautiful, inspiring capital city!   A little hard to be there with all that is going on in the world. Seeing all of these monuments to our shared, lofty ideals of democracy-- and knowing that right then, forces were at work in our current administration to undermine all that this city stands for...

That said, it was a fine trip.  Terrific weather.  Nice kids.

 Plus-- a highlight:  my first ever trip to the National Gallery of Art.
I was exhausted by all of the beauty in that place.

The kids' adventures during their last week:
 Boulevard Blast-- now with bounce houses!  And SOOO much crap many treasures brought home from the fishing game...!

Ivy and bff Ophelia

 Ivy's class picnic-- small but mighty!

Another bestie-- Aurielle

Last walk to school:

 In other news-- the baby chickens have joined the big girls in the coop!  We lost one little girl to a predator the first night :(  But all is well since then.  And, 8 seems like a far more reasonable number than 9...  I am wondering if any of our not-so-tiny ones are going to find a new home after all...

Unrelated bunny picture: "Looking for Freedom"

 We kicked off summer with a trip to Edgewater.  Three-quarters of all the residents of Cleveland were also there, I think, to enjoy the newly opened beach house.  It was so festive!

Best picture ever, of  the best dog ever. She just wades a little in the lake now.  And wanders off and tries to follow other people home.  Poor old lady.  But wow, does she still have her looks!

 Just us and this girl for the night (brother was at a sleepover).  Its always fun to spoil "just one."

 Saturday: Superlocalday!  We went to the Hessler Street Fair, opening day at Cumberland, a cookout with Cleveland Heights friends, and a local drawing competition.

Have I ever mentioned I love where I live?  Never aa dull moment around here.

Pictured here:  "Harmony Park,"  the kids area where children beat on adults with pool noodles.  Of course. 

Random fun games set up on Wade Oval.

 Poolside!  We bought passes, so this may be a common view.

 The "Drawn and Quartered" competition.

So-- school year ended, and vacation off to a grand start.  Tomorrow:  All the things on the lists!  And maybe some more pool time for good measure.