Soren's Preschool Graduation

From Soren's preschool graduation on May 31st, 2012...

Bored.

Bored-er.

Bored-est.

Though Soren looks bored in these pictures, he did a fantastic job in the ceremony.  He was one of the loudest singers and said his memory verse with volume and confidence!  The kids even said the Lord's Prayer and he knows every word. I'm so proud of this little guy and there is no doubt he will excel in the years to come.  Ha ha...he gets annoyed and confused when Synnove doesn't do her math homework right because she insists she's got the right answer.  I'm sure you can imagine the look on Synnove's face when either Adam or I tell her that Soren is actually right!  What Soren "lacks" in sass, he makes up for in smarts :)

Hawaii Day and Graduation

It's hard to believe, but the preschool year is over. And yes, I'm a bit sad. I loved Synnove's preschool. So very much has happened since she has started there! Not only has she leaned a great deal, but she and I have gained some wonderful friendships. In the last month the kids have gone on several field trips and have done many activities. In fact, there were so many that I decided not to try to catch up the blog with pictures. I figure Soren will be there for the next two years, and I'll have many more opportunities to blog in the future. However, last week was super special because it was the last week of school!

Miss Kara planned a Hawaii Day for the last day of school complete with hula dancing, coconut bowling, Hawaii "surprise" (plaster of paris with shells, sand, glitter, and glass stones), Hawaiian pizza, and pineapple smoothies (thanks Cassie!). All the kids dressed up in their best Hawaiian attire and they even got to make paper leis. All the parents were invited to come for the second half of the day to celebrate with the kids.

The kids were split up into groups to go to different stations. This is the hula station. Unfortunately, the CD player stopped working and they had to improvise the music.

It's really hard to get Synnove to smile...

On Thursday night, the kids were set to graduate. Miss Kara does such an incredible job with the kids! The program was priceless! Normally, I wouldn't put the entire event on videotape...but I did. The kids performed with big voices and hand motions. They sang various songs including This Little Light of Mine and Lord I Lift Your Name on High. Each one of the 24 graduating preschoolers (2 classes) memorized different verses from the Bible and recited them individually in the microphone. They had been practicing for a few weeks, and the practice paid off. Even Daisy, the shyest student in Synnove's class, said her verse. All of the kids have come such a long way since the beginning of the year.

Each student was presented with a certificate and their very own Adventure Bible. They also got to take home their cap and tassel (Knappa colors, of course). Synnove has since hung her tassel next to mommy's above the TV.

I had a few pictures, but many were blurry. I'm still using my old camera, and have decided to live with it until I save enough money to purchase a "fancy" one. Uncle Don came to the graduation and took some pictures of the program...but I still haven't asked him for them yet. I only have a couple of shots of the kids getting ready...

Synnove, Carlie, Grace, and Cody


Pre-Program-Pep-Talk

Party, Party, Party!

The weekend started off with a bang when we had Melody and her 3 boys come over to play. It had been a while since the kids had any friends over, and I love visiting with Melody. They came early, had lunch with us, and played in the kiddie pool/sprinkler. They left just in time for nap. When the kids got up, we went to Daniel's high school graduation party. We had a great time visiting with friends and family, and, of course, showering Daniel with lots of $$. Doris (Aunt Alice's mom) made her famous chocolate cake, and we (I) stuffed ourselves with giant strawberries...among other things. The kids had a great time playing with Fi-Fi and we were among the last to leave. I don't think the kids got to bed till after 10:30.

The next morning (Saturday), Adam made a quick run back to Uncle Don's to get a load of wood before we were to head off to Cousin Alice's 3rd birthday party. The party was at Chris' brother's house located out in the middle of nowhere near Battleground, WA. We were welcomed to a lovely home filled with TONS of kids...all of whom I'm pretty sure were related. Everyone was outside enjoying the beautiful 85ish degree weather. There was a large pool located next to a big trampoline, a small kiddie pool, a volleyball net, a large play structure, and lots of room to run. The kids had an immensely good time, as did we.

Faith made strawberry shortcake cake served with chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry cheesecake ice cream and strawberry pop for Alice's Strawberry Shortcake themed party.

Here's a shot of Samantha holding Novie in the pool. Adam got in too and played with the kids.

After cake, swimming, and presents all the kids took turns taking rides on "Oreo." Soren was scared at first, but liked it by the time the ride was over.

I think the kids had the MOST fun on the play structure. 2 slides, 3 swings, a tire swing, and lots of places to climb!

Afterwards, we met up with Patty and her friend Steve for pizza and ice cream in Woodland before heading home. The kids, amazingly, stayed awake during the entire drive home...and were able to be in bed before 10:00.

I couldn't believe it when Synnove chose black licorice ice cream and actually liked it! She ate the entire thing. What a mess!

Soren was not too keen on the licorice, so he chose strawberry...still messy though.

As of now, we just got back from church, the kids are napping, and Adam is off getting some materials from Henry to make a chicken run for our lovely layers. Tomorrow, we'll be going to Fi-Fi's 8th grade promotion! Party #3, here we come!