Holly & Randy's Graduations

A week ago our niece, Holly, graduated from nursing school with her bachelor's degree and her dad, Randy, graduated from college with his master's degree in education administration. Keith and his parents attended Holly's graduation ceremony together at the Lied Center in Lincoln. The kids and I left after school to attend the party part of graduation. The graduation party was hosted by Randy's sister and husband, Sandy and Kevin, in Davey. It was a fun evening of visiting with family and friends. Best wishes Holly as you enter the "real" world!!!

The two graduates!

Holly and Cara enjoying the party!

Eli with some of his cousins. These cousins followed him around all evening. He was their leader in the fun and games.

Take care,

Michelle

Preschool Celebration

This morning was Ashlin's Preschool Celebration! It is called a celebration and not a graduation because some of the children will be taking preschool again next year. I told Ashlin it was her graduation and celebration from preschool because she will be moving on to Kindergarten in the fall. There were 24 students in Ashlin's class (6 girls and 18 boys). I also need to mention that there were 4 red-headed children in the class (Ashlin, Ty, Nathen, and Keaton). You don't see a lot of redhead people, so, to have 4 in one class was amazing!

Ashlin with Mrs. Keiser (on the left) and Mrs. Nedrow (on the right).

Mrs. Keiser is the class' teacher aide and Mrs. Nedrow is the teacher. Mrs. Nedrow mentioned this morning that there were three families in the class that this is the third child in the family that she has had as a preschool student (Faltys, Thramers and Leader). Mrs. Nedrow moved to teaching preschool when Cara started preschool. She is an awesome teacher!

Ashlin receiving her preschool certificate and a bracelet.


The students performed a short program for the parents and grandparents that were in attendance. The program consisted of the students reciting a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, counting by 1's, 2's, 5's and 10's, saying the days of the week, saying the months of the year, singing a song about the alphabet, singing the school's theme song for the year, and singing a few other class favorites.

Waiting for the program to begin. The children were all tired of sitting and were very excited. They had a busy morning that consisted of: attending Mass since it was a holy day, attending the May crowning of Mary, and saying a decade of the rosary at church.

Take care,

Michelle

Shoot Me! 19 of 52

Today is week 19 in the Shoot Me! Challenge sponsored by Carin over at Forever in Blue Jeans. This is your chance to step out from behind the camera and post a photo with you in the picture.

Today's photo was taken just this morning at Ashlin's Preschool Celebration.

Take care,

Michelle

Spring Concert

Yes, I know that I have been neglecting blogland. I am behind on posting and reading. Please bear with me for one more week. Yes, that is how much time until school is out for the summer. Actually, Ashlin's last day of preschool is Friday, but the two oldest get out next Wednesday.

The girls had their Spring Music Concert recently. The gym was packed with parents, siblings and grandparents. I hate how the pictures turn out in the gym, but at least I am snapping a few photos. The theme for grades K-3 was Disney and Cara and Erica had a blast learning their songs. They also had a great display of the students' artwork for everyone to look at.

Cara's third grade class.

I had to snap Erica's picture quick because when the whole class was on the risers you couldn't see her.


Ashlin's preschool class.

Take care,

Michelle

Shoot Me! 18 of 52

Today is Week 18 of 52 in the Shoot Me challenge where you step out from behind the camera and post a photo of yourself. This challenge is sponsored by Carin over at Forever in Blue Jeans.

This week's photo was taken by Erica as part of a school project she had to complete. Her 1st grade class read a story about a character named, Flat Stanley. Each student then had to make their own Flat Stanley and take it home. Flat Stanley was to go on adventures with them. Each student was to take pictures of Flat Stanley in different locations and then make a poster to share with the class. I was reading, so, Erica thought that Flat Stanley might enjoy reading also.

Take care,

Michelle

Soccer

Erica has never played soccer until this spring. Given the choice between soccer or track, she decided to give soccer a chance. She started practice mid April for two weeks and then last week we started playing games. Erica's team is called the Pink Panthers and their shirts are bright pink. There are five girls on the team and they play 3 on 3 for 1st grade girls.

This was at her first game last Thursday night. Erica is getting ready to kick off and it just missed going into the goal.

Running after the play.


Chasing down the ball.

I am happy to report that during her second game last Saturday Erica scored a goal. After she scored a goal she turned toward the bleachers and looked at Keith and me with the biggest grin on her face. Then I have to report that shortly after that she accidentally scored a goal for the opposing team. The weather on Saturday was very windy and cold here and she kicked the ball and then wind took it right into the other team's goal. Erica then had a look on her face of, "I can't believe that just happened". It gave us a good laugh. Her play is improving each game and she is learning to play more aggressive and not to be afraid (soccer is not a game of manners).

Take care,

Michelle

Spring Volleyball

This spring Cara decided to participate in volleyball instead of track. Twice a week during the month of April, Cara was in the gym at school practicing her volleyball skills. Each spring the head varsity volleyball coach hosts a clinic for the 3rd-6th grade students at the school. Mrs. Borgmann wants these girls to get excited about volleyball and start to learn the skills needed to play in high school on her teams. Cara had a GREAT time and I noticed that her skills have improved since last fall when she played at the YMCA.

Waiting for serve receive.

After spiking the ball.

Take care,

Michelle