Carter's Kindergarten Reading Celebration and Graduation

Well- It's hard to believe Carter's first year of school has already wrapped up. He had his last day on May 27th. He was really excited to be starting summer break- and can't wait to start 1st grade... when he'll get recess! lol
Here's his first day and last day of school pictures compared:
First day:


Last day:


At his graduation, they had a slideshow where they put side-by-side pictures of first and last day pics too. The image is a little harder to make out though.



In addition to his Kindergarten graduation his school also celebrated the completion of this year's reading program "Books and Beyond". Carter went 'beyond' the suggested amount of reading per term, so he got an extra reward (a reading pin) in addition to a gold medal and an extra book. The reading celebration was at the Middle School (which was a big thing to him to visit!).



He got to walk the stage to get his medal and pin!





Back at his school- he got to walk that stage too to get his Graduation Certificate. On stage he was asked what his favorite part of the school year was- to which he quietly answered in the mic, "Everything". =)
I have video of it- but for some reason can never get video to load on here. So, if you want to see it, let me know and I'll email you the attachment. =)




After the ceremony, it was back to the classroom for cake and icecream and a final goodbye to his friends and teacher to close up the school year.

Carter and his teacher, Mrs. Sell.

Here's CJ with some of his friends.









Now that Carter has been home from school all day it's been a little of an adjustment- I think especially for Nathan and Lylah. While he was only gone to school from 8:30-11:45, our mornings ran very smoothly. Now, it seems like there is much more arguing between the boys- and Nathan isn't as nice to Lylah as he used to be while Carter was gone at school. -Not that they argue all the time- or that Nathan is always mean to Lylah- because for the most part, they get along great. I just think they are used to having some more space than they've had recently. So, I'm giving one away- probably Zach. (okay- just kidding) hehe! I am anxious to see how Lylah does in the fall when Nathan starts school!

Nathan turned 5!

On April 17th, Nathan had his 5th birthday! Since it was his big '5' we had a big celebration at Greatimes and he got to invite some of his best friends. He got lots of presents, cake and pizza, but more importantly, had lots of fun! So- here are a bunch of pictures from his big day!





Nathan looks like such a big boy in these pictures!


Carter and Jacob




I have no idea what happened for my mom and Cynthia to be making these faces in this picture! I love their disgusting expressions though!




Mya and Lylah are best buds!






Goofy picture of me:

Goofy picture of Zach:


My mom and I searched everywhere looking for a 101 Dalmatian's cake. This is what I finally found. Nathan LOVED it!




Make a wish and blow out the candles! (I'm sure he wished for a puppy!)




Mya helping with the candles


Present time!
Carter's checking out what gift 'he' got Nathan. He technically added, "Mommy bought it though"!



Save the Earth ... Recycle my Sister



Come on...come on... hurry!


He finally got it! (this one took him forever to get open!)


From Uncle Pete and Aunt Carrie

Nathan LOVES BumbleBee!


One of the gifts from Mamaw and Papaw


From Danny, Melissa, Jacob and Maddie



From Cynthia, Jim, James and Alex (this opened up a whole new can of worms: Nathan wanting a TON more Imaginext stuff!)


A PuppyPals game for Nathan's Leapster - From Papaw Paul


Besides BumbleBee- Nathan is also obsessed with Dalmations. Melissa and Brent got him 102 Dalmatians, which I've think he's watched at least once a week since he's got it!


Nathan got his birthday wish! Well... kinda. =) Meet Biscuit:



Mommy and Carter!


Carter showing off his loose tooth!


Part of Nathan's birthday package was being able to go play in this huge soft-play area. Lylah managed to climb to the top, and then got scared so stayed in this area until Carter came to help her down!


Nathan made out pretty good!


In addition, he also got birthday money from Grandma Shirley- which he went a bought a huge Batman Imaginext set. And he also got birthday money from Papa Pete and Nana- which he bought this stuffed dalmation puppy that he can play games online with. And, Aunt Christy gave him his annual birthday money for his savings account!

It's hard to believe my little Nathan is already 5- and will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. It doesn't seem too long ago when he was like this:


How fast time flies- and I thank God for every minute of it!