On to the Next

The end of this school year looked different than the end of last school year, and different from the end of the school year before that. But this finale needed to be celebrated as much if not more than previous finales, because my kids worked harder (and I worked harder) this year than they ever have before. 

We started with our traditional summer basket "surprise" (I don't think they're all that surprised anymore), and then followed up summer baskets with a friends swim date. Will added to his day a going-away party for a great friend - since kinder - who's moving to Austin this summer. 

I'm so proud that Will and Hallie were able to earn good grades, participate in school activities like NJHS and UIL, compete in multiple school and club sports, continue dance classes and company, maintain their friendships, and take care of 29 foster kittens. I'm so proud of Tom for teaching multiple graduate level classes while keeping his students on track and his lab functioning, and doing it all from our family rooms...which he now shares with kittens. (At some point I'll share a post about the many times kittens made planned and unplanned appearances during videoed lectures.) And I'm proud of myself for helping the kids - primarily Hallie - stay on track academically. None of what any of us - in our family and in families and households around the world - did this year was easy. But we are stronger for it.

We've come to the end...of this post, but also middle school for Will and intermediate school for Hallie. That's right, that little bit of a thing below is headed to high school in the fall.

End of Kinder

End of 1st Grade

End of 2nd Grade

End of 3rd Grade

End of 4th Grade

End of 5th Grade

End of 6th Grade

End of 7th Grade

End of 8th Grade

                     
And this little pipsqueak is off to middle school in just two months. 

End of Kinder

End of 1st Grade

End of 2nd Grade

End of 3rd Grade

End of 4th Grade

End of 5th Grade

End of 6th Grade

It goes SO fast...

Note #1: I should have started with a bigger or less fitted cut of shirt for my girl...not sure why I went with the baby tee. 😂

Note #2: Last year I took these shirt pics in July (better late than never), so Hallie had already transitioned to her summer hair color. What a difference a little sun and a lot of chlorine makes! 

Note #3: Hallie always wants to take lots of different pictures in different poses and doing different dance moves. Will always wants to take zero photos. Here are their "outtakes".