School's Out for Summer

I'm thrilled this school year has come to an end. It wasn't a bad year necessarily, at least overall, but we (and I mean "we", because while the kids were "in it", Tom and I were along for the ride) had to navigate some complicated, difficult, and frustrating situations. Just like last year, none of what any of us - in our family and in families and households around the world - did this year was easy, and we're all stronger for it.

But... The kids need a break. I need a break. And we all need to celebrate, even if it's just our traditional summer basket "surprise" (Will and Hallie are of course not at all surprised anymore, but I love this tradition and I'm keeping it alive, surprise or not) and a toast with sparkling grape juice.

~

This kid just wrapped up 9th grade. It's truly mind-boggling to think that he only has three years left before he graduates from high school...

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

End of 9th Grade.

                    
And this little pipsqueak only has one more year of middle school. 

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.

It goes SO fast...

~

Note #1: I say this every year, and I'll say it again - 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: It's crazy to me how much Hallie's hair has changed over the years. She had such fine hair as a baby, toddler, and elementary schooler, and while her hair has gradually thickening, in the last year it's gone from thin and wavy to thick and CURLY. (I'm trying to help her learn to love her new hair...we're not there yet.) 

Note #3: Speaking of hair...I've given up on Will's.