~Disney Cruise~

This past June we had the opportunity to go on a Disney Cruise for 4 days. All girls trip, no boys allowed!  

Pulling the car into port.

Waiting with Goofy to get on. 

Meme had printed off some decorations for our door to make it more disney-like. 

We all went to the Golden Mickeys, which was one of the shows that was on the ship. All the performers were fantastic. 

Dinner the first night- Enchanted Garden

Got to meet Stitch and played shuffleboard. 

Meeting Goofy again with his tux and swimming in the clear water in Disney's private island. 

The Bahamas was beautiful and we got to meet a dolphin named Stormy. Will try to post some pictures with him soon. 

One of the beautiful sunsets on pirate night

We had some of the best servers- Roy and Carlos. They made dinner something we all looked forward to every single night!

Met some characters on the last night on board. 

Mickey never says goodbye- always "See you real soon!"

It was an overall great trip and we hope to see Mickey again soon...

New popsicle place

A new popsicle place opened in Matthews. 

Such yummy flavors 

Ella and I enjoyed our time together. 

Summer Job

Wine and Design

To celebrate our VIF teacher we headed to Wine and Design.  We had a great time.  We thought this would be a great idea.  Each of us has something to remember our year together even though we are on opposite sides of the world now.  We can look at the picture and have this memory.  We realized we acted just like our students when it came to learning something new or being taken out of our comfort zone.  

Mrs. Loken, me, our VIF teacher Mrs. Gopun, Mrs. Bretz, Mrs. Wilson, and Mrs. Ruby

Our First Grade Team

What an incredible team this is.  They were my saving grace many times.  Four of them have been together for 5 years since Poplin opened.  Mrs. Gopun came 3 years ago and then I joined the team this year.  

They work together so well.  They share lessons and ideas.  God was guiding and directing my path each and every way as I stepped back into the classroom after 9 years at home.  Being with these ladies each and every day may my job bearable and a joy.  

We are missing our Phillipino teacher already.  Many tears were shed the last few weeks before she left.  

End of the Year

I saw this come through some social media.  I needed this reminder to help me have the strength to make it to the end.  I wanted this from my children's teachers so I needed to do the same for the kids I taught.  

End of the year awards - Ella received the Citizenship Award.  So thankful for teachers who recognize character in our children.  Ella has the most helpful, giving heart.  She will go out of her way to check on you to be sure you are having a great day.  She is a rule follower and very trust-worthy.  

Meme and papa were able to come and be with her for her ceremony.

This was Ella's best buddy in class  - Alyssa

She got an award too.  Ella was so excited for her.

Seth also received awards at an awards night.  He received straight A's and a team award for being a top math student.  I will add pictures later.  

Another day, Ella had a writing celebration.  WOW!  What a great accomplishment.  

The stack in front of her is all her writing from the entire year.

Ella's Phillipino friend Nica with their long dresses on for the celebration.

Ella had already been picked up early from school on the last day so I only had the boys.  Garrett spent the last day of school with me in my classroom.  Seth was picked up early and brought to me and spent the afternoon with us.  We had a grand time.  My students were so excited to spend the day/afternoon with my guys.  I talked about them all year so to have them in real life was a huge treat.  

This was us loaded in the car to say 2013-2014 school year was OVER.  We survived.  This was truly a transition year with many, many changes for our family.  We had our ups and downs but truly it was a great year and we are super excited for summer.