Ellie

The first two pictures were the pictures she choose for the fifth grade slide show.  I love how they both capture Ellie!  I put the last one in because I love it!  But this post celebrates my amazing daughter who will be going to middle school and who turned 12 this year.  Ellie, you are the absolutely most brave and tenacious kid I know.  I am lucky and privileged to call you my daughter.  You are my hero because you embody everything that a hero is!  You don't give up when things get hard, you always give 110 percent, you care deeply and love deeply.  You might think you are different, but I think you are strong and the most lovable girl around.  Don't be afraid to be different it is what makes you unique!  I couldn't have gotten a better daughter then you.  I love you so much!  Mom

The end of elementary school

This was a really bittersweet day for me.  I am so proud of my girl, but I will really miss her next year.  It was such a great experience teaching at the same school as my kids.  Ellie was awesome with my kindergartners and I loved seeing her smiling face every day.  The fifth graders had a program in the morning and then field day in the afternoon.  One of the songs they sang was a tearjerker!  Then at the end of the day the whole school lined the hallways as the fifth graders did their final walk through and I couldn't stop the tears.  It was more emotional then I even expected.  I love watching my kids grow, but a part of me wishes they could just stay young forever!

Ellie's 12th party!

For Ellie's 12th birthday party I took her friends to the Evergreen waterpark in McMinnville.  It was a little splurge because it is a little spendy but it was well worth it.  We took her long time friends Antonia and Kassidy and then a new swim team friend Katie.  After swimming we came to our house for pizza, cake, a movie and a sleepover.  Ellie had a great time and was so appreciative like always!  

Father's Day and Ellie's B-Day

June 17th was a very special day!  Father's day and Ellie's birthday in one day.  They have shared this day before and I am sure will again.  We started the day with donuts and Ellie was able to get a cell phone which she had really wanted.  She and Doug decided they wanted to try fishing.  We spent a little time looking for a spot and unfortunately didn't catch anything.  But we had a good time trying.  For dinner we met my mom at the Ram.  Ellie's party came a couple days later!  

Outdoor school

The end of fifth grade meant outdoor school.  Ellie was so excited and I knew she would have fun, but I was not looking forward to having her gone for 2 days.  I really missed her.  The kids couldn't take cell phones so we didn't talk or text.  I did have spies from school who went up to camp check in on her.  I even gave my office manager a note to give her.  My principal sent me a picture of her smiling face which meant the world to me.  She said she was homesick on the 2nd night but she loved all the activities they did.  She spent lots of time in the water, no surprise to anyone.  I laughed when I saw her return in the same clothes she left in, but there are pictures to prove she changed her clothes while she was gone.

Orchestra

Ellie has been playing the violin for 2 years.  I was so surprised when she said she wanted to play and even more surprised when she wanted to continue into her 5th grade year.  She really enjoys it and I know how good music is for brain development.  We are really proud of her dedication, she had to get to school early 3 days a week.  We are not sure if she will have the opportunity to play in middle school since she is going to a charter school.  We might need to look into private lessons.