K :) the family historian: June 2015

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Summer Stuff

A quick catch up from my last post. Since Lily received her learner's permit she has been busy getting in some driving time. It's going very well.

We had John's family here (a total of 11 of us) for a visit. We spent time in the pool and eating some yummy meals. Our niece, Sofia, stayed for a couple of extra days and we went to see the movie Inside Out. I loved it and so did the girls.

Then we headed to Virgnia Beach for five days of family and fun. We shopped, went to some favorite restaurants, and had time on the beach at the Bay.

Once we headed back home, Lily packed and prepared for her week in Raleigh as a Senate page. Shelly attended her first night at VBS with friends.

Yesterday we dropped off Lily and her three friends at the NC Legislative Building in Raleigh. It was a fun morning and really nice to see the girls excited, a little nervous, and all dressed up for their page responsibilities.

Shelly went to VBS last night and today we are taking it easy. So far, we've had a whirlwind summer filled with visits, short trips, driving classes, sleepovers, and plenty of fun.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Learner's Permit

The journey to the learner's permit has been long and winding!

In March Lily took the book part of her school's driver's education class. The instructors were a bit backed up so when she finished, Lily was put on a waiting list for an available slot to take the driving portion of the class.

We thought she might get into the class somewhere in April or May. But, we were wrong. Her number finally came up for her to take the class on Monday. She was lucky enough to be with the veteran instructor who at one time owned his owning driving school. Lily had such a successful class and Mr. Wall arranged for her to complete the class in record time. She completed the course yesterday with flying colors.

Lily with her instructor, W.A. Wall

That meant that this morning we were at her school to pick up required forms and her report card (she made all A's for the semester!). Then it was off to the DMV to take her learner's permit tests. After 90 minutes, she walked out of the office with her permit in hand!!!! A super happy girl, for sure.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Awards

Shelly had a really nice awards day. She received several great awards and it was fun to see her standing in front of the crowd with such a big smile on her face.

The big sisters were done with exams, so they came to see their sisters receive their awards.

The 5th graders preparing to say good bye to Bethany.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Graduation Day

It was a perfectly precious day. Shelly graduated from 5th grade and we were lucky enough to have my dad, sister, and niece here to celebrate with us. Such a nice day. So proud of this sweet girl.

Off to graduation

I surprised Shelly with a real floral crown for the big day. She loved it.

Time to receive her diploma

Getting a peek at the graduate

The 5th graders singing Speak Life

5th graders performing a song on the recorder

She reminds me of a forest fairy in this photo

Friends

Family at the reception

Cute Cousins

Shelly and some of her teachers at Bethany.

Lily and her friend

The girls saying good bye to Bethany

Once home, Shelly opened her graduation gifts

Grandpa and granddaughters

Thursday, June 11, 2015

The Next Big Things

Here we go...off to the next big adventure. Shelly is headed to middle school and Lily is no longer the youngest group in high school.

I will have a 6th and 10th grader. When did all of this happen? Wasn't it just yesterday when I was sitting with two little girls at the local science museum wondering about their futures? So excited for these two. They are both happy and funny people who are ready for anything. Happy future, Lily and Shelly!!

Shelly's 5th Grade Year

Lily's 9th Grade Year

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Ten Years

For the past ten years my girls have been at the same elementary school. This is our final year at Bethany. Lily entered Kindergarten in 2005 and Shelly will leave 5th grade this year. It has been such a good experience for both girls with teachers who care and go above and beyond for their students.

It will be a little sad as we end this chapter, but I know that their future phases of schooling will bring its own adventure with it. Here are some photos of their days at Bethany: