A Very Long Post

Summer has arrived. The weather has been summerish for quite some time, it being 90+ for about 3 weeks now! The summer I am talking about is the one when the kids are home from school and saying "I'm bored!" Before, we get full blown into summer tho, I need to document a few end of year things.

First, Ben and Emma's soccer ended again. This time they got really huge trophies! They were so excited. Unfortunately we didn't get any pics of Emma's party, but it was a very fun swim party and bbq at one of the girl's houses. Emma's award was "most improved" she really is improving and loves soccer! I do have pics of Ben and his team. Marco, the coach, just loves Ben and he had a great year.





It will be nice to have a soccer break, but we will be back in August getting ready for the next season.

The primary had a temple trip activity. It was really fun, they went in the lobby and the temple president came out and spoke to them for a bit and the kids sang a few primary songs. They were so reverent and sweet, it was neat to see that. We took our neighbor Kassi with us and I think she liked it.





A quick report on Emma's Book of Mormon progress. She is on page 185 now and buzzing along nicely. We think it will be easier now that school is out to stay more on the ball with it. She is caught up tho. She doesn't LOVE scripture time, but she likes it and I think it will be a neat thing for her to accomplish. I love this pic of her, she is so beautiful.



Here are the two tow heads on the temple grounds. They were not the most reverent but they had fun.





Cami was so funny, some of the kids were laying down on the grass while listening to some "temple facts" and so Cami tried it. She is quite tentative feeling the grass on her back and neck.




Here is one more of Emma and Ben



This is a random picture of Cami sleeping with Don. She usually only will ever fall asleep in her crib, so it was so cute to come home and find them like this. There is nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby!



The last pictures are of Ben's last day in Kindergarten and his graduation and awards assembly. We are also very proud of Emma and her accomplishments in 2nd grade, but there was no awards for 2nd grade (sorry Emma), and therefore, no pictures! Warning: I am going to be bragging big time about Ben, so get ready! First let me preface this by saying that out of all my children, Ben and I butt heads the most, I think he feels safe and loved at home and so is not always on his best behavior (that is putting it lightly).

The graduation was so fun. The kids all walked accross the stage and got their "diplomas" and shook hands with their teachers and the principal. It was fun to see them all dressed in their best. Lots of parents brought boquets of flowers and baloons (we didn't), but it was fun to see that. After all the kids had gotten their diplomas, they sang two songs that were adorable. I think Don will be putting a video up soon. In the meantime here is a picture.



This is him with Mrs. Warner who has been a wonderful teacher and friend this year. We are thankful for her, I don't know how those kindergarten teachers do it!



Ok, now the bragging. We were sitting by the parents of one of the girls in Ben's class whom we have never met before, altho I know their daughter from the class. Anyways, the father asked if I was Ben's mother and went on to tell me that at the beginning of the year, he brought his daughter to class for the first few days. He said that he looked and kind of observed all the kids in the class. He told me that he could tell right off that Ben was a good boy. He told his daughter to make friends with Ben and to do what he does and she would be just fine. Well, if that isn't a compliment I don't know what is. How much does a mother love to hear that about her child whom she struggles with at home? Ya, it was nice to hear.

Each of the kids receoved an award from Mrs. Warner. Some got "most improved reader" things like that. Ben's award was neat, the teacher said something like this. "Ben has a gift and that is that he is a very encouraging person and always has a kind and uplifting word to say to others, he cheers everyone on." I thought that was a really neat award.



Since January, the kids have been documenting the books the have read with their parents at home. They would get little prizes if they reached a certain number. Mrs. Warner gave certificates to those who had read 50, then 100 and so on. Ben and 3 others won the highest prize of over 220 books read since January. He gets to have an ice cream date with Mrs. Warner over the summer! Here is a picture when he was told about the ice cream date. He couldn't believe it!



Mrs. Warner then announced that in every class, 3 children are chosen to receive the best behavior award. You can imagine my surprise and utter shock when Ben's name was called! WOW! Don and I looked at each other like "holy cow, is she serious? Ben Putnam?" Of course, the other two are girls, go figure!



It was a very neat day. Both Don and I were so impressed with Ben and happy that he had made good choices at school. We hope those choices will be consistent at home as well (uh huh?) Hopefully we will all make it through the summer. Good job Ben. We love you!