Final Month of Kindergarten 2017

Ryder had such a fantastic year in Kindergarten.  Mrs Pynten was one of those teachers that you always hope for but sometimes never exist.  She was Mary Poppins in a younger body :).  She made me want to go back to Kindergarten lol.  

Ryder's class came to the Hemstock after swimming in the morning to sing songs and for an ice cream social.  

Another afternoon, they presented songs to their parents at the school. 

And the last day of school :(

Didn't realize how badly he needed a hair cut until this picture lol.  It happened the next day! 

Art Club Wind Up

Ryder and Sawyer were enrolled in an afternoon Art Club this Spring and he loved it!  They weren't able to bring anything home with them - rather there was a "wine and cheese" night held, where they showcased their items and then we got to bring them home.  I was so very impressed with Ryder's work!  

Mckenzie Turns 5

She's no longer a baby.  She's no longer a toddler.  Now she is a young lady.  Probably out of all birthdays this was one of the hardest for me.  5 years old.  I just want her to stay little forever!  

Because Steve was away for her actual birthday, we birthday'd it up with her one evening prior to him leaving.  

And on her birthday, she celebrated with her closest friends.  Panama party style.  On one of the hottest days ever. lol.  Silly girls!  

I planned nothing.  Just had various stations set up and said - go play.  And that they did - they moved around so quickly I had a hard time taking pictures - bounce house, bubbles, drawing, chalk, dolls, make up....they did everything.  All while, laughing, chattering, giggling - she was in the presence of her special friends.  It was a great day! 

Supper was served - chicken, cucumbers and tomatoes - Mckenzie's favourite! 

She doesn't like cake.  BUT she does love some watermelon!  So a watermelon easy cake was what she wanted :)

This special group of girls is why Mckenzie isn't going to kindergarten in the Fall.  Her special friends are all Church related friends and we would love to foster those relationships - so she will wait and go in the Fall 2018 with her best friends instead.  This picture also makes me laugh - she's the oldest by 6 months to a 10 months but just about the smallest lol.  

And not long after her birthday, we celebrated with family! 

Happy Birthday Special Girl.  You are loved so very much! 

Father's Day 2017

For those of you know that are close to our family, know that spending Father's Day as a group of 5 was different for us for various reasons.  But as I reflect on that afternoon, I'm really glad that Steve and I could put our issues aside and focus on the kids.  Having a day that felt normal for them.  Funny how we wanted to do that for the kids, all while we were supposed to be celebrating Steve and the amazing dad that he is.  We hit up the local Petting Zoo (which is pretty great for little Lloydminster!) and then went for ice cream afterwards.    The kids spent supper with Steve prior to coming back to the house later that day.  It was a great afternoon! 

Holding a wolf cub

Another End of Playschool Year

It wasn't the final end of playschool for Mckenzie and she is returning again in the fall.  But it didn't make the goodbye's for the summer any easier.  We have been so lucky the last number of years to be part of the Doodlebug family.  What a treat it has been!  

Till September....