May Memories (in June)

Natalie celebrated her 8th birthday in May! 

It's been fun watching her mature over the year, and we are so thankful for her.  She's a great middle child- swinging back and forth to play with both her older and younger sibling.  Both her first and second grade teachers described a "quiet confidence" that she exhibits at school.  She is a hard worker and loves to please.  It's been especially great to see Natalie's patience with Kate.  Natalie teaches Kate SO much, and Kate definitely looks up to her.  It's been sweet to watch their friendship grow even more over this past year. 

Natalie's big wish for her birthday?  CALENDAR MATH- just like her teacher had in her second grade classroom.  So, we surprised her by turning a little section of the basement into a school area.   It even came with an eager student!  (Kate sometimes gets promoted to the assistant teacher when Natalie's feeling extra generous.)

Another highlight from May was PET DAY at school.  The kids were thrilled to be able to have a pet to share at the event. 

Scout even came away with a blue ribbon!

The older kids had class field trips in May, so Kate was so excited to receive a permission slip and invitation to go to the zoo with her grandparents!:)  She took her permission slip very seriously and made sure that we filled it out and turned it in right away. 

 
I found this in her room too- a few days prior to her field trip...it was her own field trip countdown.  :)

 She had a GREAT day!

The kids were getting ready to head over to Grammy's house one afternoon to play Monopoly.  They had been bickering off and on all morning.  

Me:  You better not fight at Grammy's.

Natalie:  Well, we had a little bit of fights left in us, so we were just getting it out of our system.

I overheard the girls grumbling about their brother one day when they thought he was being too bossy.
Kate:  We're not the soldiers of Scott!
Natalie:  You mean slaves.  If we were his soldiers, we'd be guarding him from enemies.

Kate:  Mommy, I'm not much of a cleaner, so could you help me clean my room?  

(Kate, I'm not much of a cleaner either.)

 
Kate:  Are there presents in that closet?  (The one that they are not allowed to open because I keep gifts inside!) 
Me:  Maybe.
Natalie:  Maybe means yes, Kate.  I've learned that from livin' in this house.