Izzy and Collin had grown so much. They would both beg to differ. Most likely they will always be one of the smallest in their classes. I often tell them being small is not always a bad thing. After all, you usually get to sit on the front row on picture day. That is a perk. :) Then, when you are looking back at your class pictures ages from now, you'll be easy to spot. :)
Izzy finished 1st grade, Collin finished 3rd. Yes, Izzy's shorts are kinda short. It was the last day. What are they going to do, send her home. Some days it is all about what clothes are clean. Ya know? :) I'm not sure why Col chose jeans. Boy how things change. Last year he wouldn't wear shorts. This year I have to remind him it is snowing and that shorts aren't appropriate. :) I sure love that boy.
This was a big day for Jackson. He finished 6th grade and completed his time at Sam Morgan Elementary. It was a bitter sweet. Even though we are so grateful for his progress and success, we knew the end of elementary would bring a whole new element of challenges to his life. Junior High can be brutal for any kid. Add in disabilities, curriculum, anxiety, locker combinations, A / B Day schedules, gym, insane lunch rooms, etc., and you have one nervous mama.
After getting all the kids out the door and on the bus, I headed down to the Jr. High to watch Lexie. It was her last day of 9th grade and her last day as a Fairfield Cheerleader. The squad was performing in the final assembly and I didn't want to miss it. They did a great job on their dance and their stunting. The squad endured several challenges during the year. As I watched them perform together this final time, I couldn't help but feel proud of them. When they started, they were such a young, fresh team. Many of the girls had never stunted before. The final assemble was so fun to watch. I hope the girls were proud of themselves for coming together to form a strong team.
Ryan picked up a little treat for the kids and left it for them on the dining table. It was a fun surprise for them to find when they came home. Ryan is a great dad. He is always looking for ways to surprise and connect with the kids. We are so lucky.
After stopping at the Jr. High, I headed back to the elementary for Jackson's 6th grade graduation program. Ryan was already there as we had to divide and conquer to be able to hit all the kids' programs. He recorded the first part of Jackson's program for me so I wouldn't miss a thing.
Jackson receiving his diploma from the principal and his teacher.
Jackson's teacher, Mrs. Chesley.
After his program, Ryan and I took J to our favorite local frozen yogurt shop to celebrate. See that smile? Those are kinda rare so when you see one, you know it is the real deal. We are so proud of him for completing this milestone in his life. Even though he has many challenges, he works hard every day to keep all the balls in the air and function as best he can. Way to go. You will always be our little J-Bird.
After frozen yogurt, it was back to the Jr. High to pick up Lex and her friends. The school descended upon K-town fast food establishments and eateries. It was fun to drive her crew around and see all her friends one more time. Sophomore year was going to bring big changes for these kids. Sadly, they would be split between two local high schools. Even though they are great friends now, life happens, and some of those friendships will fade. As they exited the car one last time, they waved and said, "Thanks for the ride, Mama Dopp! (their fav nick name for me and my big, white Denali)". I hope the kids' paths will continue to cross. They all have such bright futures ahead of them.
Next up.... SUMMER!
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