Summer Kickoff Party

Our orthodontist's office does a summer kickoff party every year.  We haven't gone any of the other years, mostly because we are usually busy with something else.  But this time, we weren't doing anything and I thought it would be fun to get out of the house and do something.  The party had free food and different activities.  The favorite activity was the climbing wall.  Caleb, Travis, Jonah, and Eliza all participated in the climbing wall.  Westley didn't really want to be there, so he mostly sat off to the side.  Although, he did help out with corralling the younger kids, so that was nice.  I'm sad that his interest in just doing things with the family is waning, but it was to be expected at this age.

Another Solo Contest

Westley also had his solo contest for band.  He also earned a one ranking.  He really loves band and music and I'm so glad that he has developed such a love for it.

School Achievements

With the end of the school year comes a lot of programs and assemblies. With such a large family, we often have nights that are doubled up with things.  One such night was the night that Caleb was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.  It was also the night of Eliza's fourth grade music program.  Her program actually had three different times that the kids could go, and they were assigned by class, but in case they couldn't go to their assigned time, they were able to join up with another group.  She had to go earlier and join up with another group, which worked out well since her best friends were in another group.

Caleb was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.  I think he was excited about this honor.  He is very diligent in his studies and tries hard to keep up with all of his work on his own. 

Also this month were the solo contests for band.  Caleb earned a medal for getting a "one" ranking on his solo, which is the highest ranking.  He really seems to enjoy playing his trombone.

April Miscellaneous

 In preschool, we grew butterflies and then released them outside.

 Nathan trying not to fall asleep in his carseat.

 Nathan playing with a mask that Annmarie got at a birthday party.

Sometimes I like to do a fun movie night with the kids and pull the table into the family room to watch a movie while we eat dinner.

Another fun preschool day.  The kids went shopping for items in our pretend store with pretend money as we learned about pennies, nickels and dimes.

Easter Clothes

Here are this year's Easter clothes.  I got ties of all the same color for the boys but each one has a different pattern.  I made matching dresses for the girls from the same pattern this time (something I haven't been able to do very often) and a skirt for me.  I love being matching for Easter!

Band Competition

Westley had some UIL competition for his symphonic band, a field trip from school.  He wore his concert attire to school so he wouldn't have to change after getting to school.  He looks so handsome in his tux!

Ice Skating

I got a Groupon for ice skating several months ago and it was set to expire in about a week.  The rink hours weren't very good for our schedule and the rink was an hour's drive away in Arlington.  But, we are lucky in that our school district still has an Easter break, which is the Friday before and the Monday after Easter.  So we took advantage of a day off school and used the Groupon.  Corey was at work, of course, so it was just me and the kids.  Nathan came too, and it was a little hard with him.  He didn't really like it and spent some of the time walking around off the ice in his skates.  But at least he was willing to try!  The other kids seemed to enjoy it as well.  Maybe we'll do it again some time.