Last Day...

We have been walking to school (almost every day) for the last 6 years. I can vividly remember walking Zoe to her first day of kindergarten. She was so excited to put on her princess backpack and walk to her classroom.

Today is the last day we will be walking to school together. Next year begins the new schedule of driving to the middle school, so today we enjoyed our morning walk, this time with Cooper by her side.

The morning started with the last Friday Flag Salute assembly of the year. Cooper and Zoe were both awarded with perfect attendance for the 3rd trimester.


Next, Zoe was awarded the honor roll once again for her awesome grades.
Then she got to take her step forward for earning all 5's on her report card for this trimester.
Finally, she was recognized for earning all 5's all year for 5th grade.
In years past, they have also recognized the students who achieved all 5's for their 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade years. This year the teachers decided not to, so Zoe was a bit disappointed because she was one of only a handful of kids to accomplish this great achievement, and was looking forward to taking one more big step. We are still very proud! She also received a trophy for her chorus participation this year.

We also got to find out who the school spirit spy was this year...
Mrs. Newman fooled us all and put on a great show!

At the end of the last assembly, it is tradition for the outgoing 5th graders to run through the staff tunnel. Again, I teared up just seeing all these kids running through and saying goodbye to everyone.

While Zoe went back to class for movie and popcorn day, I got to spend a little more time with Cooper while helping out with the 3rd grade pizza lunch. Cooper has had his own fun week of activities, doing field day (which was mostly indoors due to the wet weather), movie day, game day, a frozen yogurt library party, a Native American presentation, and more. He was happy to have one more "fun" day.
Cooper has had such a great year also. He has enjoyed his classmates and adored his teacher. I think he was feeling a bit sad that the year was over. If they gave out honor roll for 3rd grade, he also would've made it. He has worked so hard, and had an awesome report card!
At the end of the day, it was time to say goodbye to everyone. Zoe gave one last goodbye to Mrs. Underwood.
So, the school year is over, and I now have a 4th and 6th grader. I still can't quite believe it. As sad as it was for Zoe to say goodbye, I think we are all looking forward to a relaxing and fun summer. I'm hoping for lots of rest, beach days, pool time, book reading and home organizing!
I always to try to surprise the kids with something fun when they come home on the last day of school, and this year it was silly string. They had a blast!
Let the silly string war begin!

It was warm outside, so time to jump in the pool to cool off before dance and our celebration dinner.

Happy Summer!!!

Class of 2011

I honestly can't believe this day is here. I can't believe my "baby" girl is promoting from 5th grade and moving on to middle school. There is such a mix of emotions...I am so sad that her days at elementary school are done, but also so excited about her accomplishments and her future. I think Zoe is feeling the same mix of emotions, but as usual, she had a smile on her face and was joyful about her day!
The entire 5th grade class wore their 2011 t-shirts, which has each of their signatures on it. That, and a little concealer for the black eye, and Zoe was ready to go.
Cooper was a supportive brother this morning! There is so much love between these two...

We arrived at school and were ready for the ceremony.
Waiting for the ceremony to begin...these girls are so sweet!

Mr. McTasney gave a beautiful, encouraging, and heartwarming graduation speech. This is the first graduating class from the kindergarten opening of Tony Tobin, so it is pretty special for everyone.

The classes sang several songs throughout the ceremony, my favorite being "Kindergarten Wall." It certainly made me tear up.

Zoe was awarded the Presidential Academic Achievement Award for earning Honor Roll for 4th and 5th grade. What an achievement!

Each person was called up by their teacher for their official promotion, followed by a handshake from Mr. McTasney.

Mrs. Underwood's 5th grade Class of 2011...

After the ceremony, we headed to the multi-purpose room for some refreshments, and to collect Zoe's certificates. We were so glad that Mimi and Gramps came down for the ceremony!
I didn't have much eye makeup left on due to my tears, but I was so happy to be celebrating my girl.

Zoe opened up a beautiful diamond necklace from my parents, and then we headed out to eat.

Zoe followed up her lunch with a delicious piece of red velvet cake!

Congratulations on your amazing achievements during the last 6 years Zoe! We are so proud of the young lady you are becoming, and we love you so much!

5th Grade vs. Staff Softball Game

It is a tradition at the end of each school year for the 5th graders to take on the staff in a softball game. The whole school comes out to watch, and Zoe has been looking forward to this for 6 years.

Zoe was a little hesitant this morning since she had just been hit with the baseball, but once she got there, she was all smiles. And in the right light, her eye looked pretty good!
The staff was in the outfield first. Mrs. Underwood was ready!
There was a D.J. announcing the plays and playing some fun music throughout the morning. While the kids waited for their turn to bat, they did a little dancing.
Cooper enjoyed watching the game, and kept score the entire time. He can't wait until he is 5th grade so he can play.
Out of 142 students, Zoe was the second to last one up to bat. She hit the first pitch and got a single!

Mr. McTasney was there trying to stop her from running to second!
The last batter hit a big one, so Zoe was able to run all the way home.
At the end of the game, the kids all ran in for sno-cones, another fun tradition.

Zoe has made some great friends at this school, and I am getting so emotional as the last day is approaching. I am just not ready for the big change ahead, and am trying to cherish every fun moment this week!

(Sydney, Emily, Zoe, Heather)