Last Day of Fourth and First Grade

We have come to the last day of a school year that at times seemed never ending.  And yet, on the other side of it, this year seems like we just started - all 3 of us learning together from home.  There were definitely hard spots along the way, but in the whole of this year, there are many celebrations.

This week I asked the boys to reflect on lessons they had learned this year and how they would forever be different.  One immediately said, “Let’s leave masks behind, but always remember to wash hands.”

I rephrased the question and asked “What big life lessons will you carry into summer?”  From the backseat…” Life is hard, but can still be fun.” “I need friends.” “ Grown-ups don’t always know what to do, but they try their best.” “Perseverance is just as important as right answers.” “ I like to read.” “That I don’t want to leave my teacher, she loves me.”

There was beauty in the rubble of what once was… in fact their classes seemed more of a family than ever.  When you live through something hard, and you live through it together, it changes your relationship.  With incredible odds, teachers carried our boys through a beautiful year.  

"And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive.  You won't even be sure, whether the storm is really over.  But one thing is certain.  When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in.  - Haruki Murakami 

As we turn the page on the last day of first and fourth grade it is hard to say goodbye to a year that held so many beautiful moments inside of really hard ones.

Happy last day of first grade Adam!

Happy last day of fourth grade David.

We are so proud of you!

We beat both of the boys teachers to school - since we were the only ones in their classrooms we took masks off, but don't tell!

Ms. Chamness - 

Mrs. Johmson - the lady that loved both of our boys into reading.

David fell in love with Puppy Place in first grade and Adam fell in love with Geronimo Stilton.

David's end of year celebration was a breakfast in class.

Waiting on breakfast - 

Yum!

Rudy's breakfast tacos and Round Rock Donuts!

Angie ran into this big kid in the hall returning books for his teacher.

Angie went to see the boys on last time at lunch!

Adam's last first grade lunch!

David's last Fourth Grade Lunch!

Angie is moving offices and in one of her trips she found Adam on the playground.

Adam's end of year celebration was at 2:00 in the afternoon. Sidewalk chalk and bubbles. 

This truly was the sweetest class  - they all loved each other.

Mrs. Johnson has a celebration as every child walks out the door for the last time as a first grader and into second grade on the other side.  When she did this for David - he wouldn't go.  Adam went skipping along without thinking.

This is the first and last hug that Adam was able to receive from his teacher all year. This is priceless!

After school Jonah came home with us and Megan met us at the pool.

Adam met 2 friends from class that live in our neighborhood there too.  They each had two friends to swim with.  This has been our first trip to the pool this year!  It was great to celebrate summer!

After 2.5 hours the big kids were tired and Jonah was ready to go home.

Megan came over for pizza and Dude Perfect.

Then it was time for our neighborhood senior parade!

Our neighbor Suzie...

And friend Austin...

Adam transformed for a split second, but it was hot!

Then a little basketball and more Dude Perfect.

Megan stayed until 8:30 when everyone was TIRED!

It was a great way to leap into summer!