Monkeying Around

Charlie has been trying to make it across the monkey bars all school year and he finally succeeded!

Future Photographer

Summer vacation was off to a slow start today. It rained almost all morning and we had to wait for a plumber to come by the house. We spent the morning inside watching movies, playing with play-doh, and having an indoor picnic. Once the plumber arrived I ran downstairs to meet him and explain our issues and about 5 minutes later Charlie came down to show me all of the pictures he took with my camera. Initially I was worried since we was using my good camera, but when I looked at the pictures I couldn't help but laugh. He basically followed his sister around and actually took a few good shots. Looks like it's time for him to get his own camera! 

Exploring the Bloomingdale Trail

We went to explore the new Bloomingdale Trail this week. I wasn't a fan, especially after we saw a bike rider run into a stroller, but the kids had fun. 

First Day of Summer!

After a very rainy start to our day, we decide to take the chance of getting rained on and head to the zoo. We went 30 minutes before it closed (the buildings close, but the grounds stay open a little later) and checked out a few houses before they locked them up. Then we walked around and checked out all of the animals that were still outside. We ended up spending almost 2 hours walking around and there was no one there. It was the perfect way to end the day. 

(Charlie on the monkey's back) 

(Evy loved the baby) 

(The best shot I could get of both of them!) 

(Happy boy on the first day of break!)

Vroom, Vroom

The kids love "driving" in Nana's corvette. Evy spent about 30 minutes in the car and did not want to get out when it was time to go. She kept repeating, "more vroom".

Last day of Junior Kindergarten! June 19, 2015

Another school year has come to a close. Charlie has grown immensely this year and has learned so many new skills. He can write his name, count to 100, writes sentences, is learning to read, and is an incredible artist and these are just the basics! We are surprised on a daily basis by what he knows and learns in school. We have been so happy and we cannot wait for next year!

(First and Last day of Junior Kindergarten) 

(First and Last day of Junior Kindergarten) 

(Throw back -- First day of preschool at Mayer and last day of Junior Kindergarten) 

(Charlie and his teacher Miss Bridget on the last day) 

Statue Game

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Charlie loves playing the "statue game". He usually runs a head of us and pretends to be a statue. His little copy-cat likes to play the game now too. This is Evy the happy statue. 

Morning Message

Every morning Charlie's teacher leaves a note on the board about what to expect for the day. Charlie has been working really hard on his writing and is desperate to  write! During his writing time he copied the morning message and his teacher sent it to me. I can't wait to show him this next year because I have a feeling he's going to be reading and writing without a problem. 

It reads: 

Good morning friends. 

Today we have library. Please be extra good listeners. Love Miss Bridget and Miss Maureen. 

Thursday June 18th. 

Charlie is the Student of the Month!

Today, we met Charlie in the cafeteria at his school to honor him as room 102's Student of the Month. Every teacher chooses a student (or students) of the month and there is an award ceremony that the student can attend with parents. Charlie received a certificate, ribbon, and a student of the month bracelet. As Charlie told me last night, "it's hard to listen all the time" and he's right. We are so proud of him for working hard in school and listening to his teacher everyday! 

(The student of the month bulletin board that's located in his school hallway) 

(Charlie and his proud Daddy) 

(Charlie receiving his award) 

(Charlie's proud sister Evy) 

(Rare moment where both kids smile) 

(Charlie's Principal's Award) 

(Charlie and his classmate Margot) 

De Color Espanol

Charlie learned a new song this week and we were blown away! I knew he knew some of his colors in Spanish, but I had no idea how fluent he had become.  Once again Charlie has amazed us. 

And there is a dance version...

This Makes My Heart Happy!

Matt and I are both avid readers. Seeing these two on the couch reading together made me so happy. I look forward to the days when we can all curl up with a book and relax. 

(Evy is "reading Pete the Cat and Charlie is reading Corduroy) 

Sleepy Beauty

It's very rare to catch Evy sleeping. She is a light sleeper and usually when you walk into her room she pops up, but today I caught her! My little sleeping beauty! 

Hitchin' A Ride

When left alone, it's not surprising to find Evy climbing on the back of Charlie's car for a ride. These two are trouble! 

What's the best way to describe this?

This is Charlie dressed as Tarzan/Luke Skywalker/Indiana Jones. He's always in character! (He's probably going to be angry at me when he's older for publishing this picture!) 

Junior PGA Player

Charlie has been "super good" in school all week and was even named Student of the Month. To celebrate Matt took Charlie to the Diversey driving range. Charlie hit 100 balls and had a great time. You may see this face in future PGA tournaments! 

(Two Peas in a Pod) 

(Look at that handsome face!) 

(Finally smiles) 

Swinging Monkey

It takes us a LONG time to walk anywhere and one of the reasons is because we have to stop and hang on every bicycle rack and there are lots of bike racks in this City. 

My Hearts

Nothing warms my heart more than seeing these two together. They really are best friends. 

(Hold my hand while we cross the street) 

(Don't let go!) 

Nature Museum Field Trip

I chaperoned Charlie and three of his friends (Lilija, Milo and Desi) at the Nature Museum today. After touching bugs we explored the butterfly sanctuary and played in the water works area. The day ended just before lunch and I had such a good time with Charlie and his class. Going on field trips this year has been so much more fun for me. Charlie is always excited to have me with him and does not cry when I leave, which was always heartbreaking. He is such a big boy now.