Freedom!

New approach

I came to a realization-- I mainly take so freaking long to post pictures because of the writing process. While I love to add context and commentary, I struggle to find moments when I can focus enough. (And, let's face it: if I have an uninterrupted window of time, I'm going to put away laundry or watch Project Runway or something productive like that.)

So I've decided to try a new approach in the spirit of posting more more often. No writing. Just pictures.

Weekend with the Willises

 

Preschool graduation

Travis graduated from preschool last Thursday.

We celebrated at a park near his school. The kids sang songs (including one hilarious number about a skunk), got their diplomas, picked a prize, and had a little party.

 

 

 

 

 

Along with his diploma, we received a copy of a questionnaire he filled out earlier in the week.

1. My favorite part of preschool was: going to the zoo.

2. The hardest thing to do was: reading books.

3. My best friend is: Rebeka.

4. I'm excited for Kindergarten because: you get to do numbers there.

5. When I grow up, I want to be a: Daddy.

6. My favorite thing I learned to do in class was: sing.

7. This summer, I'm going to: swim.

Travis grew so much this year-- he learned to read, write, do more challenging math, focus better in class, express himself through art & music, and follow school rules. He also made some good friends. A huge thank-you to Mrs. Walls for her attention and hard work!

(Almost) Summer

Summer has almost landed at our house.

Once Travis finishes his last week of preschool, we'll be free to tackle our plans at the slower pace this season brings. The gorgeous weather-- and the fact that Benjamin has finished school-- have us dabbling in some of the fun of summer already:

A more relaxed schedule, trips to the park, bubble & water games, lazy time on the hammock, messy hair,  dirty knees, lots of watermelon, chalk art, outdoor play from morning until bedtime, and long outings to the library where we rest in the shade with our new books.

Some of us sit still and take in everything.

 Others chase squirrels...

 ...until they run out of energy and sit in the cool grass to read...

...or play with sticks while listening to big brother narrate.

Ahh, summer is the best.

First grade wrap-up

Ben finishes first grade today. He learned so much this year, and we are grateful to his amazing teacher, Miss Thornton, for all she's done. His class wrapped up with lots of fun activities: tie dying, Camp Learn-a-Lot, a special assembly, today's party, and a reader's theater.

Benjamin starred as the Big Bad Wolf in a traditional Three Little Pigs play.

He loved first grade! We'll miss the structure of school but look forward to all we have planned for summer.

Over the past few weeks

1. Benjamin worked hard to earn money and bought his first skateboard.

2. He broke his arm at school 3 days later. No skateboarding (or swimming... or bike riding... or anything else that keeps this active kid sane) for 6+ weeks. Bummer.

3. Travis delved further into independent reading & writing.

4. Scott finished finals!

(Libby's "I miss Daddy" face. We'll see much less of that-- and much more of Scott-- this summer!)

 

5. I enjoyed a glorious Mother's Day weekend.

6. Libby & I tagged along on a field trip with Travis' preschool to the zoo.

 

 

 

7. Ben performed in his first grade Spring Sing.

(Sneaking in a wave our way; his teacher had my camera)

 

 8. I sucked at taking pictures, let alone blogging. Se la vie.