End of the School Year Events

June has finally come to an end, and that means school is out!  Yay!

All three of the older boys signed up to play for the school talent show.  They worked really hard on their pieces and were excited to perform for the school.  It was quite a set up--there was even a screen with a video of them as they played so everyone could see.  I enjoyed hearing the cheers of their friends before they even started! Got some partial videos of them playing:

William played "Yesterday" by the Beatles

Ryrie played "German Song"

Owen played "In Dreams" from Lord of the Rings

William and Ryrie had their Grade 4 Royal Conservatory Piano exam this week.  They worked really hard and were able to perform 10 times before the actual exam.  This was an interesting experience for them, because they tried out all sorts of pianos.  By the time the exam came, they didn't really seem nervous at all.  They got to play on a grand piano in the big church where our symphony performs, so the sound was rich and full and beautiful.  Too bad only the examiner could be in the room to hear them, but I got a pretty good hearing from out in the hall.  They both came out with huge grins on their faces--so pleased with themselves!

After the exam, we of course had to celebrate with ice cream.  It's tradition now!

On the last day of school, there was a big assembly/graduation for the Grade 5s.  It was fun to see the kids march in and stand so quietly up in front of the whole school.  I was feeling a mix of emotions seeing our little twinners up there--amazement that they are this old, gratitude for them and the part they play in our family, gratitude and happiness at their lives thus far--thinking of their miraculous births and successive difficulties, and that mixed-up feeling of being excited for the kids to grow up and learn/do new things, but not sure if I want them to grow up yet, and so forth.  I think they had similar feelings, because they said they were both "happy and sad" that grade 5 and elementary school were over.

Tommy's last day of kindergarten.
He made Ms. Kohn a beautiful card and brought her some of our peonies
that are in full bloom right now.  He's got a great scrapbook that he loves to look at.

Will's "set" of friends.  Damian, Zac, and Ben
I enjoyed driving this crew to the outdoor pool for a field trip.
It was fun to hear them talking together.  

Grade 5 Granulate!!

Ryrie's "set"--Sam, Matthew, and Dallin

Ryrie's teacher--Mrs. Wood

Two big boys!

Will's teacher--Mrs. Erickson

Owen had two teachers this year--his main teacher  left partway
through the second semester to have a baby, and Mrs. Penner finished out the year.
She said Owen was a real leader in the class and she really enjoyed having him.

At the flag pole outside.  This is where the boys meet each other after school to walk to the bus together.

Another year under their belts!!  Onward and upward.

Last day of Elementary School

The assembly was kinda long, but Daddy was there to help us stay happy.

William, front row, far left

Ryrie, front row, 3rd in from right

This assembly is too long!!

William walking down the aisle:

Ryrie walking down the aisle:                                                                      

A fun little dance:

Slide show clips: