Memorial Day Weekend

   We got to spend Memorial Day weekend at the cabin.  It was our first time going up this year.  The weather was just gorgeous.  Definitely one of the warmest we have had in May ever.  We had such a good time and it felt amazing to be back up there again.  Winter seems even longer without the cabin to go to.  We look forward to a summer full of new memories to be made at the cabin.
       The big hit this weekend, was the new swing my dad got.  Ashlyn loves her little swing up there, but it only fits one kid and there has been many fights over that swing.  We decided to solve that problem by buying a swing everyone can fit on.  It was such a hit!  I think only an hour went by when someone was not on that swing.  Gracie really wanted to nap on it.
   Here are some pictures from our great weekend.

Ashlyn literally hopped out of the van and got right on her swing.  

Swinging

Ready for bed

Posing with daddy

Sisters swinging 

We missed the chipmunks almost as much as they missed us I think.  

A deer we saw on our ride back from the general store.  They were not spooked by us one bit.  

All three on the swing. 

Breakfast time for Ella

My how  I have missed this sight!

Great picture Joey took of the general store.  

Swinging high

We did get some rain/snow briefly.  

Chatting on the stairs.  (Yes, even my brother came up!)

Graduation

   It is so hard to believe that Dawson graduated from preschool recently.  He is definitely more than ready for kindergarten.  Dawson has been doing preschool at his daycare for the last few years.  His daycare provider is absolutely phenomenal and I feel so blessed to have had her teach and care for Dawson over the years.  The level of care and compassion she provides is unlike anything I have ever seen before.  (She is so good, my sister and friend also bring their kids their.).
  Ms. Emily is so good at doing special things for every occasion.   She really outdid herself for their graduation.  The kids practiced their program for weeks.  When the time came for their program, I was amazed how much she did for their graduation. They even had caps and gowns. They sang us some special songs, and then they got their diplomas.  I may have shed a tear or two to see my little boy growing up and for that fact that he will no longer be at Ms. Emily's.  She ended the graduation with food and cake.  It was the perfect celebration for such a special moment in Dawson's life.
   Dawson will miss Ms. Emily's dearly, but I have no doubt that he is going to thrive and flourish in kindergarten.  He is so stinking smart and his reading ability already amazes me.  He definitely a smart one!
   I made it through his graduation, and I am already dreading the first day of kindergarten!  I am sure I will be a mess.  I am just so happy my sister will also be there dropping of Ella.  Strength in numbers right?

Waiting for the program to start

Here comes our graduate

He looks so cute!

Dawson was the only boy in his graduating class

One last hug from Ms. Emily

Showing off his diploma with pride!

Tossing their caps in the air. 

My favorite boy in the whole wide world and me

Aunt Katy and Ella

Jameson having fun in the photo booth

So glamorous

Best buds forever

All the wild ones together

We are so excited that Ella and Dawson will be going to the same elementary school. I really hope they end up in the same class.  

The amazing cake they had.  

Dawson was voted most likely to be filthy stinkin' rich.  We all got a kick out of this picture.  

End of the school year picture of Ashlyn. 

End of preschool picture of Dawson

One more picture for the paparazzi 

Gymnastics

       Both Ashlyn and Graceyn took gymnastics this year.  We just love their gym and the fact that it is non competitive.  The girls both have so much fun going and have mastered a lot of skills.  Ashlyn has really worked hard this year and has improved a lot.  They do an end of the year show to showcase all their skills for the year.  Ashlyn did so good and we were so proud of her.  She was even able to do a handstand all by herself on the balance beam.  She was quite proud of herself for that accomplishment!  She will continue going through the summer and next year.  I can't wait to see what skills she learns this year.

   Gracie's class is a parent/child class.  Joey took her most of the year on Thursdays because I was at work.  He said she always had a good time.  Since I am done working for the school year, I was able to attend some classes.  Gracie is a typical wild 2 year old that likes to spend a lot of her time running around and exploring.  She LOVES the balance beam and has no fear whatsoever.  She literally runs down it and won't hold your hand.  She keeps me on my toes that is for sure!!!  She will attend classes again this fall.  

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Her teammates 

Gracie loves watching her sister

Such nice form!

Getting her end of the year trophy.  

Gracie loves the noise makers at class

Doing the parachute with daddy

A rare instance when she actually holds someone's hand on the beam.

I think we did this one about 50 times that day.  

Ending the class by pounding the "drums".  It is her favorite part.