A Few More Good-byes and Good Memories

One Sunday afternoon Anne wanted to buy a wind-up butterfly from her bug magazine.  We convinced her that paying $5 for shipping was not a good use of her hard earned money for a $2 toy.  We found a pattern online and followed the directions.  Anne did the designs.

Edwin did the engineering.

And we had take off!  

What a good dad.

We spent a rainy Memorial Day at the children's museum.  Edwin spent the day chasing the little ones.

John didn't play chase.  He rode the sheep.

The final activity for the day was making pizza.  We are really sad to leave the children's museum.  It's been a great playground for that past four years.

Anne said good-bye to her training wheels.  She's officially on two wheels, even on the steep hills.

John loves to vacuum.  I can't keep it away from him.  The biggest problem I have with this activity is that he often wants to throw the vacuum down the stairs. 

We said good-bye to Mrs. Whited.  She was James's good library buddy this year as we went to the school to read with the older girls.  Mrs. Whited read books with him, helped him play computer games, and he checked in all the library books on certain days.  We will miss her dearly.

Ms. Jensen was our kindergarten teacher again this year and we are so sad to say good-bye.  

She is one amazing woman.

Miss Beuter was a fabulous teacher for Grace.  Leaving the school and the incredible staff is quite emotional and sad for us.  This was a great introduction to education and school.

Anne graduated from kindergarten. 

Her good buddy Sophia can't believe we are actually moving. 

We took a trip to the zoo with a large group of friends. Despite the rain we braved it any way and enjoyed a train ride to boot.

The kids said good-bye to the elephants.

Anne and Mengyang on the Lion.  Mengyang is one of Grace's classmates.  He is moving back to China in August.

Quifeng is Mengyang's mother.  She adores the kids and was willing endure the rain and the long road trip to spend the day at the zoo.  We had a good day.

Anne's good friend, Maeve, came to play and we enjoyed a new park on Miller Ave.

Tears were shed when we said good-bye to our piano teacher and friend, Grethe.  She is working towards her DFMA and will most likely return to South Africa within the year.  We love her dearly and will remember her often as the girls continue to play the piano.

Leaving is so hard.