Ellie's Last Day of School (Kindergarten)

Yup - I know this is a little late. Especially seeing that Ellie's last day of school was June 18th!

It has been a busy time here. Jeremy began a new job with Armstrong Flooring and Cabinets. He is the Regional Manager - in charge of the sales, sales guys and distribution. He is loving it - which is a huge blessing - and seems to be back in his element. Meanwhile, I am getting used to him travelling more again. Jeremy works from home two days a week and travels the other 3... sometimes locally, sometimes other places around the Pacific Northwest.

During Jeremy's first week of work, Ellie finished her last week of Kindergarten here in Tacoma. Next year she will be going to a totally different school - in a new school district. I was able to join her on a school field trip to a wildlife/zoo place called, Northwest Trek, located about 45 minutes out of town. We go to see all sorts of native animals and ride a tram through the park which took us through their native habitats. The animals were fun to watch - all the kids loved it! (I'll post more pictures later)

The last day of school was traumatic for Ellie. Apparently, she partied like a rock star the entire week - and then broke down the last day. She was sobbing the entire day. She's a tender-hearted kind of girl, and has made some good friends this last year. I know she will miss them (at least for a little while), but I also know she will make new ones easily at her next school! (She brought her camera - video, too - to school one day and here's a video she took)

Needless to say, we are SO thankful for her teacher this last year, Miss Pelagruti. Our school district has all-day kindergarten for all the schools. And it was simply amazing to see how this one woman (with the help of an assistant, Miss Autumn) was able to corral and train 24, 5 and 6 year old kids - absolutely amazing! We came to know her - and the office staff - well this last year. We often had some issues with Ellie not finishing her work - and talking too much. Although, she still stands by her claim that EVERYBODY was talking to HER! Ellie has grown up so much this last year. I watched her turn from a preschooler, napping everyday and asking me to read to her --- to a full-blown kid, too "big" for naps (though still sometimes needs them!), and reading to ME!

That evening, we had a pizza party. Only to be topped by the "awards ceremony." Everybody - even Jeremy and Gideon - got a balloon, a small gift (a ball), and a metal to commemorate their accomplishments this past year.

It has been an eventful year! Outside of Ellie's accomplishments, Gideon began speaking this last year (!), is almost potty trained, and has really stepped up in helping me out (especially when it comes to Josie). Then there's Jeremy! He had done SO well while working with the Hartford, now even in his new job (we were celebrating his first week done) - and I can go on about him (and will for the Father's Day blog).