The End of the School Year

         School ended here the last Friday in May. We were all SO excited to finally have a break so we could enjoy the summer! The last week of school this year was kind of surreal for me for two reasons.  First of all, it was during the last week of school last year that we started getting some initial test results back on Flint.  In fact, last year I was at my level 2 ultrasound (which ended in me getting an amniocentesis), while Brock was with Gage at his end of year party.  It was also surreal for me, because Flint was born on the first Friday of the school year.  Picking up my kids on the last Friday of the school year then (which just happened to be Flint's 9 month birthday) left me feeling humble, reflective, relieved, and triumphant all at the same time. It all felt like a rite of passage - like we could finally say, "Wow!  Look how far we've come!"
        The kids were so blessed to have a wonderful support system at school this year.  Their principal knew everything going on and put them in classes with teachers who would be especially sensitive to all they were experiencing.  Their principal is actually the one who told the kids that I went to the hospital to have Flint, and then called them back down to her office when Flint was actually born.  I am so grateful for great teachers and helpers who provided an extra wave of support throughout this crazy ordeal. 

Davis with her teacher, Mrs. Doan on the last day of 4th grade

 

Duke with his teacher, Mrs. Alstead on the last day of 2nd grade

         Davis is excited to move on to the intermediate school next year, but will miss her time at the elementary school.  Gage will also be moving on to a different school next year so he can start kindergarten.  For the last two years, he attended the same preschool Duke got to go to.  We loved our time there and were looking forward to Trayson attending next year, but they raised their prices a BUNCH, so we have found a different preschool for Trayson.  Gage is super excited to be able to start kindergarten next year though, and is especially excited that his two favorite buddies from preschool will be there with him, too!

Gage with his friends Carter and Rhett

Cute little preschool graduate!

Our final walk down the preschool hallway

        What a wild and crazy year it has been!  The kids grew so much and learned many invaluable lessons.  They were strong when it was hard and showed great faith, courage, and hope. I am so grateful for all the events of the last year, and for every single tear that we cried.  Whether the tear was from frustration and fear, or from utter joy, we learned so much through that whole experience.  Our family has big plans for the summer, and we are ready to move on to that stage of life.  Summertime, here we come!