Stages Theatre Camp

Hailey and Olivia spent last week with the Stages Theater Camp. The theme for the drama camp for the week was "Rock the Stage" by the Beatles.

It was so fun to hear Hailey walking around the house singing "I wanna hold your hand" and "Let it be". They learned a variety of skills related to drama, acting, auditions, being creative and funny and how to put together a successful show.

There is always plenty of drama around our house, so we thought we could embrace it.

My Knight with Shining Armor

Before I go to bed each night I do a quick check on all the kids. I often need to move Taylor back into her bed since she goes over to snuggle with Hailey to fall asleep (I find this very encouraging since they have tried to attack each other several times since school left out).

When I went to check on Carter I just had to take a picture! My little knight. Grandma Miedema bought him that sword last time she visited us and I don't think she had any idea how much love it would receive from our little pirate.

Our Weekend with the Vis'

Brad, Pam, and the kids came up for some Twins games last weekend and we had such a fun weekend! I felt like I never really saw the girls; they were busy on the tramp, with Charlie, and putting on shows. Carter was Jacob's little buddy and they did lots of wrestling and played some catch. We celebrated Cassie's 8th grade graduation at the Rainforest Cafe' at the Mall of America; she was 4 years old when we moved up to the Twin Cities--Where did all that time go!

Pandamania

Hailey, Taylor, and Makenna attended Pandamania VBS in Edgerton/Leota last week. It was a fun filled week with cousins, grandparents, and friends. They were exhausted! We had fun filled days with VBS and swimming. They loved the music, crafts, and stories.

Inside the whale.

Hailey's Final Day of 2nd Grade

Hailey, Julia, Ella, and Mrs Olson

All packed up and ready to roll! Next year 3rd Grade!

After school got out the temp was 88 degrees so we headed off to one of Hailey's classmate's pools. The perfect way to kick off a great summer!

Carter also loved to pool party.

Carter Completes His Year of Speech

Today Carter completed his year of speech therapy with his wonderful teacher Miss Chris. Her final write up of Carter was: "Carter is able to imitate a 3 word phrase with at least 70% intelligibility. When he is retelling a story or simple idea without a verbal model to follow, his intelligibility decreased to 65%. In spontaneous speech, a simple 3 word phrase (out of context) varies between 50% and 90% intelligibility. Carter is using new words to describe, comment, and question.

Miss Chris and myself are thrilled with the progress he has made over the past 9 months!

(He loves class, but not pictures)

Carter found a green inch worm.


The Southwood School paper had a picture of Carter with the rest of his speech class

With summer quickly upon us and all of the kids being out of school tomorrow afternoon, I decided to make an incentive chart for summer. I am a bit worried about keeping them busy and motivated through out the summer. They each get a section of the chart and will get $$ for each line that they complete with stickers.

I hope that I will be able to post a picture of the completed chart at the end of summer break!

Taylor Graduates from Preschool!

It is hard to believe that Taylor has completed preschool. I believe she is all ready to go for kindergarten next year! I am very prooud of our little Taylor.

Prior to to the preschool finale Kylie and Avery came over to enjoy the tramp. The four of them are an excellent combination of fun.

Hailey's End of the Year Field Trip

Today Hailey had her final field trip of the year to Como Zoo and Conservatory. It is great to see Hailey and her classmates together enjoying a new place of learning. I also end up learning new things too!