T-Ball and Softball

Gracie started T-Ball and Brooklyn started softball. Although our month was crazy going from games and practices, we had so much fun watching them. They loved people to come watch them and especially loved going to get a treat after each game! We were really impressed with their coached and very grateful for people who donate their time to coach sports.

Horse Ride

One of Brooklyn's requests when school got out was to go on a horse ride. Greg saddled up the horses one afternoon and the kiddos enjoyed a nice ride!

Ella had a turn and LOVED it- she had the cutest little giggle the whole time!

Abby and Ella enjoyed playing pilots- Ella got hit by the swing at my parents house the day before- we were lucky she ended up with a tiny black eye.

End of School...

The kiddos finished the school year off- Gracie and Garrett had a fun water party at preschool. Gracie loved Miss Holly, going to preschool at the "little store" in Newton, and getting to go with Garrett. They were so excited when Miss Holly gave them their very own fish on the last day- the parents weren't as excited. Garrett's didn't last 24 hours- he woke up devastated at 5 A.M. to find his fish had died- Nat loved getting woken  up to that. Gracie's lasted maybe a week- she was completely heart broken when it died. They learned so much this year and can't wait for Kindergarten.

Brooklyn also finished the year off strong. I am so proud of Brooklyn for how she adjusted to her new school. Her teacher- Miss Aleece- was a blessing in disguise for us. One goal the 3rd graders set was to get the SOAR Award. They needed to read 1 book in 10 different categories, do 5 written reports, and 3 creative reports. Brooklyn worked really hard on getting this done on her own. I only reminded her twice to make sure and find out what books she needed done, the rest she did my herself- which makes getting the award that much better. When it came down to it, her and one other boy in her class of 31 got the award! We were super proud of Brooklyn. Miss Aleece rewarded them with lunch from Subway! On the 2nd to last day of school Brooklyn found our her 4th grade teacher is going to be Mr. Lish.

Moving/Packing Day...

On May 28th, the packers came to get everything packed up for my mom and dad's big move to China. This was after weeks of preparation, lots of shopping, and late nights! We had to write down everything they were taking and the cost.

BEFORE

The truck arrives

Very random- I am sure Nat and I are studying something VERY important, but my mom looked up and saw us sitting in the same position and had to take a picture.

AFTER

They are set.

Memorial Day...

We have always began our Memorial Day on Sunday. That is when my grandma always went and put the flowers on the graves. The tradition continues. We started this year going to the Newton Cemetery. It is always a fun time to walk around and tell the kids about the graves and our family and also seeing family and friends and visiting. I miss my grandma and grandpa Petersen so much- it is crazy how much time has gone by, but seems like yesterday at the same time. After Newton, we went and hung out Claudia's, had dessert, and visited. Then it was time to head to Wellsville. There are a couple notable classic Garrett comments that must be documented. When we got there Garrett goes right to the grave, bows his little head, and places his hand on his heart. My mom asked him what what wrong. His response, "I am just so heart broken that Grandma Ila died." My mom and I looked at each other and almost died laughing. We then walked around looking at some other graves. Garrett sees a grave and says, "How did this man die Emmy?" I tell him I have no idea and that we don't know him. He says in a very serious voice, "I am sure he touched the grill at In-N-Out Burger and died." HAHAHAHA!!!! How do you not laugh at that? I did my best at holding it in and told him that I didn't think that is what happened and he ran off on his way. I just love these kiddos! I also miss my grandma Ila so much!! It is crazy that it has been 8 years since she passed away!! She would just love these kids.

On Monday, Memorial Day, we headed up to Idaho to Sean's grandparents. We had so much fun. Their farm is one big playground. I even rode a motorcycle for the first time while up there. It was SOOO much fun. Sean's sister Chantel rode it too and we talked my niece Celina into as well. We couldn't get Brooklyn off the little one. She LOVES it. Gracie also loved riding with Sean. And I think Ella slept the whole time we were outside playing. We headed to the Stone Cemetery and checked things out and then headed home for the last couple days of school. I love Memorial Day and the time we set outside to remember our loved ones who have passed away and also the brave heroes who fought/fight for our Freedom!