Natalie's Preschool Graduation

Well, my last child has finally finished preschool.  Yeah! 

This year Natalie attended preschool at Children's World of Music.  She loved it, especially since one of her good friends, Kylie, was in her class.  Natalie also loved going because she was able to sing lots of songs in "Big Room".

At graduation, many of the students performed some of the songs they learned this year.  Here's Natalie with Kylie singing "Zippidy doo da", one of Natalie's all time favorite songs since going on Splash Mountain.

Here's Natalie doing some "Hip Hop" moves to go along with another song they sung.  It was so cute to watch!

Then each student went and put on their cap and gown to prepare for the graduation ceremony.  When Natalie walked up to get her "diploma", she took it very seriously.  It was so cute! 

Here she is getting her "diploma" from Miss Cindy. 

And then afterward, Natalie with her proud dad.

And of course I had to get a picture with my girl also. 

Natalie worked really hard this year and is finally ready for kindergarten in the fall!  Yeah for Nat!

3rd Grade Culture Fair

While in the 3rd grade, Alex had the opportunity to study Austria, which is where his maternal great, great grandfather was born. 

Here Alex is...

during the Cultural Parade, sporting his "lederhosen" and his report...

at his table group getting ready to share parts of his report...

sharing his report with his table group...

and sharing his favorite fact with the class...

I wish I had gotten a picture of the "Sachertorte" (chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate frosting!) that he helped make for their potluck luncheon.  Oh well.  He actually told me the other day that it's his  new favorite dessert!

I am so proud of all the hard work Alex put into this project.  He learned so much and developed a greater appreciation for other cultures.

What's better than a little girl in a TUTU?

Last week, Natalie's dance class had their pictures professionally taken during their dance class.  Afterwards, they rehearsed their dance for the upcoming recital.  Luckily, I brought my camera and was able to take some pictures of Natalie during their practice.

Natalie is so excited to be in a PINK and PURPLE costume this year, her favorite colors!

It's so cute to see them warming up at the bar.  They look so "professional".

After practicing their routine, each girl had a chance to do a self "choreographed" solo. 

Miss Jessica shared with the girls a story about a young ballernina and her first ballet performance.  The class was mesmorized!

Go Timbers!!!

Alex's coach lined up a time for the team to go see the Portland Timbers play.  Alex had a great time! 

He loved sitting with his soccer team... 

Listening to the "Timbers Army" chant for the first half of the game...nonstop...

Hanging with Hayden and Natalie...

 Going down at minute 25 to visit The Timber's locker room...

Meeting the Timber's players as they came out after half time...

Spending a little time with his family...

And of course, watching the game...unfortunately we lost.



More Soccer!

Here is Alex with his soccer team - Cosmic F.C.  This was his second season playing with Coach Yanni, who he really likes.

Alex was usually a striker for the team, but in this game he had a chance to play some defense. 

Alex is NOT a very physical player, but he has gradually realized that sometimes it's needed.  I love how in the following 3 shots you can see how Alex will NOT let the other team get the ball.



This next series of pictures shows Alex making his last goal of the season!

HE SCORES!!! 

Even with a goalie and several defenders!

Alex's 1st Track Meet

At the beginning of the school year, Alex informed me that he did NOT want to participate in 3rd grade track.  I knew that Alex would change his mind before practices started in April.  And I was right!  He loved going to his practice each week, but he REALLY loved the actual track meet.  Even though he did not win any of his races or events, he still did a great job, especially on the 200 meter when his shoe fell off (it helps to actually TIE your shoes before running!).  He put his shoe back on, cried a little as he ran and then finished the race.  Way to go Alex!

Alex with a few of his classmates, making the Harmony Husky sign!

Running the 100 Meter

Nice stride!

Running the 200 Meter

Snow White - Preschool Style

On May 12th, Natalie's Preschool put on a performance of "Snow White".  Nat was excited to be one of the ladybudgs in the choir.  She did a super job singing!  Way to go Natalie!

Kylie, one of Nat's good friends, with Natalie