Walker's Big Adventure

Back in February, a couple of mom of boys in Walker's class were telling me about Carolina Creek Camp.  And, how their boys went to a six-night(!!) camp last year.  They were encouraging me to send Walker with them this year.  I told them they were crazy.  But, Walker really, really wanted to go.  So, Clark and I talked about it and we decided to let him.  Yikes! We packed him up (yes, six nights worth of clothes!!) and off we went.

Honestly, I didn't have major anxiety at first.  Because he was so excited!  He was even more excited when he saw his Zebra cabin!

He was having a blast before we could get to the car.  He loved being with Kaleb and Dash. And, the good news.... Dash's mom works for the camp!  I was able to get a little insight into how the boys were doing and she assured me that he was having a ball!

I will admit that I got a little anxious around Wednesday and Thursday.... I had never been away from him for that long!  But, it was silly, because he LOVED camp.  We got to pick him up on Saturday morning and he was tired, but happy! (And already talking about next year)


He got the "I am Third" award from his cabin.

And, Addie and Everly were very excited to see their big brothers...

I feel certain this is the beginning of a yearly tradition.  And, we are thrilled about that.  There's nothing better than an awesome camp experience!

And, I'm saving the best part of this whole deal for last.... (kind of how Walker told us).  Around 4 p.m., more than seven hours AFTER we picked him up, Walker told us that he asked Jesus into his heart!!!!  BEST NEWS EVER! We are so thankful that Walker continues to learn about Jesus and understand the importance of having Him in his life.  We are so very blessed.

Everly's PDS Graduation

Everly has finished her time at PDS!  What a great school and especially a great kindergarten teacher! This girl is so proud!

With the amazing Mrs. Fox.

She taught both my babies how to read.  She'll always be special.

Everly and all the grandparents!

Bunny and RayRay.

Nanna.

Peepaw and Maggie.

A family photo!

Such the little cuties!

Showing off her "Outstanding Reading" award.   She LOVED reading books so she could fill in her reading log.  She earned a lot of Chiller Bee certificates!

Mrs. Fox and fab five!

Clark and I kept going back and forth on what to do with Everly next year.  She has a summer birthday, so we've decided that she will do kindergarten again at Covenant next year.  She's grown up so much and I have no doubt that she would be ready for first grade, but we feel really good about holding her back.  She will continue to learn and grow and have a little extra time!  We are very proud of our girl!

Everly's FIRST Dance Recital

Oh my gosh, I can't even believe how fantastic Everly's first dance recital was!  She was FABULOUS!

The dress rehearsal was the perfect start, because it got her excited!  Look how precious:

I was super worried about the "bun", but it worked out great!

All the little cuties before their ballet performance.

And, oh my…. she was so excited to get flowers!!!!

Check out this cheering section!  She was so thrilled to have all of her family there to watch her!

So, we all know Everly.  She can be quite stubborn and very shy.  It was truly possible that she go on stage and freeze.  That certainly didn't happen! (she's the second from the left)

Oh so precious!  She can't wait for dance camp this summer and more classes in the fall!

End of the Year Party

On the last day of school (after Everly's graduation ceremony), the kinder and preK classes had a end of year party.  It was supposed to be a swim party at the YMCA.  BUT, all it ever does is rain, so it got moved to a skating rink.  I'm not gonna lie… this momma was a little stressed out.  Two kids who have never been skating before and I was responsible for them!  It took a little time, but they got pretty good. With their training bars!

See, check this out:

 Here's Walker lined up for the races!

Once I got over the stress, it was a fun time.  Walker hung out with Hudson most of the time!

And, Everly hung out with me most of the time!

They are now begging to go back to the skating rink!  I'm sure that will be a summer activity for us at some point!

Pre-K Grad

It's been a be week in the Wood house.  First, Walker was a graduate…. next, Everly!!!!  This little girl is a pre-K graduate and off to kindergarten!

Aw, such a sweet girl!  She has grown up a lot this year.  I still consider her a little immature, but she is young for her age and super smart!  She loves to sing and is becoming a little performer!

She says when she grows up, she wants to be Elsa.  Ha.

Here's the crew after the ceremony (I really, really love this picture):

And, the grandparents didn't miss this graduation!

And, here's Everly with some fun friends.  Becca:

All the girls!

And, Sarah…. they've been really good buddies for two years now.

And, last, but not least, Ms. Jeanne!

Ms. Jeanne has loved both my babes and taught them so much! It feels crazy to say this, but Everly is ready for kindergarten!  What has happened to our baby????? Kindergarten, here she comes.

Kindergarten GRADUATE!

You guys have heard this before.  We LOVE PDS.  But, it's really, really true.  PDS has been an amazing school and we are very proud of all that Walker has accomplished this year in kindergarten.  And, now he's a graduate!

Mrs. Fox has been the most amazing teacher.  She taught Walker to read and she taught him confidence.  WOW!

Here's a video of his award:

Yep, the Blessing Award.  I'm not sure we could be more proud.  I pray he will continue to be a blessing to everyone he meets!

Here we are after the ceremony!

And, the amazing Mrs. Fox!

Walker was lucky enough to have ALL of his grandparents there to celebrate:

And, here he is with some of his best buddies!  Hudson and Reese:

It is really, really special to have a teacher who cares so much.  Mrs. Fox made a video of the year and it was precious.  The whole ceremony was the perfect end to a wonderful year!

The Tale of the Tooth

Walker is in kindergarten.  He's growing up fast, no doubt.  And, I love it.  I love seeing him learn to read and enjoy school.  So fun.  BUT, I got a bit sentimental when he told me that he had a wobbly tooth!  Seriously, is it already time for that?  That's for big kids!!  But, yes…. the boy had a loose tooth and it stayed that way for a long time.

Here's the timeline:

September 4th -- the tooth is wobbly

September 20th - we run into the kids' dentist.  He attempts to pull the tooth, but doesn't want to hurt him.  So, the tooth stays put.

September 25th - Daddy attempts to pull it.

September 27th - Bunny attempts to pull it:

September 28th - Bunny attempts again:

Bunny tried hard and almost had it, but that silly tooth wouldn't budge.  BUT, she did get it a lot looser. Because the next day I received this picture from Walker's teacher:

Yes, finally on September 29th that tooth came out!  It just fell out while Walker was eating lunch.  Super exciting!

The tooth fairy paid Walker a visit.  AND, he already has another loose tooth.  It's a fact, my baby boy is growing up.