End of School and Start of Summer

Disclaimer: please forgive the length of this post and the amount of pictures.  I am nothing if not nostalgic this time of year.  

School is out!  James finished Bridge last Friday, and I am left with mixed emotions.

My attempt at a first day and last day of school picture comparison fell a bit short.  This technically wasn't even his last day, but rather his last day in uniform as the last week was "free dress".  
  

James grew so much this year, and although I was worried about him switching schools, he definitely found his niche in this world at Second Baptist.  Each day I picked up the happiest child.

Mrs. Jobe was a wonderful teacher for James: strict, no fuss, but always loving.  She must have told me 10 times that James reminded her of her own son.  At his end of the year conference she told me that "I have a winner, and that she has loved, loved, loved teaching my son".  She set high standards, and James met them.  By the middle of the year, James was taking school serious and loved "being on green and listening".  His standard response to the best part of his day: "being on green and listening".  And his standard response to who he played with at school: "William Carlson".  Green Jello.  He loved Bible class the most, and he even participated in singing during chapel!  It helped that the songs had interpretive dance :)  

The end of school also meant parties, parties, parties.  Grandmama and Grandaddy came for a visit and were able to enjoy the fun.

After school swimming at Caleb Walker's house (Caleb, Logan Walker, James, Logan's neighborhood friend, James Thomas Garret, and James Clarke).  Yes, there were three "James" in his class this year.  

James Thomas hosted the end of the year baseball party.  And when your grandparents own a party rental supply company, you usually throw a spectacular party complete with all things inflatable.

James and James Thomas received "Big Red" for the end of the year, and yes, that is James picking his teeth with his baseball trophy. 

Little girl has her mom's sweet tooth.  No, I don't think any of the three cupcakes were actually hers.

 

I imagine she was thinking "What? Oh come on, you would have done it too" in this last photo.

We have so enjoyed the amazing temperatures in May.  Lots of outdoor play.

 

I believe we have been at the pool every day since it opened, and Mrs. Georgia captured these sweet photos of me and Luke.  I am usually the one behind the camera (no offense to my dear husband, but his photography skills are a bit lacking), so I treasure these.  Much to my surprise, this little guy loved the water!  The coloring is a bit strange, but he is actually grinning in these pictures.

 

Funny Luke loves James's goggles, and on this particular day he walked all around the house wearing them.  I don't know why, but it was so funny.

After an early morning of tornado warnings, the sun came out just in time to play on the playground and enjoy donuts and Pentecost cupcakes (who knew) after church.  Again, I am so thankful that Gary captured the entire moment of Luke shoveling as much of the donut into his mouth that would possibly fit.

 

Here's to a fun, laid back summer filled with lots of sun, smiles and pancakes