School's Out for Summer

Summer holidays have officially begun!  Andrew's preschool finished up today and Matthew's school was done last Tuesday.  We are looking forward to lots of fun in the next two months.  

Here is Emily playing at Andrew's year end  celebration that was held a little bit ago.  They had an "Alphabet Buffet" where everyone brought things that started with different letters of the alphabet.  "I" for Ice cream is always a favorite!

Andrew is taking a turn playing on the tractor after filling up at the buffet.  

Matthew's school had a year end celebration in the morning, followed by a picnic and then Quest Day in the afternoon.  The Elementary children were split into teams trying different challenges like sack races, relays and the ever popular watermelon eating contest that Andrew and I helped out with.  In the end I think Andrew should have gotten the watermelon eating award as he was eating it pretty steady for the couple of hours we were helping out at that station.  

Here is Matthew at Quest Day.  His team was the Lollipops and they all wore red shirts.  You can see here he has lost a front tooth, so truly looks like a 7 year old guy.  Between the time his tooth fell out and he was to put it out for the tooth fairy, it was misplaced.  He wrote her a note to put by his bed explaining that he had lost it and would still be very interested in a treat.  He also thought to take off the "Stay Out" signs that are typically on his door to dissuade Andrew and Emily (who of course can not read), in case she thought the sign was for her.  In the end she came and Matthew was delighted by the money she left behind.  

He has had a super year at school, learning so many things.  He now has started reading books for enjoyment, not just for homework, so it has been neat to see that transition.

Of course this time of year means there is soccer every Tuesday and Thursday night. It wraps up tomorrow.  The boys are looking forward to the last day as they typically get their photos, a trophy and some ice cream.  Emily has enjoyed being a soccer spectator, as they do not have a U2 division.  She is good at balancing on the ball as you can see here, she also does a fairly good job of dribbling it for a 20 month old.  

Andrew is a proud U4 "Blueberry" as his team is called.  He loves his coach, listens well and has learned a lot.  We were even able to stand back with the other parents and not hold his hand most of the time this year!

Matthew still loves playing soccer too and was part of the "Vipers" this year.  He was lucky to have a schoolmate on his team which has made it even more fun.

Of course as much fun as soccer is, the boys really look forward to the time at the nearby playgrounds after the game.  Andrew's favorite is the digger.  

Matthew loves climbing and sliding. We are looking forward to a lot more time at  playgrounds over the summer.  

Bruce and Matthew are packing up for their now annual camping/fishing trip to Regina.  Andrew and Emily are too young to enjoy it, so we will hold the fort here.