Wow, it's been a big week and a half. Last week was the last week of school. It seems that the school wanted to fit everything in that last week! Between award evenings, good-bye dinners, and packing for the girls, we stayed pretty busy. Monday, we all went over to Jay's film festival. Each person in his class made their own movie on the computer using video clips and photos. They even served popcorn and gave us tickets. It was lots of fun, and Jay had a great time making his movie. Mike took the older girls to their award ceremony night, where students received certificates for participation and out-standing accomplishments. On Thursday, I went over to the school to play with Eli at his end of school party. It was supposed to be a water fun day, but it was a little too cold for getting wet. IT's been unusually cool here this June, which we are not complaining about. It's starting to warm-up now, and we hope it stays coolish for just another week! Friday, I went to see the end-of-school assembly, which was fun. Many of the teachers over at the school joke about the Wadley family taking over the school. When you have five involved children in a small school, they get seen a lot in the assemblies and activities. I am proud of the kids and their willingness to jump in and try new things. I have watched them grow and develop new talents, and I feel grateful that they have so many opportunities.
On Friday, I took Rachel to the doctor for her final check-up to be able to go to Tibet after last week's incident. She was just fine, and given the OK to head off to Tibet. Friday night we took the kids to get Pizza, and found Pirates of the Caribbean playing in English, for a celebration of the end of school. It was also the last family dinner before the family all split in different directions for the summer. We finished packing Rachel and Nicole for Tibet on Saturday, along with all of the other places they will be going after that...girls camp, EFY, and a visit with Utah family. We dropped them off to the train station on Saturday night at 9:45 for their 48 hour ride. Mom and Dad Nichols know exactly what that was like! I think they had a good time, and feel like the group is a fun one. Rachel called us Monday night right after they arrived, to tell us they were OK. She said it's amazing and beautiful there, and they sounded excited for the trip.
We actually got to spend Father's Day with Michael this year, which is a first in a few years now. It was great to be with him. He got an outdoor lounge-chair for father's day and was able to have a nice nap out on the balcony guilt-free as he put it (that makes it sound like I never let him rest! Not true, but maybe he would guilty if he sat there while I make dinner :-) Today, Michael left for Japan on business, and won't be back before we leave for Utah. We miss him already, but I'm excited that he will get to be there over a weekend and might get to actually see some things there. We will all look forward to meeting up in a couple of weeks in Utah for a couple of weeks of fun with our family.
Here is Eli with his good friend Domonik at the end-of-school party.
Rachel and her friends Katerina and Maria at the Award Night.
Nicole and friends Maggie and Isabella at the Award Night.
Caitlin graduated from the 5th grade this year and will head off to middle-school (upstairs) next year. Here she is with her friend Pauline.
I was walking down the hall, and saw this poster. I was surprised to see that Jay was the artist. I guess there are lots of frogs around the schoolyard, and some unfortunate endings for many...
Rachel and Nicole ready to head to the train station.
