School's Out for Summer!

I'm just over a month late, but the boys passed the 5th and 3rd grades with flying colors! I can't believe Jaden will now be entering his final year of elementary school. He's so excited to "grow up" -- but isn't at all excited for 6th grade. I think he knows school and homework is about to take up a bit more of his time. ;)

Trying to get a picture of all three of them on the last day of school was quite the challenge. Kaitlyn wasn't feeling it - her with her tongue out was the best one I got. ;)

The day prior to the last day of school, Lincoln held an awards assembly for 3rd-6th graders, and we received some advanced notice that the boys would both be receiving some special awards. What we didn't know was just how special! They both received awards from the classroom teachers for leadership within their grades, as well as excellent attendance recognition, and a few other awards for their participation in various activities. But the neatest moment was when UNI basketball starting point guard and Cedar Falls High School and Lincoln Elementary graduate AJ Green went up on stage to present a special Sportsmanship Award that has been created and named in his honor. Just one boy and one girl from each whole grade was recognized with this award, and BOTH of our boys received it for their grades! I was so very proud of them. How special to have AJ present it to them both and how amazing to have both our boys earn it. 

Jaden likes to play it cool most of the time, but we could tell that even he was pretty proud of himself. ;)

The boys both had successful school years. Jaden was very happy that he didn't have a single night of homework. ;) But we were happiest with how he carried himself, how he treated others, and with the choices he made when presented with conflicts that could have led him astray just a bit. Whenever we would receive an email from his teacher, it was to tell us how proud he was of Jaden's conduct and behavior when some of his peers were making different choices.

Now on to 6th grade!

Brandon had a fantastic year as well. We received numerous calls, letters and emails from his teacher just to tell us how fantastic of a person he is. Talented, smart - but most importantly, kind and thoughtful and helpful to his peers. He's more than ready for 4th grade.