Dear Jack,

Your first preschool graduation was today.  One year down, and only one more to go.  You were in Miss Amy's preschool like your older brothers and sister, but I have decided that you and Miss Amy are not doing as well together as I would have liked, and I am putting you in another preschool next year.  It is a preschool that will push you a bit harder, and I am excited for this change.  You are a very smart boy, and just need the right people or environment to pull you out of your stubbornness.  

Recently, I went on your field trip with your class to see the Santaquin Fire Department, and it was a lot of fun.  The best part was that your birthday was coming up in just a few days and so you got special treatment.   You were the one who got to pick a buddy with you to sit in the front seat when the class took a fire engine for a little ride, and turn on the siren.  I loved to see how happy that small thing made you feel.  Of course you picked Christian (your best friend), to ride with you.  You guys are so cute.

Every single day you ask to play with Christian, and I am happy to hear from his mom that he asks the same thing about you.  Even though he is one year older, you two are two peas in a pod and play so well.  It will be sad to see Christian go to Kindergarten next year without you, and I really haven't told you that quite yet.  

I love your age right now.  You are excited about everything, but especially birthdays and holidays.  You talked about your birthday for quite a while beforehand, and I knew exactly what to get you.  You love to play with superhero action figures and we found some really fun ones that are really big and easy for you to tote and play with, and surprised you with a new Batman bike.  You didn't even seem to mind that Emmi's birthday was the day before and so part of your celebration happened one day early.  

You have learned the fun of hiding, and like to hide when me or your dad call for you.  Luckily for us you can't stop giggling when we are getting close and so we haven't missed a hiding spot yet.  The bigger problem is that you know your way down to Christian's house at the end of the street and have gone down there to hide without asking or telling me a few times.  I have also found evidence of you going pee in the empty tub instead of the toilet on two separate occasions, which didn't make me happy.  

Usually on most occasions, I love how you will tell me you have to go potty and run down the hall.  Then without fail I will hear, "I will flush and wash hands, mom"... being called out since you have heard my reminders oodles of times.  I love how I will tell you thank you for something and you will respond back with "thank you, mom!" as if it was expected for you to say that.  I love how you are so stubborn, especially with clothing and have meltdown after meltdown if I but mention that your pants are dirty and you might have to wear shorts.  Seriously, you are quite the character.  Oh, how I love you.

Love, 
Mom

Dear Emmi,

Dear Emmi, 

You are officially a Kindergarten graduate, and will soon be in 1st grade!  I was a very proud mom in the audience during your graduation.  I shouldn't have been surprised at how animated you were, or the many faces you were pulling, but I was.  You stood out like a sore thumb, but I loved it.  I had some friends comment after to me about how cute you were singing, and your teacher, Mrs. McFarland said so as well.  She said she could always count on you during the rehersals to be very energetic.  You are turning into be a great little performer, and I cannot wait to see what other talents this will lead to.  Lately you are on a "Just Dance" kick on the Wii, and want me to turn that on everyday so you can dance and sing along.  We are also constantly hearing you sing your own sweet version of the song "Call Me Maybe" around the house.

When you are not playing with friends, and are not watching Netflix on Daddy's Ipad on your bed ;), you are still a good little helper, especially with Birdie, our new little pup.  You will always take her outside when I ask you to, and already love her very much.  I love how you always still remind me that you wanted "the other puppy," which was one of the other female puppies we got to choose from, but quickly say afterward that you do love Birdie.  You help me teach her tricks, and can get her to sit, shake, and spin for you.

A couple of weeks ago we took all of you kids to the Cougar Fan Fest that was held in Spanish Fork.  They had some many fun things for the whole family, including meeting the players and pictures with Cosmo.  You were the absolute cutest in the football helmet and pads, and I will never remember how unafraid you were at meeting Coach Mendenhall and the players, and went first to get autographs.  I admit that I was starstruck, and nervous to meet the players and you beat me by a long shot, but I am so glad we went that night.  It was such a fun family experience.  I hope to do it every year now.

This past weekend as the boys went with Daddy to the father and sons camp-out, we got to have some girl time of our own painting nails, eating ice cream with Grandma and Grandpa Thornock, playing Just Dance, and watching a movie.  I was reminded of just how lucky I am to have a daughter so sweet as you in my life.  I look forward to many more outings and evenings spent just you and me.  I love you so much.

Love, 
Mom

Preschool Graduation!

Dear Emmi,

Once again you were the cutest little preschool graduate.  I was so proud to during the program.  Through preschool you have shown that you are not only cute but very smart, and anxious to learn to read and count like your big brothers.  

I was not the only one that was proud.  Lots of family also came to see you graduate, including grandparents, great grandparents, and even a few cousins. (Even though I did not get photos of everyone).

This year made such great friends, like sweet little Lola, who we will be hoping to see again next year in Kindergarten.

You know that you had the BEST teacher ever too, just like your brothers had.  Boy, do we love Miss Amy.  It is crazy to think that she had all three of you... wow, time flies!

The Thomson's also came down for the day, and while all the boys went to see The Avengers, us ladies went for cupcakes!  It was a great day.  I am so glad to have you as my little girl.

School is Out!

One big program and 2 graduations later, my kids are officially out of school. First, Keaton and the whole 2nd grade put on a very cool Patriotic program.  They sang all the America songs, and all had very short lines.  It was so great! I wish Chad could've taken off to see it with me.

I had to take a pic of Keek with his cute teacher, Mrs. Garner.  I don't know who liked her more, me or him.  She was such a great teacher and I do hope she is around for my other kids to have.

Then Sam had to wear his "fancy clothes" to school for his Kindergarten graduation.  He didn't want to wear a tie, and I thought he would probably take it off and lose it anyway, so this is as "fancy" as he got.  His program was very cute, and I was impressed at how well Sam knew the words.  He isn't usually one for singing.  Me, Chad, Jack, and Grandma and Grandpa Hunsaker were there for the ceremony.  Sam had a wonderful teacher too.  Her name is Mrs. McFarland, and I hope we get her again too.  I was so happy with the teachers we got this year.

Last but not least, my Emmi graduated from her first year of preschool.  She has one more year, and I am thinking next year I won't let her have gum in her mouth for the graduation.:)  Grandma "B" gave Emmi the gum if she would let her braid her hair as we were getting her ready, and we didn't think to have her spit it out at the program.  Emmi and cute Miss Amy.

Emmi and her best buddy Tawny, who unfortunately is going to Kindergarten next year. 

School is out.  Now what?