Desert Botanical Garden

We enjoyed a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden this evening. Not only was the garden beautiful but we were fortunate enough to be able to see an exhibit being shown there called "Chihuly: The Nature of Glass". As you can see from the pictures it was absolutely beautiful. It was hard to decide what pictures to use here because they were all so magnificent. The artist that made these sculptures is Dale Chihuly. He has his works in more than 200 museums around the world. This exhibit outside in a desert garden is a first for him. We could not figure out how in the world these sculptures could be moved without any breakage.
Even without the exhibit the Garden is wonderful. The smells from the wild flowers and the herbs that are all around were sweet and sensational. It started sprinkling rain while we were there and the temperature was in the lower 80's so it was a perfect Arizona evening to spend outdoors. We had a terrific time.

End of School Year Party

We surprised the kids with an end of school year party. Candice thought of the idea and we implemented it without the kids finding out. Good job us!!! When the kids got to the car after Connor's crossover we took them to pick up pizza and told them of the party. Papa and Auntie Jenn got off work early to be at the party and Uncle Heath came over during his lunch hour to join in the festivities. Auntie Mel could not make it because she is in Portland on work related business. We missed her. After pizza we went swimming. I should say the kids went swimming. We all tried the pool but it was still to cold for us adults but the kids thought it was perfect and had a wonderful time. After swimming it was pinata time and the pinata was very stubborn. It took quite a few whacks by all the kids to get that candy to fall out. Once it hit the ground it was collected and put into bags to be taken with them when they go on their camping trip to Lake Powell this weekend...of course several pieces were eaten right away. We then went inside and had brownies and homemade vanilla ice cream. The day was fantastic and we are looking forward to a lot more swimming and ice cream over the summer. Maverick had to skip the brownies and ice cream but he enjoyed his Milk Bone all the same.

Kindergarten Crossover

Connor had his Kindergarten Crossover today. This was a ceremony that signified the Kindergarten student becoming a first grader. It was very cute. Connor's class lined up and their teacher called them up to the "bridge" aka picnic table and they received their diploma as they walked across the bridge. Mrs. Benneian, Connor's teacher, sprinkled confetti on their heads as they went over the top of the bridge. It was a fun time for all the kids to play together, give hugs, and exchange phone numbers so they can get together over the summer.
Connor is now officially a first grader!!

Last Volunteer Day

I have enjoyed volunteering in Connor's class all year. It was so much fun getting to watch the progress of the students from Day 1 of Kindergarten until the end of the year. They have learned so much. Raising a hand to be able to speak was a whole new concept much less reading a book and learning addition. Connor tackled all the assignments with gusto and has certainly gained a lot of knowledge.

Today was my last day to volunteer in Connor's Kindergarten class. I captured this last with a picture of Connor before we left for school. I will miss Connor in Kindergarten, but I look forward to first grade volunteering and Cambell will be starting preschool in the fall so I am very excited about that opportunity also. I am so blessed to have my grandchildren so close and be able to enjoy there childhood.

Kindergarten Prom

Today was Connor's Kindergarten Prom. He was ready to go dancing with the girls. He looks so handsome.

Connor did not waste any time in asking girls to dance. As you can see, in Kindergarten, it is permissible and even encouraged to dance with more than one girl at a time. Connor takes full advantage. I thought he might be shy about dancing but he proved me wrong.

Everyone danced and had a great time. The Kindergarten class had sixth grade buddies throughout the year that would come to there room and help them with projects. These sixth grade buddies joined the Kindergarten class at the prom and encouraged a lot more dancing. As you can see Connor is having a blast.

These two girls were Connor's best buds all school year. Emma on the left and Ashlynn on the right were always sitting with him at lunch, school plays, assemblies, and were also joining him in activities on the playground.

Of course, Prom would not be complete without a dance with your sister. Cambell was so happy to be dancing with her big brother. Connor and Cambell...what a pair!!! We had a wonderful time at the Kindergarten Prom.

Half Days are Fun!!

Connor and Kara had a half day today. When this happens the kids get out at the same time so I pick up Connor and Candice gets Kara and either brings her to my house to get Connor or we meet somewhere for lunch. Today we met for lunch at Connors favorite place... Abuelos. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and talked about how soon school will be out which means a lot of swimming at our house. We can hardly wait!!

Our Family Dog

Cambell and Maverick have a wonderful time together. They play soccer, catch, chase, hunt and find and Cambell loves to get Maverick to do tricks. Cambell calls him Mavereeek. Maverick will let Cambell and Connor lay on him, pull his paws, play with his ears and anything else they would like to do. He has turned into a wonderful family dog. He is very overprotective outside during walks so I have some work to do in getting him to understand that not every person or other dog is a threat to us. However, we love him and he loves his family and that is what's important.