OWAN

OWAN is finally here, and I am excited for it to be over.  The past couple months have been exhausting but so much fun!  This is the biggest fundraiser for the school, and I had the best committee.  

We had a fantastic turnout for the party, and everyone seemed to have a blast.  This is one of my favorite parts of this event - seeing everyone coming together.  

Kelsey, Vicki, & Abby were so much fun to work with on this event.  We all had our different challenges, but we all worked together to pull off a record breaking night.

And this is the end of the night when Jessica really cut loose.  Fireball!  

Jump Rope for Heart 2017

Old Union had another successful Jump Rope for Heart raising thousands of dollars for the cause.  The boys had fun getting better at jump roping and showed off some great skills.  Ryland was so much better at jumping this year.  He showed off with some glow in the dark jump roping.

Reed did awesome!  For his first year, I was blown away by his skills.  He is light years ahead of Ryland two years ago.  There are definitely advantages to being the second child.  

100 Days Smarter

It is the 100th day of school.  Ryland celebrated by dressing up like an old man.  

Urban Air Take Over

Ryland's class won the top earner for the Dragon Dash.  For their reward, they all were rewarded with a class party at Urban Air

Reed also enjoyed the fun with his friend, Molly.  Ridley was too fast and crazy for me to catch.  

Christmas Parties

We packed in the fun this morning with two Christmas parties at Old Union.  Both boys had a blast playing with their classmates and showing off.  Now we are ready to spend the next two weeks relaxing!

Volunteering

Old Union held a staff luncheon today to show appreciation for our one of a kind awesome team.  Parents volunteered to lead the classrooms for one hour, so the staff could all eat together.  I volunteered for Reed's class with my friend, Kristi.  About 10 minutes in, we knew we were in over our heads.  These kids are crazy!  I immediately started counting down the minutes, and she blocked the door.  It seems like school is much more "fluid" than it was year ago.  Kids just get up and leave the class for water, bathroom, etc.  Without asking! 

After an hour, we were exhausted and begging Ms. Hill to magically reappear, as we stared down the hall.  Note to self, never again volunteer for a teacher's place.  Never again.

The students proudly displayed their turkey feathers on the classroom door.  Every parent made a feather that included what makes their child special.  This is a very heart felt homework assignment that John Chris and I enjoy working on.

Lunch Date

I had lunch duty for Kinder Cafe, so we went to Old Union for lunch.  Ridley sat at the guest table, and Reed was sweet enough to join her.  These two are the best of friends and make each other laugh like crazy. 

Lunch must have tired Ridley.  We weren't home 15 minutes, and I found her asleep sitting up on the sofa.  

Field Day

Due to lots of rain, Field Day had to be moved inside at Old Union.  The kids didn't seem to mind one bit.  Ryland's favorite activity was the blowing baseball inflatable.  I think he was liking the response from the line of boys watching him cream the ball over and over.  He would then go the back of the line to wait for another turn, all while giggling when his friends couldn't hit the ball. 

Reed and Ridley got in on the action too.  They chased bean bags that were launched off the foot stomper.

Even though it was disappointing not to play at the stadium, these Dragons made the best of a fun day at school.

New Experiences

I had so much fun with Ridley and Reed this afternoon.  I took them to one of my favorite ice cream places to experience a bit of heaven.  Freddy's opened when I was pregnant with Ryland, and it was my weakness.  Since moving to Southlake, I never drive by it, so it has been too long.  These two loved it!  So yummy!

Next, we headed to Old Union for a very up close look at hot air balloons.  It was a wonderful and educational afternoon at the school by a very experienced balloon group.  Reed jumped right in on the action.

This was as close as Ridley would get to the balloon.  She was scared to death by the balloon's blowers, and she wanted no part of it.  

Ryland's 1st Grade Class Photo

Kinder Bootcamp

Reed is looking forward to starting Kindergarten.  He was super excited to attend Kinder Bootcamp at Old Union.  Look at this excitement!

Old Union Night

Each school in Carroll ISD has a special night at Dragon Baseball Stadium.  Tonight, it was all about Old Union.  The students that arrived before the game got to go out on the field to sing the National Anthem.  Reed was thrilled to be included, too.  

We all had a great time cheering on the Dragons and eating lots of junk.  The children were bouncing off the walls, and eventually we told the pack to go down and run around the track beside the stadium.  They had a blast!

OWAN Decorating

Jessica and I had a great time decorating the ballroom for OWAN.  The Vegas glam theme came together perfectly, and the event was a huge success for Old Union.

Jump Rope for Heart

Ryland participated in Jump Rope for Heart again this year through his school.  Today was the jump roping presentation of skills.  He has gotten so much better in a year, and it is cool to see his coordination develop.  

Ryland's Teacher Conference

I always love to hear how wonderful my kids are doing in school.  Today, I met with Ryland's teacher for the annual conference.  We spoke about how Ryland is doing in the class and where he falls with the expectations of the district.  Of course, he is exceeding expectations academically, and he is a class favorite.  Mrs. Evans filled me in on how kind and sweet Ryland is to everyone in his class.  He is a genuine boy that cares about his classmates.  My heart is so full!

Dragon Dash

Old Union was finally able to hold their annual fundraiser, Dragon Dash.  It is typically held outside, but after a rain out, they weren't taking any chances.  Go Ms. Evans' class!

Ryland took on the obstacle course like a true athlete.

Ryland starts 1st Grade

Every new year and major milestone make it obvious that time is flying.  I can't believe that my little baby boy has gotten so big.  Ryland is off to First Grade at Old Union.  He was excited and looking forward to seeing his friends.

Reed was excited as well.  He was thrilled that his bossy brother was out of the house.

Ridley just giggled and said "Bye bye". 

Meet the Teacher

Ryland is ready to start the new school year.  We had Meet the Teacher this morning, and he is very happy.  His buddies, Grant and Graham, are in his class, and he can't wait to hang out with them.

Ryland's first grade teacher is Mrs. Amy Evans.  She also happens to be our new neighbor, just a few doors down the street.  She seems like a perfect fit for his personality, and he is crushing on her already.

Kindergarten Graduation

I can't believe Ryland is almost finished with Kindergarten already.  It seems like just yesterday, we were prepping for the first day.  He has had a wonderful year, and we are so very proud of our little graduate.  

It took several tries to get all three children together and looking at the camera.  You would never guess who was being difficult.

Family shot with our Kinder graduate.

Ryland and his teacher, Ms. Hill.

Ryland and his friend, Charlie.