Spring into Summer 2023

 
Dear Maya and Emi, 

What a sprint to the end of the school year we've had since returning from Japan! Here's what we've been up to:

• We celebrated a LOT of family birthdays!

Belated celebration of Baba's birthday with the fam

Papa Stan's birthday

Grace's birthday (one cake for each of these 3 at one party,
not 3 for Grace though that would be funny)

A trip to the cemetery for Nanny's birthday (Emi, you weren't
feeling well so you stayed home with Baba)

Another 3 cake party--this one for Uncle Shawn, Aunt Kelsie, and Aunt Bobbie!

• Musical, artistic, and scientific achievements!

Maya, you had all-county chorus, and 6th grade band and chorus performances!

Maya, you with your beloved art teacher, Ms. Kipness

And the art club mural you made with your friend, Kameryn

Maya, this was your learning fair project done completely on your own

Emi, this was your learning fair project with a
working capsule machine that Baba helped with

Emi, you went to a play along with Grandma while mom was at work

Emi, you also were a storyteller in the drama club play

And you beautifully played and sang a melancholy song called
"My Little Island" at the music school concert!

• We had some playdates with friends

Emi, we went to the Little Mermaid at the drive in with your bestie, Emmeline

and hiking with her family, too

• The end of the school year meant a moving up ceremony for you, Maya. You're going to middle school in the fall!!

• And last but not least, we had your half birthday party yesterday, Maya. Since your December 30th birthday is a tricky time to have friends over, we've been doing this for a few years now and it's been a fun way to kick off summer vacation. This time you wanted a rainforest theme and 6 of your besties came over for games, sushi, and cupcakes. 

Emi you couldn't wait for the party guests to arrive

little bags of candy and bubbles

Maya you made these necklaces for your friends, too

all the rainforest stuffies made and appearance,
and Maya your friends brought you such sweet gifts

by request, Baba brought out his conveyor belt sushi toy...

and made quite an array of kid-friendly sushi!

Maya, your friends are the cutest!

We stuck some toy animals and some edible leaf decorations
on the cupcakes which was adorable and really easy.

and your smile was so great to see!

So thankful you have such great friends!

Well, I'm sure I'll be back blogging in here in a few weeks for your birthday, Emi. We're looking forward to that, too!

Love you both!

first and last day of 6th and 3rd grades!