Twin Cities Trip

The Girls and I enjoyed a long weekend visiting family in the Twin Cities. We were able to spend time with aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. My aunt, uncle, cousin and her family came to visit from MO! I haven't seen them in 9 years so it was really good to catch up. The MN Zoo and the Mall of America were some of the places we visited as well as spending time at my step-sister's (Lisa) house. The girls had a great time with their cousins and getting to meet Colton, our brand-new nephew. Here are a few pics from our trip. All smiles at Grandpa Printz's house with the Nelsons. The kids sure had fun playing together!
We were able to eat out at McDonald's with Uncle Andy and Auntie Darla.

Great-Aunt Linda and Great-Uncle Rocky came for a visit from Missouri.

A picture with Nicholas (cousin Casey's son), cousin Landon, baby cousin Colton,

Auntie Heather and Uncle Jason.

Rachel holding Baby Colton.

Sarah taking a "wolf ride" at the MN Zoo.

Jordan had to catch a ride too!

Jordan holding cousin Colton.

The kid crew at the MN Zoo.

Two wild and crazy monkeys!

Summer Drama

The Red Lake Falls Children's Theater presented the musical
"The Hundred Year Snooze" as part of our Summer Rec Program. We had a cast of 26 students who worked REALLY hard throughout the 8 rehearsal we had. The show was awesome! It is always amazing what the children can do in such a short amount of time. Rachel was Grace #2 and had a solo, dance and speaking parts. I was very proud of her and what she did!

The Cast (at least part a majority of them) of

"The Hundred-Year Snooze - the Story of Sleeping Beauty"

Rachel and her friends, Madison and Brooke

Rachel posing proudly!

Graduation

Congratulations to the class of 2022! It was our school's first year of all day/everyday Kindergarten. I believe that adding two extra days into our Kindergarten schedule was an important move for our school district to make. Todd and I have noticed how much more Sarah seems to be able to do in reading and math compared to when Rachel was in Kindergarten. We are looking forward to seeing her improve each year!
Sarah received her Kindergarten diploma from her teacher and the school's principal.

All ready for 1st grade!!

Rachel received several awards during the awards portion of the ceremony (sorry - no pics - she was moving too fast!). She earned a Reading Award and AR Point award. She also received an Outstanding Attendance Award. She has only missed 1 day this year. Actually, that was the only day she missed in the last 3 years!! Report cards were sent in the mail and both girls did very well. Each scored very well on their NWEA testing. Sarah accomplished all of the Kindergarten markers on her report card and Rachel earned an "A" for each subject. Okay - I will stop bragging but I am a proud Mama! Now to keep them reading and working on math during the summer. Each girl has a reading challenge to meet by the end of the summer as well as a math workbook. I think we may get them a Wii if they can meet their summer education goals. It wouldn't be too bad a prize for Mom either ;)

Piano Recital

Rachel had her piano recital at the end of May. She played one of her festival pieces by memory and another piece using her music. The performance was terrific! (That is coming from the music teacher side of me - not the mother side!) She worked very hard all year and we are very proud of her (that is the mother side comment). She also earned 5 points at her festival which is the highest rating a student can receive per year. She has participated in the festival 2 years and has a total of 10 points. If she earns 5 points next year, she will receive a gold cup. She really wants that gold cup (especially when she saw the trophy another piano student received.) Rachel has also started to play piano for the offering during church! I love to hear her play. Great job Rachel! We plan to start Sarah on piano in the fall. I don't think she is too excited about it yet. We will see what happens!

Look at that hand position!
Rachel with her piano teacher - No I don't teach her!

Lost Tooth

Sarah lost two of her teeth within a week. The first one was lost on her school field trip and was never found. Her teacher and I think she swallowed it! We wrote a note to the tooth fairy asking her to pick it up in Thief River Falls but to leave the money at home ;) She pulled out her second tooth on her own while sleeping over at Auntie Deb's house. The tooth fairy left money there too. Two more teeth are loose so we will have to see where the the tooth fairy will have to fly next!