Monday, July 27, 2015

6th grade graduation and the last day of school

Where did the last 6 years go? It really doesn't seem that long ago that I was walking Conor through the front doors of Midway Elementary to start his first day of kindergarten. Now Conor is walking out of Midway and not looking back. He is headed to Mountainside Middle School. Conor had the honor of playing the piano as the graduates walked in. He did a spectacular job.

The last day of school is always much anticipated. We took our annual jumping for joy picture and I realized that this was the last time Josie and Conor would ever be at the same school. Bitter sweet this growing up thing is. Yay for a great 2nd grade year and Yay for a great 6th grade year. Just had to add this cute picture of Lincoln graduating into Daddy's shoes. I am always a sucker for kids in big shoes pictures.
-Conor playing How to Train Your Dragon

-Conor getting his diploma

-Conor and some of his buddies

-Conor and Mrs. Carroll-his teacher for the last 2 years
-Josie and Reegan
-Conor, Colton, Rory and ?? 

-Jump for Joy!
-Lincoln in Daddy's shoes

More fun with the Paynes

Over the next few days we hung out at the farm, tortured the chickens, played with the dog, held the hamster and of course enjoyed the horses. We all had a great time visiting and laughing and being together. Josie and Tyler were inseparable, they both cried when we had to say goodbye, they are certainly cousins in spirit. We were able to go on a hike in Mt. Rainier National Forest, and we felt lucky that the road was open so early, but we failed to take into account the snow that would be on the hiking trail. What an adventure!!!! For memory sake, we went on the Naches Peak loop.  We probably should have turned back when we hit snow and we were slipping and sliding into tree wells and we were trudging through a few feet of snow, but we persevered. Most of the adults pulled, carried or dragged a child up a few hills. Yay for youth and the memories. What a great weekend
-Josie, Conor and Lincoln with one of they poor tortured chickens

-Tyler and Josie and Lincoln collecting eggs
-Headed over the road to the trail head....snow here we come

-My cute boys with cold and wet toes about 1/2 way through the hike

-The Kellogg and Payne gang

-Kevin and Lincoln hiking up the frozen tundra

-Snack time and destination view point

-This mountain goat watched us hike for a while. I think he may have been laughing at us

-Tyler and Josie-kindred cousins

-Melanie, John, Julie and Kevin