On June 9th I got the privilege of attending the eighth grade graduation banquet. Toby stayed at home with the kids and I was quite anxious; I knew that Toby would do a terrific job and that they would have so much fun, but I had never been away from Kyler for that long or that great of distance before. As it turned out of course the kids had so much fun, and it was a nice break for me too. The banquet was wonderful and it was so great to get to see some of the students from my original first-grade class and to see the other staff members that I think about and pray for often. The eighth graders all have to think of memories to share about each teacher, so it was really nice and personalized and made each of us feel important and special in the lives of the students. It was a wonderful time and a joy to be invited to the event.
Then just a few days later, on June 13th, was the annual school picnic that I always try to attend. Since Kyler was only a few days old during the last school picnic, it had been an entire year since I had been to one and it was so nice to get to show off my new "baby" (one-year-old), let Makenna play with all of the kids, and to catch up with everyone. Makenna just took off with all of the kindergarten - 2nd grade kids and had a blast being their little friend. There were several little girls that just swooped Makenna up and immediately started playing with her, pushing her on the swing, and basically catering to her every whim. Needless to say Makenna was in HEAVEN!! So I didn't see her for most of the time because she was busy with all of the little girls.
And Kyler hung out with me, although trying to talk and watch Kyler at a park is not always an easy thing to do. He is so incredibly active, which is good, but just difficult to do more than just chase him around:-) He did surprisingly sit down for a while when the sand toys were brought out and he sat and dug in the sand for probably 30 whole minutes, which in Kyler time is FOREVER!! He was particularly fond of the little rake. And then he found a football to play with too so he was a happy boy. As it got later, since the kids didn't really get to take naps, Kyler decided that he would sit again and allow himself to be pushed in the swing but only if he was allowed to keep his beloved rake and football with him.
As we reached meltdown point for both of my kiddos it was time for all of the school kids and staff to get back to the school and for us to say our goodbyes and head on the long 2.5 hour drive home. It was terrific to be able to see everyone again and I hope that we are again able to make it back to see everyone in 2014.
