Aladdin in Chicago

 Early June we took the kids to Chicago for a few days.

 We met up with our friends and went to see Aladdin while it was at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.

 It was a great show and kept all of the kids attention the entire time.

 Afterwards, we went to have a peking duck dinner.  It was so good the kids said they want duck instead of turkey for Thanksgiving.

 skipping down the street to get dessert

The kids enjoying some George's for dessert.  It was a great way to end a fantastic day in Chicago.

More recital

 Ready for tap

 A little blurry and I wish I would've gotten a better picture.  She was the first one to come out on stage and she had the biggest smile on her face.  It was so cute!

 It was a short number

So not many photo opps

 Group picture

 My baby has hops!

 Her teacher really enjoyed this group of girls and it showed in the choreography.

 I loved their piece this year

 Group picture with her awesome teacher

 Group picture in their ballet costumes

 They were so cute holding hands walking back stage 

 selfie fun

 With their flowers and big brother.  I'm so glad we haven't reached the age where he complains about having to sit through the recitals yet.

Diva 1 & Diva 2

Recital

We ended May and started June with the girls rehearsal and recital.

Evelyn requested beads for while they wait backstage 

 Lined up and ready to rehearse

 It was tough to get pictures this year

 Parents were only allowed in the balcony

 Which made it harder to catch the movements from so far away

 But it was better than nothing 

 Audrey got to do jazz this year and she loved it.

 She had a great group of girls in her class

 She had some great facials this year

 It was such a cute dance

To Meghan Trainor's song Better when I'm Dancin'

 It was such a fun dance and a total crowd pleaser

 They nailed it!

Fore-Tee!

Despite my best efforts, I couldn't convince Chuck to have a party for his 40th birthday.  I couldn't let this milestone birthday go by without doing anything so I surprised him at work with lunch for his department and cake. I worked with his administrative assistant to make sure he had some time blocked to make it work.  She also reserved the conference room for me.

 The kids were done with school so they were able to come and help celebrate.  He was truly surprised.

last day of school

 May 24th was Carter and Audrey's last day of school.  Audrey had a fantastic year in second grade and is looking forward to third grade.

Carter had his last day of fifth grade and final day of elementary school.  It's crazy to think he's off to middle school! He's excited for the change.  As the fifth graders left the school, all the other students and teachers lined the halls and cheered them on.  So cool!

 Ready for summer vacation

 Audrey's last day picture with her teacher.  It was also her teacher's last day.  She's moving into a position at the district office.  As sad as we are to see her go, I'm grateful that both Carter and Audrey were able to have her.  She's amazing!

 She had a seusstastic year!

5th grade party

 The fifth graders got to party all afternoon to celebrate their graduation. It was a fun afternoon filled with a bunch of activities.  Carter and his friend are writing a message to be attached to a balloon they will release.

 The plan was to have it outside but the weather had other plans.  It was off and on rain all morning and it didn't clear up enough in time.  Luckily, we were able to have it in the gym where there was plenty of space.  We had pizza and drinks for the kids.

 Different games were brought in

 They all got t-shirts that said, Once a Royal Always a Royal

 There were fabric pens so they could sign each other's shirt

 photo booth

 slime station

 Having fun with the parachute

 I was brave enough to go under with them.

 Tug of war.  There was boys vs. girls

 5P vs. 5W

 The most fun was all the fifth graders vs. the parents.  We lasted longer than I thought but we were so out numbered!

 The rain stopped long enough to head out and release the balloons.

 DGS class of 2017 sending off their messages

 So bitter sweet to have my first kiddo say good bye to this wonderful school

 The party ended with a visit from the Kona Ice truck

The rain held off so they could eat them outside.  It was a fun afternoon and I'm glad I got to be a part of it.