School Year in Review

Sammy and Brie officially finished their school year last Friday, and it was really bittersweet.  They both had spectacular teachers who were full of creativity, energy and encouragement.  And both kids loved going to school each morning...we never got a single complaint.

Check out how much Sammy and his classmates have changed.  This is their class last September...a bunch of cute, still-sorta-babies 3-year-olds:

Sammy is second from the right in the red t-shirt that reads (in Italian): "If Mom says, 'No,' ask Grandma."

And here they are last month...taller, slimmer and looking like big kids!

Here's our handsome guy now...second from the right in the back!

Sammy is more eloquent than he was last fall, and also WAY more sneaky!  He gets into mischief a lot lately!  Sometimes it seems like he's storing up things to "try" when he's alone, and then the second he's by himself, he's up to no good!!

He's still our incredibly sweet, snuggly little boy, though, so it's hard to complain or be frustrated with him for long.  He's our super sleeper still, too, and manages a good nap each afternoon...always waking up with a smile...and a big appetite!

Brie is almost unrecognizable from last fall!  When she left for her very first days of preschool, she was just over 2 years old and barely had any hair! She was shy to warm up to her teachers and classmates each morning, but always in a VERY good mood when I would pick her up.

           

Well, nine months later, she has more hair, many good friends at school, and has come so far in terms of maturity and self-confidence.

In fact, one of the biggest treats this year was discovering that Brie is quite the performer. She all but stole the show at the two preschool performances this past fall and spring.  Here's a video from the Thanksgiving song that her class did:
And here is the opening song for the preschool's breakfast in honor of the 65th anniversary of Israel.  Can you tell that high-stepping Brie is in her element??

The kids' school year came to a close with two fun activities: a preschool picnic and a school-wide field day with parents. Here are some photos from both events...tons of fun!

 

Field Day pics...go, Blue Team!

 

This is our first week of summer vacation and the kids have already asked several times, "Is tomorrow a school day?"  Sure hope ballet, swimming and a little camp can tide them over until the fall!

P.S. Here are Brie and Sammy in their official class photos...hehe.

As is often the case, Brie reminds me quite a bit of my Grandma Janis when she was younger...

And Sammy reminds me of Arnold from "Different Strokes."

Another great school year? Whatchoo talkin 'bout, Willis!