Last Day of School

We have finished yet another year of school. Megan is on to being a Sophomore & Ryan finished elementary school. I feel like I've graduated elementary school since they kids have been there since 1999.

Here's Megan with her friends after their last final exam. I dropped them off at Lauren's house (no I haven't redecorated, this is not my house) and got this quick photo. The girls are Megan (of course), Jessica, Lauren, Abbie, & Kayla. Ryan's photos are in reverse order - sorry! This was a full class photo at the final day picnic. The 6th graders lead the "walkout" and then came to the park by the school for food & frolic. Ryan is on the far right side in the yellow shirt. There were 72 kids in his class but I'm not sure they are all in this photo.

The final day includes an awards assembly. Here's Ryan and his buddies showing off their President's achievement awards for academics. There is a silver level for a 3.5 GPA and a gold level for a 4.0. It's over their 4th, 5th, & 6th grade years. Ryan got a gold award and we are very proud of him. Megan got a gold award when she finished 6th grade too & had warned Ryan not to break the "Donnelly kid" streak. Hmm.... Ryan's friends to the right are Joe, Dalton, Matthew, & Luke. Pete is on his left.

This is the video of the actual walk-out. It's a privilege for the 6th grade to lead it and they walk around & gather all kids behind them. Ryan is at the front so feel free to stop watching after he passes (10 second mark or so). His teacher is in the white shirt a little after Ryan. You'll hear me say "Yeah teachers." But they didn't hear me. Ryan really loved Mr. C & will miss him.

It was hard for me not to cry while watching Ryan walk out of elementary school. I'm ready to move on but scentimental for all the years I picked him up from school. He'll now ride the bus to & from school. It's for the best cause as a teen-to-be, he won't run to my car anymore & talk my ear off all the way home anyway :)

Ryan's 6th Grade Graduation

Ryan's 6th Grade Graduation was last night. It's not formal but the kids do dress up. Here's Ryan looking dapper before we left for the school.

The ceremony is very short and, if you blink, you'd literally miss your kids turn to be recognized. They ran through all 72 kids quickly and then showed a video that lasted about an hour. There was cake afterwards and then it was done. It's nice to recognize the kids moving from elementary to Jr. High.

We've been in elementary school since Megan started in 1999 - ten years. We are all ready to move on to Jr & Sr. High School. Although, Ryan said he'll miss Mr. Cusumano (his 6th grade teacher). He's the one announcing names in this video clip. He's one of the many great teacher Ryan (and Megan) had at this school.

We can look back at our years at Oak Park with satisfaction and fond memories!

Ryan's new job

Ryan started his second job today. Yes, second job and no, we aren't making him pay rent. Not yet :)

He umpired his first games today. He does 1st & 2nd grade machine pitch. It's at the same complex where he plays his games. This is a good fit for Ryan since he's always been good about knowing the rules and loves baseball. He can also work in his mowing around his umpire schedule. This will hopefully keep him busy this summer.

Here's a few photos:

Ryan in uniform. He looks so cute!

He was having fun!

Big News for Megan

Megan is very excited tonight. She had cheer try-outs today & made varsity. She called me when results were announced & was screaming with joy. I could barely understand what she was saying. Anyway, it's kind of rare for a Sophomore (will be next year) to be on varsity so it makes it a surprise. Another good friend of hers made varsity too so that's good.

By the time she does her competitive cheer & high school varsity cheer, yikes, we are going to be tired of cheerleading around here. Well, everyone but Megan will probably be tired of it.

She's happy & we are happy for her :) She got her uniforms tonight so I'm sure she'll pose for me soon & I'll post some photos.

Great Family Picture

Hello Everyone - I know I've been awful about posting for over a month. I still plan to post our spring break pictures -- eventually. And, there will be photos from year end stuff for Megan & Ryan. I vow to be a better post-er!

Derek & Amy did such a good job with the family photo! I wanted to share it with everyone. I did not take my camera to Dad's birthday weekend. They were nice enough to share their photos with me and, as a bonus, they copied the picture by the tractor too.

Great job placing us (Amy) & excellent photography skills (Derek). You guys make quite a team!