School's Out!

It seems like just a few days ago that I was posting about the kids' last day of school for the 2010-2011 school year.  Now the 2011-2012 year is over.  How did another year go by so fast???  So very proud of Mary Ashtyn and Reece, they both had an excellent school year.

Reece had All A's for the school year and the highest average in Social Studies in his classroom.  We are so proud of him!  It's hard to believe that he's finished with his first year of middle school and will be a sixth grader next year.

Reece and Grandy (Trent's Dad) after the Awards Program

Reece and some of his friends.  Watch out 6th Grade...here they come :)

Mary Ashtyn also got All A's for the school year, a Citizenship Award, and received awards for having a 95 or above for the year in Language Arts and Social Studies.  She was also named to the 7th Grade Elite for being in the top 10 academically.  I was a very proud Mama!!  It seems impossible that she will be in 8th grade next year...her last year of middle school!

7th Grade Elite

My Favorite 8th Graders :)  Love these sweet girls!

As proud as we are of them academically, we are completely thrilled with the people they are growing up to be.  Reece and Mary Ashtyn have been through so many changes since Lily became their Mei Mei.  Even on the tough days, they keep going and hang right in with us.  I've watched them become more compassionate and understanding, not only to Lily but to everyone.

Last week, we finally told them how involved Lily's Muscular Dystrophy really is.  It was so hard.  Watching Mary Ashtyn pick up Lily and cradle her like a baby after she found out broke my heart.  Holding my sweet tender hearted Reece as he asked "why" and grieved for all the things his Mei Mei couldn't do was almost more than I could stand.  Waking up the next morning to hear them giggling together reminded me how blessed we are.

Can't forget Silly Lily, who will be in the first grade next year!  Praying that my heart can handle my baby starting school!!