big stuff

This is a blog about the BIG STUFF because it was a BIG week. We had dress rehearsals, pre-k graduation, the last day of school, “meet the counselor” night, two dance recitals, the last t-ball game & celebration, Father’s Day plus a visit from Nana. All in one week!

Steven, Sammy and Amaya took a picture with Ms. Jena and Ms. Bri. They loved Ms. Bri long before she was their teacher and were so lucky to be in her class this year. Ms. Jena was wonderful, as well. Such lucky kids with the teachers they’ve in their years at at the Pitt CDC.

Wednesday was a big day with dress rehearsals and pre-k graduation! Madison was busy!

Steven, Sammy and Amaya – ready for jazz!

+Nana!! Nana arrived on a Wednesday this week so she could attend graduation and got bonus dress rehearsals out of the deal.

Unlike last year, this year the kids were going to be on stage without an instructor which meant it was up to them to remember the dance.

Jazz was up first.

Ta da!

Tap Time!

Steven got in some extra cuddles while Sammy and Amaya were backstage waiting to dance.

After the dress rehearsal we were off – quickly – to West Bloomfield for pre-k graduation. It was so emotional. I loved our experience at the CDC and it’s really hard to say goodbye to that family. The kids are more and more ready but I’m taking longer.

Graduation was 2 pre-k classes and a 6 student private kindergarten. They sang a song as a big group, each class did some songs and got diplomas and then they wrapped it up with a group song.

Our “graduators”!

We love Ms. Shannon. <3

After graduation, my mom and I rushed back to Northville for my dress rehearsal. Holy hell I was nervous. It has been so long since I’ve been on stage. Just like I took photos and videos of my kids, my mom did the same for me. 🙂 I’d been totally freaked out about getting on stage as an adult dance but the dress rehearsal did a lot to calm my nerves.

Last day of school!! The nice thing about the long build us is that it helped reduce (my) sadness. I did make a point to take the kids to school for their very last day.

I’m so proud of these three and all they’ve accomplished.

First and Last.

Very first and last. My sweet babies.

For the past week Amaya has been talking about having her own class in Kindergarten. It was a shock after being so anchored in the idea of getting used to Thornton Creek with one class and one teacher but she’s been talking about it non-stop. At graduation I asked Ms. Bri what she thought and she said she thinks it would be great for Amaya. She thinks Amaya is held back socially by her brothers because she a) watches out to be sure they’re ok and b) they follow her even when she’s trying to do her own thing, Sammy in particular.

Ms. Bri said that she thinks Sammy will grow, too, without Amaya there but will still benefit from having Steven in his class. And Steven going to do what he wants, regardless, so he won’t be held back the way caretaker Amaya might be.

This summer, the plan was for the kids to be in the same camp group but the head counselor happened to ask me about the arrangement we’d want. It was perfect timing and the day groups were being formed. I spoke with all three kids and we decided that Amaya would be in her own group and the boys would stay together. Their camp isn’t part of the CDC but it’s at the JCC and will have many school friends attending so it’s the perfect time to get everyone used to the separation.

This was Amaya’s face when I told her.

I’ve since made the formal request to their elementary school and the principal said he’d be able to honor it. So two kindergarten classes it will be!

On Thursday evening, the kids went to “Meet the Counselor” night for camp. They met their counselors, saw their group lists and did some activities. We’re ready for summer (as soon as it stops raining)!

Friday night was recital time for Steven, Sammy and Amaya! We had a full house. Jason and I were in the audience along with Nana, Grandma, Aunt Annette and Megan. Penni was one of the chaperones for Amaya’s group and Madison chaperoned the boys. (Last year there was no way Amaya was going off without her brothers but this year she didn’t look back. Big kids.)

The ladies.

All smiles after their performance!

After the show, someone came up to Steven and told him he was the star of the show. <3 (She quickly saw he had siblings and adjusted to tell them they were all great but I did love that one of my kiddos got that kid of reaction from a stranger in the audience. I think it was his glasses and they way he so enthusiastically jobs with his hands in the air.)

Saturday was our final t-ball game and I was back out as a base coach.

Go Scrappers!

After the game the kids paraded through a path of parents and then had a pizza and junk food feast. SSA were in heaven.

Trophies all around. Which makes senses since there’s no score keeping for t-ball.

Saturday night it was my turn on stage. I really can’t believe I did it! I was so nervous but we had a great time. I loooooooved knowing my family was out there watching and that SSA would see me on stage. Such a cool moment.

After the recital the kids came running to me with flowers. <3 <3 <3

This morning was a Starbucks morning with Nana while Jason and I slept in. My mom assures me this guy seemed interested in talking to three 5 years olds at 8am. I wonder how he relayed the details of his trip lol.

Happy Father’s Day to Jason! Best Dad Ever! We had a perfect lazy day including take-out for lunch and take-out for dinner. (For dinner Steve ordered “steak and a california roll” lol.)