Three Cheers for Summer!

Today Madeleine and Audrey left for school as a kindergartner and a 3rd grader and returned home as a 1st grader and a 4th grader.  This school year flew by faster than any of the others and I'm left reeling at the fact that its over.

Madeleine on her first day as a 3rd grader . . .

 . . . and today as her last day as a 3rd grader (seen holding the pen/pencil holder she made for her teacher).

She had a wonderful teacher (the one she wished for all Summer long) and her 4th grade teacher will have some big shoes to fill.

Here's Audrey on her first day as a kindergartner,

and today as she graduates to 1st grade:

Her hair's a little longer and she has fewer teeth.  I also think she is shedding her baby features a little too quickly.

I'm convinced Mrs. A is the best kindergarten teacher ever.  Both of my girls were lucky enough to have her. 

9 months ago, ready to conquer the halls of school.

Today, ready to eat ice cream, swim, and everything else that Summer has to offer..

Finally, while it may seem random sticking the following pictures haphazardly at the end of my post, I'm doing so because of how cute they turned out.  The girls made pencil/pen holders and I got the idea here.

They also made cards and I included a gift card to Starbucks.  This year I feel better about giving the teachers something useful rather than something that will create clutter.  

Finally, what better way to kick off Summer than with ice cream at Ivanna Cone followed by family fun in the Haymarket.  

Three cheers for sleeping in and not having to leave the house until I'm good and ready.  HAPPY SUMMER!