School's Out!

Last day of school

The end of school finally came for Anna on June 16.  She is officially a rising 4th grader!  The last couple of weeks were full of end of year activities and parties.

The first end was the final soccer game of the season.  The weather was lovely, but the competition was stiff and the White Hawks ended the season with a 5-3 loss.  Anna was a bit disappointed that the end of season  pool party was replaced with a cupcake party after the game.  It was an interesting season and Anna is looking forward to returning to Coach Tom and Coach Dad's team in the fall.

White Hawks Soccer Team

The soccer game was immediately followed by the end of year girl scout camp out at a local park.  This was the first camp out for Anna's troop.  The troop is probably 50-50 in terms of those interested in camping versus those that prefer a Marriott.  The girls had a picnic first, complete with smore making, before heading over to the campsite.  Six families stayed for the camp-out, including the Fagellas.  Many of the girls that stayed had a little brother who also stayed, making for an interesting combination of folks.  Two families were first time campers.  The troop leader decided to camp from the comfort of her mini-van.  One family decided to stay at the last minute.  Actually, the dad was watching the kids for the weekend  while his wife was out of town and decided to run down the road to Wal-Mart to get a small tent and sleeping bags.  This was particularly funny as all the moms present knew there was NO WAY his wife would have ever let their daughter go camping.

The girls had a great time.  Joe became the fire master for the camp fire - a particularly challenging job given the four 5-6 year old boys that were there.  No one really slept.  We were all quite envious of the RVs around the park.  It was a memorable experience - and probably something the girls will do again (although the parents may be more reluctant).

Making Smores at the Girl Scout Camp Out

Speaking of memorable, the last week of school also included the annual school talent show.  You must be at a minimum of 3rd grade to perform, so this was the first year for Anna.  She performed in two acts.  The first was a duet with one of her friend of  When I'm gone.  The second was a dance number to Uptown Funk with one of her friend in which they really didn't practice (Theresa is still recovering from watching this).  Let's just say that the first number went much better than the second.  Anna is nothing if not resilient and is already planning what she and Gina will sing next year. 

The final day of school included a pool party for her class sponsored by one of her classmates that is leaving.  There are several families leaving the area thanks to the Exxon-Mobil relocation from Fairfax to Houston.  Anna's good friend Rebecca is among those leaving.  The kids took over a local pool and had a great time.  Rebecca came over for one last sleepover before leaving.  Anna will miss her.

Anna will also miss her teacher, Mrs. Miller, who certainly ranks as the best teacher she's had so far (and she's had some great ones).  Mrs. Miller gave out individual awards to all of the students.  Anna received the writing award for her class, and is even more motivated to keep practicing.  She also gave each of the students two books that she thought they would like for summer reading.  Thanks Mrs. Miller for a great year!

It's on to summer break!

Joe supervising the fire......and the boys at the camp out