Our First Trip to the Lake

Since Gracie is now out of school, we headed out to Longbranch Lake for a little swimming fun. Ella really loves the beach. Isn't she a bathing beauty?!

Ella insisted on called the lake and ocean. She kept saying, "You want to get in the ocean with me, Mommy?"

I was playing with the settings on the camera and this ended up in black and white, but that's okay. The girls were having such a good time playing in the sand together.

Ella spent a lot of time trying to fill up her bucket with that tiny scoop!

This little hole full of water was pretty entertaining for quite a while.

Ella would lay in the shallow part of the lake and pretend she was swimming in the deep end like her big sister. Gracie wears her life jacket and takes off in the lake. If she gets out too deep, I just yell for her to come closer, but she is pretty much fearless. She would go all the way out to the farthest point if I would allow it.

The Kindergarten Graduate

Wow! Where did this school year go? Gracie looked pretty big as she headed off to her last day of school. She only had to be there a few hours so that she could graduate.

I think the principal was glad to see the last day of school arrive as well!

This was hanging on the bulletin board outside Gracie's classroom.

It's a pretty long walk across the gymnasium to receive your "diploma" but it helps when you are walking toward your daddy!

By the way, Gracie was the only student who gave Brent a kiss and hug.

Every student in Gracie's class was given a special award. Gracie's award was for being a Star Reader.

After the graduation there was a reception in the classroom. Grandpa kept his eye on Ella while I helped with the punch. The kids were all very excited to be 1st graders! I know I took home one wound-up little girl who was so glad to be done with school for a few months. However, a few short hours later Gracie was asking me, "Now what should I do?" Typical!

Gracie's Cemetery Experience

My parents watched Gracie and Ella while Brent and I were at the wedding yesterday. Dad and Mom took the girls with them to the cemeteries to put flowers out. Ella fell asleep on the way there, but Gracie really enjoyed the experience. She helped cut the weeds away from some tombstones, placed the flowers where they needed to go and she learned a lot about our family. There were a few questions asked later about my dad's sister who died as an infant. I know she never knew that story, so she found it very sad. Gracie also learned about the flag being placed on graves of those who served in the military. Today as we went to some of Brent's families graves she mentioned all of those flags and what they represented. Gracie and I also discovered a set of stones at a cemetery near Lancaster, MO for sisters named Grace and Ella. You can bet it was a sobering moment to discover those graves. Memorial Day prompted lots of questions, but it made for some good learning.

Justin's Wedding

Today one of Brent's best friends got married. They have known each other literally forever, so it was cool that Brent could be the best man. Justin and Jenn had a beautiful day and we enjoyed being there. The picture is of Brent, their youth minister from back when they were kids and the groom, Justin. Sadly, I only took one picture the entire day. I was somewhat preoccupied with the fact that I locked my keys in the van at their reception site.

Gracie's Dance Recital

McKenna Nelson is Gracie's dance teacher. She is a high school girl who still takes lessons herself. I don't know how she does it all, but she's wonderful!

All of the girls would stand off to the side and watch whatever group was on stage. They were mesmerized!

Gracie with her buddies Shelby, Brooke and Aubree

They just needed to unwind!

This was Gracie's jazz outfit. They danced to "Tutti Frutti."

Gracie and Gracee - The Toothless Wonders

Fishing at Rob's House

We found ourselves back at Rob's house again today. This time I got to go, but Brent had graduation at Atlanta, so he had to miss out. Rob's pond is beautiful and it was a gorgeous day to be out!

This was Ella's big catch! She was mighty proud of her fish, but after she caught one fish she was done fishing. She decided it was more fun to sit with her feet in the pond or chase the ducks.

Ella up close and personal with her fishy friend.

Should I touch him???

I was touching him, so I guess she decided it was okay.

Rob put Ella's fish in a bowl so she could watch him for a while. He eventually jumped out and found his way back home.

Gracie's first fish wasn't too big, but she was proud anyway. Rob gave Gracie quite a bit of help, so she was able to catch probably 10 more fish.

What a fun place to hang out! Rob and Celeste let us feed the fish, catch the fish, feed the ducks, chase the ducks, and invade on their Sunday afternoon!

Ella loved reaching into the bowl and trying to touch the fish. They move pretty quick!

Look at that cute little fishergirl! I do believe she caught most of her fish with her little sis's princess pole.

A lesson in fishing from someone with more experience than I have! Gracie really listened well to Rob and learned some good things. I saw Rob a few days later and told him he should have heard Gracie telling Brent about her fishing experience. When she held her hands out to show Brent how big the fish were, they somehow went from being 6 inches to about 15-20 inches. She learned to tell a fisherman's tale pretty quicky!