Last Day of First Grade!

Well, it's official....Emily is no longer a first grader!  She finished her school year with flying colors, and even earned a certificate for being The World's Fastest Adder for her sweet addition skills.  We're so proud of everything that she's learned this year - she's adding two digit numbers in her head, reading chapter books all on her own, lecturing us about various famous Americans and scientific principles, and "writing like my mom," as she puts it.  (Big smile on my face as a I type this because I plan to spend the ENTIRE summer writing like a madwoman!  Perhaps she can help me.)  Our school started a new last day tradition this year - a water gun attack on the school buses as they pull away from the building.  We've always gone out to wave goodbye to the students as they pull away from the school, but this year we launched a surprise attack on the buses (and each other!) with squirt guns.  Loads of fun and a great way to send the students off on summer vacation.  When I first arrived at elementary school, I was surprised by the number of students who were in tears as the buses pulled away.  They're honestly sad to leave us, which speaks volumes about how much our school loves the students.  The water gun fight was a great way to put smiles back on their faces and send us all home laughing, especially since the idea of having a second grader brings a few tears to my own face!  Hope your last day of school send-off was as fun as ours!  We've got loads of great activities planned at the White House over the summer, so check back often!

Headed down to class for the last time

Ready for action - look at that stance!

Taking aim with the assistant principal.  Emily totally hosed a bus driver who was foolish enough to leave her door open.  She said that she didn't think it was fair that no one was soaking the drivers, so she decided to even the score.

Reloading!

Time to go home and dry out

Celebratory doughnut on the way home.  I've gained ten pounds since they put in a Dunkin' Donuts at the end of our street.

Getting a little love from Ringo after a celebratory dinner at Chin Chin, her favorite. They make the best Shirley Temples!