Koen's Last Day of First Grade

Well, it was a great school year and really went fast now that I look back on it.  But Koen accomplished so much this year that I know it truly was a full 180 days of education.  Koen grew from throwing fits of complaining over math challenge homework (mostly due to the tired frustration of not knowing how to easily do something right away) to begging to complete the entire packet the first night he would bring it home.  He went from reading out loud when required, to gladly snatching up a book to read and then presenting the new facts he'd learned.  His penmanship can be immaculate on cue versus last year when he had no discipline over his writing at all.  Some of Koen's highlights of the year (with gym and recess being classic boy obvious choices) were the Asia unit, any and all science experiments, the Spring Production and the overnight camp at the end of the year.  Koen (by God's amazing grace) showed us that he could handle riding the bus home from school and would report most days that he liked to ride by himself near the front of the bus so he could see where the bus driver was driving and watch out the window.  Koen grew drastically in his school-time behavior as last year was a challenge for him and this year we had very few issues.  Not only that he loves to work hard.  From the first day of first grade to the last, he never complained about the workload, all the time spent working at his desk or the challenging amount of curriculum he digested.  I was impressed, proud and thankful that this boy of mine truly loves to learn and isn't afraid to work hard.  Koen, it's been a joy to watch you excel this year.  You've gained ground in all subjects and show a passion for education that excites me to see what awaits for you in the future as you continue to apply yourself.  Great job this year, Koen!

I did (of course) document with pictures as well.  Here's Koen in front of our daily countdown...0 days left of school!!

It was so cute...when I asked him to smile for another picture on the front porch he suggested, "how about here in front of the flowers."

Koen had a noon dismissal on his final day, so the little guys and I had lunch all ready and waited for him on the front porch.  This was the best pic I got (sorry).

Doug had suggested we get pizza at our favorite family spot that night to celebrate.  Sounded good to me (no cooking!).  It was a fun celebration of Koen's completion of first grade and we also made a big deal about Tavin completing preschool at this dinner.  I didn't get any pictures of Tav that were bloggable (sorry, buddy), but here are the few moments I did capture.

Well, can you believe it?  That's it.  My 7 year old has completed first grade (I feel a little old).  It all goes so fast.  I sometimes just want to pause and make it linger a little longer.  But no time for that.  As you will see in coming posts.  With these 3 active boys, we are hitting the ground running and taking full advantage of no school all summer long!