please slow down

As life flies by us so does the time to write what's happening. So many exciting things have been going on with everyone. Katie's wedding is in one week and the whole family is ready to celebrate and hopefully relax a bit in Bermuda. The kids are looking forward to it and I'm trying to imagine traveling by plane with 3 kids! I'm not stressing though because I know it will be an amazing vacation.
Matthew is now finished with 2nd grade. He's done very well this past year and will continue to coast along in 3rd grade. He does just enough to learn what he needs to and no more and that's ok with me as long as I see improvement over the long run. He is a child who knows what he likes and doesn't stress over the small stuff (unless he's hungry or tired - in which case the entire world seems to be ending!) Matthew has chosen to just go day by day this summer and opted out of any kind of summer camp. He really is happy just being outside with his friends and going swimming at the lake and Nana's pool. That's what summer is all about!
Kaylis finished her time at Trinity Children's Center. I think I was more sad than she was. She had two wonderful, caring teachers and a great group of kids in her class. She really enjoyed each day there and had a big smile on her face each time I picked her up. I really wasn't ready for the year to end and found myself wishing that she had another year there. Oh well - maybe we'll be back there in a few years for Avery! Kaylis is ready to begin kindergarten. I know she will do great! She continues her dance class through the summer. They've recently combined classes to make one class of about 15 girls. They are doing a "Big Parade" marching, tap dance for the recital this fall. So I know they'll be doing tons of practicing throughout the summer.
Our elementary school, LaGrange ES, closed it's doors at the end of the school year. The Arlington school board voted to close the school to save money in the budget. It is sad to know the students and teachers will all be in different schools next year. Matthew is ok with the change since he's generally a "go with the flow" kind of kid. He did get a chance to visit his new school, Beekman ES, and seemed to like it. He got to meet some 3rd grade teachers and new friends and have a tour of the school. Kaylis also got a chance to spend time in a kindergarten classroom and have a short ride on the bus. All in all, I think they will both really like their new school.
Avery is now 9.5 months and is definately developing and showing her own little personality. She has been crawling since about 8 months and now gets into everything. She can climb the stairs too. Of course we have gates up and she quickly learned that they keep her from going places where everyone else goes. If she sees one open she books for it and giggles if I purposely leave it open so she can crawl through. Recently, Avery has developed a sort of scream/whine, like "eeehh". She will make the noise whenever she doesn't like something. If we try to take something away she will protest. She's a feisty one! That's good though, she needs to be able to keep up with her big brother and sister. I keep telling Kaylis to watch out. Kaylis likes to pick her up, move her around, whenever/however she pleases and Avery is learning to let her know when she is not happy. So I tell Kaylis that one day when Avery is bigger she's going to get her back. Matthew is a bit more gentle and less jealous. He crawls around behind Avery and chases her which she thinks is very funny. Love to hear her giggles! Even more, I love to see them playing together.