Memorial Day in Frankenmuth

 Our first excursion of the summer took us to Frankenmuth.  We took a ride on the boat.

 We walked around the town.

 We saw the Aflac goose...well...that is what Teddy told the girls.

 Dad bought us treats at the SugarHigh Bakery that won Cupcake Wars!

 They had remembered watching the episode.  How cool is that?

 And the cupcakes...were very yummy!

 "So...what else is there to do?" wondered Teddy.  Um, son, just shops...that is all.  (He wasn't impressed!)

 I am always looking for fun ideas to do with the kiddos at daycare...so this was fun to look at!

 Ted gave me the task of deciding where we would eat.  I remembered the Culvers sign, but thought it would be fun to try one of the places that make Frankenmuth...a tourist place...the Bavarian Inn!

 Wow!  The menu caused me to almost have a stroke...and wondering...why oh why did I not pick Culvers.  We enjoy the meal...but I will not give it a two thumbs up...cost and taste should have matched better. yikes!  It is a memory...and we enjoyed it with our children...who are quickly becoming less child and more adult...

 well...almost!  "Nice picture, Mom, that bottle is root beer and you can't tell!"

 "Let's get our Bavaria on!"  Hey, Kari, this is a lot like it is in Germany...shops and restaurants and you walk everywhere...and the cost of things...right up there too!

A beautiful Sunday afternoon

 Every year our school is invited to participate in the city's Founder's Day...May 17.

Our birthday boy!

 An early...special...delivery...

 brought a big smile to his face.  He had a little bit of a clue...because the box that he carried into the house had a small tear in it...and he peeked!

 Boys will be boys who like toys that make noise and welts!

 This 12 year old seems to be a constant bottomless pit lately!  And he loves his sweets...

 thankfully...no part of his face actually touched the ice cream cake and we all had some together!

 We celebrated two weeks early...because the guys had a paintball activity the next day.

 Everything fits!  Everything works!  An activity that both our guys enjoy doing...together.

 A shot of one of the shots that hurt! 

Happy Birthday, buddy!  We love you!  It is fun to watch you grow up and enjoy a variety of activities!

In the midst of all my school responsibilities...

 I must remember that I am a Mom and Wife first!

I still make yummy treats...when the girls let me!

 I still need to take care of our home...feathering the nest (my Mother's Day gift...a new comforter set!) and cleaning the nest too.  So thankful for the willing and capable hands of all my family to make that job lighter!

 Because...then...I have time to help them with their projects!  Typing...mounting...editing...brainstorming...

 and not just for our three chair fillers...but for their Dad too!  We had a Career Fair at school and Ted was asked to present.

 I am biased...but he was the most entertaining to watch and listen to!  There were 14 professionals from our church that spoke to our young people about their jobs...what they do, what they needed to get there, why they do it...

 it was a great idea and a great night.

 I learned more about what Ted does too!  He works hard and a lot of responsibility is placed on him.

 "Growing up isn't all that it is cracked up to be!"  Yep!  Remember when the biggest problem we had was when the chain fell off our bikes?!  I'm thankful for all the memories of growing up...the easy and the difficult!  It is because of those things and our training that we are able to handle the responsibilities of today!

The final touches on our K3 school year!

 I finished all the projects in plenty of time!  Some to help Mrs. S for K5...

 and many for our K3 class.

 Our final lesson to review all our letters...and most of our friends recognized them by sight and could tell us the sound...HOORAY!!!

 Our final field trip of the K3 year...walking to DQ to share an ice cream treat!

 Our final goodbyes to our little friend R who is moving back to Japan!

 Finally counting...and staying in order!  "Yeah for number 7"...and all the rest!

 Our final wiggly song moments and birthday treats...we hate cupcakes for birthday treats!

 Burying each other with the Beanie Baby animals while they sang and giggled.

 A final story read in the teacher's chair...she snuck in so quietly!

 A final meltdown...out done by another one...

 Another sweet treat shared by another teacher friend..."we will just carb it up to the end!"

 Our final staff potluck for the year...MMMM!

 Our final party of the year...pizza, watermelon, popcorn, and juice!  "This is the best day ever!"

 The final lineup for our K3 part in the K5 Graduation/Program.  They said their verse and sang the best they had ever done!  I will try to upload it!

 A final silly moment between the Mrs.Ks..."you will only get one thank you kiss!"

 An armful of flowers and gifts to finish off the night.  The Super Ks are going their separate ways now...a little sad, a little excited, and a whole lot tired and ready for summer vacation!

 Oh...wait...we have to be to work on Monday for the transition week into summer!  "Do we have to start at 8am?  I'll stop for coffee!"

I've got some big shoes to fill...Mrs. S has been teaching Kindergarten for 30ish years!  I'm thankful for her willingness to share her wisdom as I step into K5 next year.  My head is whirling constantly with ideas!  I have been making lists and I am blowing up my Kindergarten board on Pinterest!