Last Day of Second & Kindergarten

Brock, 2nd grade

 

Kade, Kindergarten

We finished the 2020-2021 school year! We completed an almost virtual school year with two in elementary school - I think I deserve an award for that! 

Kade connected so strongly to his Kindergarten teacher, we opted to keep him virtual the entire year to stay in her class - and even though it was extremely exhausting for me to work my job AND oversee his teachings, I think it was all for the best for his year.  

I'm amazed at how much Kade learned this past year. His handwriting needs a bit of help (pencil grab?!??), but he is reading beautifully - really able to sound out those words. 

We recorded many videos of Kade showing off his independent work to the teacher. 

Two days before the last day of school was supply drop off - where Kade got to say goodbye to his Kindergarten teachers in person. This was the day he was finally able to give his Kindergarten teacher a first hug! Aww!!

Kade used that six boxes sheet many a time in his year - the cutest was his last day of school - his six most favorite things he loved about Kindergarten!

Kade's list.... "ABC Countdown", "Kade's hug with Ms. Morrison", "Letterland", "Mystery Doug", Mogo" and "Ms. Groth" (his music teacher). 

So proud of you Kade!!

Brent and I had to decide in December what to do with our children for second semester. We opted to move Brock back in person, which unfortunately meant a brand new teacher. After pushing back the start date, Wake County Schools finally went back in person February 17, 2021 - for Brock, that was twenty-four days short of an entire year of school done virtually.

After a few weeks of adjustment, we saw some really positive changes in Brock. It surely helped to make some friends at his new school! 

Twin Day - wearing Minecraft shirts with one of his buddies

I'm sure it was strange to be in a classroom of only ten children! They cut the classroom size down to socially distance - he was in a virtual classroom of 22 his first semester (I heard it increased to 26 so they could add another small in-person class). The small class size definitely helped get him back on track. His teacher was very impressed with how much information he absorbed during the pollination lesson!

One of the coolest things he brought home on his last day of school was his "2nd grade Reflections" book. Short and sweet, right to the point - and always mention math - Brock to a t!

He loves to write and has started writing little short stories. His teacher always commented on how nice his penmanship is!

Happy faces on the last day of school! 

Kade's Teeball

Kade's first two games were rained out, but FINALLY he was ready to play! He has been talking nonstop about playing tee ball as soon as I told the boys they were signed up! He was even more thrilled to know that Brent is assisting on his team too!! All three boys have been practicing in the backyard hitting the ball, throwing and catching!

We are finding it a bit difficult explaining that baseball and tee ball are kinda the same sport, just one has a little "easier" rules.... 

Kade loves playing in the pitcher's position - getting all the grounders!

Kade: "No Mom, I don't want a baseball book, I want a tee ball book!"

Kade hitting one off the tee. 

And look at that - even more spectators to cheer on Kade!

Brock's Coach Pitch Baseball

It's been awhile since Brock played baseball, as last year's season was completely canceled. He was ecstatic for this season: 7-8 coed Coach pitch. 

This year, with all the Covid precautions in place, each player had to purchase their own batting helmet. 

Number 13 walking up to the batter's box!

After a few weeks of practicing, the team was ready for their first game - Tuesday, June 1st. Brent signed up to be an assistant coach for the Cardinals, too! 

Per the town's rules, the coach pitches each batter up to five balls. If they can't make contact, they pull the tee out and the players swing until they hit. Out of three up at bats, Brock was able to make contact twice with the thrown balls!

After a good hit, he's running to first! He's gained some speed running bases as the season progressed!

Go Cardinals!

We love that Papa comes to the games to cheer on his grandson!

Biking around Apex Lake

The boys and I loaded our bikes in the back of the truck and rode the 2 miles around Apex Lake. It was the perfect combination of distance and minimal hills as Kade is still holding on to his training wheels. 

I love this trail. It's always so green and just really pretty to walk around. 

We had to stop twice around the lake for water breaks. 

And of course once to check out the things in the lake. 

And one final picture of later that week - playing in the bounce house in our backyard.