52 Week Project - week 22 - Children

My children are my life - this blog is a chronicle of them and their adventures and all of the great memories I have of them.   Considering this week's topic is Children, it should come as no surprise that this post will also be about my 2 favorite little boys.  Both recently ended school and each event deserves its own acknowledgment.

 DYLAN

Dylan went to school 2 days a week this year at NY Kids Club and last month, Jay and I went to Dylan's graduation from the 2/3's club program.  Before the graduation ceremony, we were invited to observe the class for a bit and I loved watching Dylan play with his friends, run around and enjoy the gym.  

After observation time, we were all invited to the classroom where the kids sat down and had snacks.   The coaches told me the Dylan always wants to sit at the head of the table, always wants to help the others get their drinks and always is the first to help clean up. (he does need to work on sitting down until everyone is finished though lol)  After a few snacks, it was time for the graduation ceremony.   Most of the kids were very shy and didnt want to go up on the stage or made their parents go up with them - Not our Dylan....

I am sure that more than any of the other parents there, attending this ceremony was very meaningful and important for Jay and I.  Three months ago, Dylan was in a very different place than he is now.  While Dylan was in the hospital, he missed school and the coaches were so nice - they called often to check on him and even hand-delivered to the hospital a huge "get well banner" that all the kids helped make.  Two weeks after getting out of the hospital, Dylan was not 100% physically but we decided it might be good for him to go back to school and see his friends.  For a while, we really limited what he could do - no trampoline, crazy jumping etc. he even had stomach pains when he bent down sometimes.  Watching him the day of the graduation, you would NEVER know what he had been through - he was by far the most active (and wild) one in the class!  I was reminded once again how lucky we are and I am so thankful that Dylan is back to 100%. 

Ryan 

June 27th was Ryan's last day of school .  This school year flew by and it seems like yesterday was the first day of Kindergarten (see here to reminisce). 

The above picture was taken on the last day of school in the same spot as the picture of his first day in the frame was taken  - what a difference!

Ryan has changed and learned so much this year - One thing that has not changed though:   he still complains about walking the 1 block to school lol (unless he sees a friend and then he is fine).  He was excited for the last day of school though because he got to bring in a game to play and couldnt wait to show it to his friends.

As soon as Ryan got to school, he saw his friend Jack outside - next year, the boys will not be in the same class but they have become very good friends and I know they will stay that way no matter what class they are in next year.  

Ryan excelled in many areas at school this year, but needs to make improvement in some other areas - luckily for me, Ryan loves playing school so that will be a great way for us to practice things over the summer so he can be extra-prepared by September.  The biggest area Ryan needs work on is his writing so if any of you are looking for a pen pal, Ryan would love to be yours!  It will be great for Ryan to practice his writing and he LOVES getting mail.

Congratulations Ryan on completing Kindergarten - on to First Grade!!!  We are very proud of you xoxoxoxo
We are not sure yet who Ryan's teacher will be but we do know that he is in the "orange class".   We already know a bunch of the kids in the class and we are really looking forward to seeing what the next year will bring.