May

May - oh so busy but oh so fun! We had several great adult activities including an 8th grade parent party including a visit from some cute llamas. Their side saddles carried mini beers around.

A going away party for some amazing neighbors starting a new adventure.

And a neighborhood progressive dinner - wine walk theme. 

Fun Mather's Day Art from the kids over the years

Avery (11 years, 9 months) - Avery had lots of fun end of school activities including her final chorus concert where she volunteered to introduce one of the songs. Her homeroom (team Orange) won 6th grade field day. She received all As/Bs Honor Roll at Awards Day. And ended the month seeing Weird Al in concert with dad.

Field Day - team Orange

Snuggling with yellow blankie who is still around but has seen better days

Someone stole Carter's birthday gift from Mimi

Parker (14 years, 6 months) - Parker also had a successful Middle School field day with the Green pride coming in first. He joined YMSL (Young Men Service League) this month which is a mother/son philanthropic organization for High School boys that Carter and mom have been in. Parker has a ton of friends doing it and this month was able to help with a Special Needs baseball practice, calling Bingo for a memory care unit and packaging meals with Open Hand. Speaking of baseball, travel ball is back in the swing of things with several May tournaments. He also got to go see a Banana Ball game with the Quist family. Parker also made several trips to Six Flags with friends enjoying almost all the roller coasters.

Carter (16 years) - May was a BIG month for Carter! He turned 16, took his first AP Exam, got his driver's license, finished 10th grade and got his wisdom teeth out. Carter also may have played his final baseball game as he is planning to scale back next year to be able to spend time on his rigorous course load. This will be quite a change as he has regularly played since he was five and it will definitely be an adjustment for coach dad. 

Carter also fit in some fun with friends and family as well. Carter is growing up quickly these days and we are trying to fit in time with him while we can!

Orient Express for his birthday dinner

Sixteen $1 bills with his face on them

Aced the Driver's Test!

Last time on the mound

First game to Last game with his favorite Coach

Handling wisdom teeth surgery like a champ

Quality time with dad watching a local wrestling match

Sushi dinner with mom

Siblings - The boys ended their rec season which is likely the last time the 3 Holden's will be on the same team. It has been mainly really fun to watch the boys play together and we are fortunate to have had wonderful teammates for this final hurrah!

Watching the Wienie 500

Lots of Hacky Sack these days

Last Day of School

First day and last day for the Holden kids. Goodbye 10th, 8th and 6th. Onto 2 in High School with 11th, 9th and 7th.

Last day of 10th grade for Carter. He had a great semester making Scholar's list and completing his first AP exam. He has a challenging 11th grade year ahead and is ready for time to rest up this summer.

Parker completed 8th grade and is officially a High School student! He grew a lot this year learning to lean into the classes he enjoys, push himself in classes that are hard and work through challenging teachers. He has a solid group of friends and is ready for 9th grade.

Last day of K, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th

Last day K through 8th

After his final exam, Parker celebrated with a pool party, the 8th grade social and a pizza dinner.

The next day, he had the Eight Grade Recognition ceremony.

Parker and a Lovett Lion starting K, graduating 5th and graduating 8th

Avery had a great first year of Middle School. Most of her 5th grade classmates transitioned with her to Middle School but kids from several other schools joined. It was her first time really changing classes (she has 7 each day) and having to handle carrying a backpack with all her supplies plus a lunch box and instrument to/from school each day. She was in all honors classes and ended the year with mostly all A's and a few B's. She enjoyed the school change and is going into 7th grade with confidence! 

Comparing all 3 at the end of 6th grade

Avery celebrated the last day with the neighborhood end-of-year water gun fight for the Middle School kids.