Last day of School!

 School's out!

Nathan officially finished 2nd grade at the Challenge Center on May 15, 2015!

Let's begin with a look back.

Here's our little guy back in August on the first day of school.  

 

Poor guy was very nervous (and excited) to embark on his first year of public school.

 Here he is on the last day of school.

Not nervous, just excited!

 Some things didn't change:
He's still wearing Star Wars t-shirts &

He still won't just stand and smile nicely!

Overall it was a great year!

Nathan loved being at school (most days).  He impressed Matt and I by getting himself up every morning at 6:45 and completely ready for breakfast by 7:00.  When at home, I had to drag him out of bed at 8:00!

The beginning of school was a big adjustment for all of us.  Like I've said before it was challenging for me to hand Nathan over for so many hours of the day.  I had to grow into this new situation of creating a home that would remain Nathan's main source of love, support, and education, while allowing him to learn and grow away from home.  We had bad days (after school, Nathan was great at school), and there were definitely opportunities for growth and maturity for both Nathan and myself.  

In the end however, God is faithful.  He continues to lead us on this journey and as we seek Him, He provides comfort and direction. 

 

We praise God that Nathan had a great teacher and got to learn with many great classmates.  I wanted a picture of Nathan and Mrs. Ivey on the last day, but Nathan had a case of the last day of school blues and wasn't up for it...I think he's going to miss her!

Once the weather got warmer in the Spring, we were able to hang out after school.  It was great because I got to get to know some of Nathan's classmates and parents better.  One particular boy that stayed to play also had a little sister, so it was perfect!

I took a couple of photos of the girls on the last day of school too (last day of Nathan's school...homeschool is almost finished for the session).

Spinning in a swing...still one of life's simple joys!

 

Here's Nathan with his friend Luke.  I wasn't able to get one of his little sister and the girls.

 

We again give thanks to God for such a great first year of (public) school!

Next year Nathan will continue at the Challenge Center as a third grader.  His school is moving to a permanent location at a new building, so there will still be some newness, but we're looking forward to it!

(especially since it's much closer to our home...yippee!)