Finally Posting Last Day of School Pics

To say life has been moving at turbo speed since the kids got out of school would be an understatement. It seems that we hardly have inhaled and exhaled twice since their last day of school, which was 11 days ago. Wha??

On June 14th, Conor wrapped up being a 3rd grader and Annika completed 5th grade (and her elementary school career). The kids learned so much over this school year. Conor's class studied things like fractions and division, plant growth and the environment, cursive, and Native American history. Annika's class dove into the history of the U.S. colonies and the Revolutionary War, literature (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and prose), performed Macbeth, graphing mathematical stats, and wrote their own novels as part of the Nanowrimo program. Talk about a full year!!

Both kids had AMAZING teacher this year and while we are excited to see what's next for them, leaving those teachers' classrooms is bittersweet. Ms. Fairbanks (3rd grade) and Ms. Adler (5th grade) are both dedicated teachers who practically ooze patience and kindness. When Annika finished 3rd grade, we were consoled knowing Conor would be in Ms. Fairbanks' class in 2 years. We have the same consolation with Ms. Adler ... Annika is done, but Conor is right around the corner of being in her class. (OK, two corners...) To both of these fine ladies, we are grateful for all you've taught our children and the support you showed to them. Ms. Adler was a key component to Annika's recent dyslexia diagnosis, and was nothing but supportive and creative when it came to working around Annika's academic challenges.

Next fall, we'll have a 4th grader and a middle school students. (Excuse me for a moment while I wipe away a tear or two.) Needless to say, the kids are thrilled to have summer ahead of them and a bit of R&R to recharge their batteries... not too much, but a bit.

Goodbye 5th and 3rd grades!

Stay tuned for summer updates! The Olson Four has quite a lot going on this summer (no shock there) and I'll keep the blog updated with details about our adventures as I can. 

Funny Morning Conversation

The kids, while making their lunches for school this morning had the following conversation:

Annika: My sandwich is as snug as a roly poly in a bowling ball.

Conor: What does that mean???

Annika: I dunno. It is probably a cowboy saying and nothing they say makes sense.

Conor: Oh! OK!

2019 "Get Things Done" Update

In case anyone is interested in an update... I've recently completed one and a half projects! Look at me go!!!

Now, you may be wondering why on God's green earth am I listing a half of a project in this post... and (let's be honest) I can see why you might wonder that very thing. In some cases, a half project is also a complete project. (Is your mind completely melting yet?) SOCKS! I'm talking about socks!!!!

I finished one sock .... it's friend is now underway and will receive its honors when it is also complete. In the mean time, I want to celebrate my ONE sock.

I took a bit of a knitting detour and also made this cute-as-a-button baby hat. I absolutely adore making baby hats out of Fixation yarn and hadn't made one in quite awhile... probably because I've turned my attention to bigger hats for Annika and Conor ... and to socks! Unlike socks, I can make a baby-size Fixation hat fairly quickly. The hurdle I hit while making this hat was my bamboo circular needle snapped mid-decrease. Snapped clean off while I was riding the bus home from work. It was quite the knitting emergency! I salvaged the hat's progress with a hope and a prayer ... and some stitch markers.Not many people understand knitting can be so exciting! :D

Sadly, my favorite fabric store is closing. After 40-something years, they lost their lease and opted not to relocate. (RIP, Pacific Fabrics - Northgate!) I stopped by the store a few days ago just to go one more time before they lock the doors one final time. While it is counter productive to my "get projects done" theme, I did buy a few yards of fabric that will become skirts for Annika. I've just make my project pile a bit taller, but I just couldn't help myself! I do love good fabric and making things. It's my Achilles heel!

Annika's 1st Irish Dance Recital

Annika had a rather big day on Sunday... her first Irish dance recital with Tara Academy. Not a surprise, she loved EVERY minute of it.

Back in kindergarten, her teacher (hi, Meghan!!) made a comment to me about how Annika was born to be on the stage. She wasn't kidding!! Annika loves an audience and entertaining people... she always has and (probably) always will. She's my girl, what can I say???

Getting ready to leave for the performance space

Annika was incredibly fortunate to have quite the cheering section in the audience. She had Daddy, Conor, Bestemor and Bestefar, Auntie Suzanne, Uncle Troy and Auntie Staci, Kat, and Ian. WHEW!! Talk about it taking a village to raise a performer/dancer/child!

One neat takeaway from the day was how the dancers put a decorative pin at their shoulder on the cape. Her teacher generously shared many of her pins with the dancers, and I suggested that Annika look for a pin to use in the future when she goes to Ireland later this month. (Side note: Bestemor, will you please help her find one or two as souvenirs??)

Ms. Erin attaching Annika's cape

The students danced their hearts out ... and showed what hard practice and kind teachers can help them achieve. Thank you to her teachers for their kindness, patience, and willingness to share their knowledge.

Annika was recently told that she has been promoted from the beginner level to the 1st intermediate level class. Talk about a feather in her cap! I can only image that Annika was jig even more than she does now ... which means she will probably dance in her sleep before much longer!!

Post-show with her flowers and certificate