Winding down

We are in the home stretch of our school year.  Mary finished her alphabet letters.  

When I asked her which one was her favorite, she said it was the "Z".

These decoratable cardboard letters are a fun way to introduce their names and sounds. She would do a letter each Monday and she couldn't wait for Daddy to come home so she could show him.   

She thought this was super fun. What kid wouldn't like cutting, painting, gluing, and 
sticker-ing?

Turtles are still her favorite.

But I think the "K" was the most fun to do. (and my most imaginative.)

What fun to have a chance to wear big sister's bright red lipstick!

I've used these letters as a preschool activity with five of the kids. (I don't have photos of them all, but you can see Abbie's here. And here is a "throw back" photo of Ellie with her letters. circa 2011.)

It's hard to believe that this is the last time I'll be doing this preschool activity. 
It's common to celebrate the "firsts" in the lives of our children, but often we don't know when a "last" moment is upon us until that time has passed.   
It's a melancholy feeling - a mixture of sad and happy.

Meanwhile, the others push on to finish their subjects for this year.  We've had days that have been warm and sunny and those days make it hard to concentrate and stay focused. So on the rainy, cooler days, we push a little harder.  Not too much longer and we'll be able to enjoy the spontaneity of summer days.  

Summer days are a balancing act too.  Too much freedom can quickly turn to boredom and bickering.  I hope to find a nice mix of adventure days and quality activities for them to do at home as well.  

Do you have any recommendations?  I'd love some suggestions, and to hear what your kids have enjoyed.  

 -  Carol