JoySchool Graduates

(More to come later, Tiana is making a movie out of all the pictures & video taken. Thanks T!)

(left to right: Mark, Ethan, Ches, Elise)

JoySchool has been such a wonderful experience for us, and I am so grateful for the great families we were able to have this experience this with. It touches my heart to see Elise find joy in learning and to watch her friendships with these sweet boys and her teachers grow. I am really sad that it's all done!

It wouldn't be the same without Ethan! We've missed the Woodburys since they moved back to Utah, so the kids were delighted to see him back in paper cut-out form. They thought it was super funny.
Aaron gave a really sweet speech thanking all the moms for their hard work, about how JoySchool has blessed our family and then he read a moving poem about mothers. After Aaron's talk, Gina gave the kids pretty fuschia carnations and awards to give to their mothers.
There's too much to say about these lovely ladies, seriously! I learn so much from Gina, Tiana, and Sarah about teaching, parenting, and almost everything else! They are amazing, talented, selfless friends and my life is blessed to know each of them in different ways.

I saw this cute idea for graduation cupcakes online - but it was too much chocolate, and I am a huge fan of chocolate! Plus we had root beer floats, so that probably added to my sugar overload! But I liked the way it looked! haha.

Elijah would have been so hurt not to have been a part of the graduation ceremony in some way. He has learned all the songs with Elise and has loved JoySchool when it was taught in our home. He is wearing a superhero cape that Sarah made for the kids on Ethan's birthday, and he hardly ever takes it off. It's his favorite piece of clothing!

Our wonderful hosts, Gina and Alex. Gina is the one who introduced the idea of JoySchool to us and has been our group leader. She is wonderful. Their childern are really bright and loving. Mark is a great leader, and is quite a good hugger and bug catcher.

Sweet Ellie, Tiana and CJ. Both Gina and Tiana are great cooks and Tiana made a really delicious chili for our little celebration. Ches has been just a joy and it tickles my soul the things that he says! He just has a wise soul, and an out-of-this-world memory!
Ethan's bright spirit shines through even in paper form - everything about him is happy, his walk, bounce and the way he talks! It has been a truly wonderful year, thank you everyone. We will miss you more than you know!