Lionel is ready for high school!!!

Well, Lionel has officially finished the 8th grade which means that next year he will be in 9th...high school! Ack! I'm not ready for that!! I can't believe how quickly time flies lately...it seems like just yesterday we were beginning kindergarten.

Our homeschool group had it's graduation on May 31st. It was small this year as the date was bad for several of the families in the group. I was a little disappointed, but after 6 years of leading the group, I've realized that we have good years and not-so-good years. This was a not-so-good year. Life for everyone seemed to be so busy and consumed with things that interrupted their homeschooling...us included!!! We also had several families move away which was heartbreaking for us! Some of my dearest friends are no longer in the group and I miss them so very much...yes Suzanne...you're one of 'em!

Lionel was one of the graduates this year. The group generally recognizes kids who complete kindergarten, 8th grade and 12th grade. This year we had one 8th grader (Lionel) and six kindergarten graduates, 3 boys and 3 girls. Lionel also played a violin solo which was awesome! We are so proud of him. The kindergarteners sang a song which was very sweet.

Here are a few photos of Lionel...

Sorry about this first blurry one! Since I was doing the music I couldn't take photos as well and this was the only one my hubby got. I hope to get one from someone else soon. This one is horrible!


Here he is playing his violin solo. The tassel was just short enough that it didn't interfere with his playing, but it sure did come awfully close. He did a great job and ignored it the whole time!


Here we are...Lionel, myself, Sweet-Pea and Edward.


Our handsome graduate!!!


I always put this poem on the inside of our program...

Whatever you write on the heart of a child,
no water can wash it away.
The marks in the sands are erased by the tide;
inscriptions will crumble with clay.

The words in a book will decay with the years,
and even engraving in stone disappears.
But God's Word inscribed on a little child's heart,
for time and eternity shall not depart.

~Author Unknown~

"We love you Lionel and are so very proud of you! Now it's time to enjoy the summer before high school begins! Sweet-Pea, we are also very proud of the work you accomplished this year in 1st grade. Next year will bring lots more excitement to your education...a whole new world has opened up as you are mastering how to read now." Hugs and kisses from Mommy & Daddy