It's Officially Summer for the Dows!

I know our summer has officially begun because so many "end of the year" events have taken place in the past 2 weeks!  First we had Ben's last day of 3rd grade.  I can't believe it but I cried!!  I just think 3rd grade is the last real "little guy" grade...after that it's getting ready for middle school...and I think my kids are just growing up way too fast!  Ben had an awesome 3rd grade year and is just the coolest kid I know!  He's still doing Tae Kwon Do and as you can see recently earned his high red belt.  In September he tests for Deputy belt and then is in training for his black belt!!!  He's also attending Tae Kwon Do camp this summer and he's really excited about that.  His master and wife are both just such great teachers...they really enjoy the kids and have so much to share.

Anyway, then there is "Princess Em" and she has had quite the busy end of the school year.  Again, she's growing up WAY too fast!  She had her graduation from preschool the end of May and again I cried!  I loved Kids Connection preschool and felt like they really loved my kids and wanted the very best for them.  Mrs. Lewis and Ms. Panzera were great and I will miss going to see them in the fall.  I can't believe I won't have any more kids in preschool!

A few weeks after graduation Emily had her 3rd dance recital.  She did a tap number this time and her costume was plenty gaudy for her!  She was of course the littlest one on stage in her class but her attitude and sass was bigger than everyone's!  We had lots of family at all the above events and for that we are very greatful!  Our poor family has done nothing the past few weeks but pay homage to my kids...thanks family!!! 

 Anyway, good news with the pool, we have concrete and mechanicals.  They come back today to hook up the electric and tomorrow the landscaper will be here to start to redo the patio.  It's coming along and we MAY be swimming by this weekend!  Most everything should be done by next weekend when my cousin and her family comes to stay with us (I am so excited to see her!)  I will post photos of the pool soon.  They took the cover off yesterday and we got to see the inside for the first time.  IT WAS SO CLEAN!  Really, after growing up with a pool it was amazing to see the bottom with only a few leaves!  Hopefully that means smooth sailing from here on out.  Enjoy the nicer weather and try to eat outside as much as possible this summer...remember everything tastes better when you eat it outside!  I really think that is true!  Bon Appetit!