Summer!

Another school year has closed. No matter how hard of a year I have or students that challenge my patience, I always cry. Although my students were great kids individually, together their dynamic was trying. So, I was eagerly awaiting the end of the year...just needing a mental break from the warp speed days.

However, the last day came. We gathered in the classroom, shared memories, read The Giving Tree, and I cried...hard. Then, my students asked me to have 10 minutes of my time during their recess. So, they led me outside to the playground, with my eyes closed ~ I'm very trusting ~ and they positioned me. One of the girls asked me to blow my whistle, while keeping my eyes closed, so that the entire class is gathered. I opened my eyes and saw two rows of my students creating an aisle. Then about 5 of my girls walked up the aisle and awarded me ribbons for "friendliest", "most helpful", "best lumberjack", and more awards. It really touched my heart because I really didn't feel like any of these things this year. It made me feel like maybe I had reached some of them.

Then I was presented with a binder that all of my students had created together. Each of them wrote me a little message about why they thought I was a good teacher for them. Overall, they sounded really sincere. Best gift ever!

I am going to miss them!

Father's Day!

For Father's Day this year, Steve and I decided we would make the meal for my dad. Since we don't have a grill due to our condo's restrictions, we hosted at my parents' house. It was a really beautiful afternoon! We pulled out the bags game and the competition heated up!

The best part of the day was the conversion of Melissa, my sister-in-law, who hardly ever eats meat. Steve's marinated tenderloin was so delicious that she loaded up! It was hilarious.

As the day is all about dads, I was so glad to be with mine. He is a terrific man and has shown me a great model of what a husband and future father should be! Love you, Dad!

The start of the veggie tray

Grill Basket #1

Now, that's a lot of meat.

Spoooooooky!

We headed downtown with Stef and Max for a delicious dinner at Braise. This place is all fresh, local foods. It is pricey, but AH-MAZING! After full bellies and plenty of wine, we headed to an old cigar bar to partake in a ghost tour.

Sassy Stef

My two favorite people!

Sisters from Another Mother

My love and me. 

These boys love their absinthe and frisbees.

This came on the heels of a slight obsession with Ghosthunters lately. We hoped to experience something spooky, but we didn't encounter any ghosts. Some of us found was more to drink, a glow-in-the-dark frisbee, a tarot card reader (Steve got his future, but refused to share what she said!), and some interesting facts about the building we were touring. Milwaukee sure can be fun!