You get what you pay for...

He works cheap, but you have to be okay with a slightly irregular cut:

First Grader

Today was Ryan's last day of kindergarten at Johnsville Elementary School.  I seriously cannot believe how quickly this year went by.  It seems like just yesterday I was wiping the tears (mine, not his!) as he boarded the bus for the first day of school.  He had a great year with Mrs. Busch - she was awesome and we are forever grateful to her!!!  She sent this home with Ryan today:

Ryan -

You are a very special person

And you should know,

How I loved to have you in my care

How fast the year did go!

Please come back to visit me

As through the grades you go

Try hard to learn all that you can

There is so much to know

One thing I tried to teach you

To last your whole life through,

Is to know that you are special

Just because, you are you!

Good luck in first grade!  Please come and say "hello" to me next year!

Love,

Mrs. Busch

Getting ready for school on the last day: 

Ryan and his neighbor buddy, Lukas:

The 7 kids at our bus stop on the corner:  Ryan, Lukas, Paige, Trent, Brooke, Caden, and Elliott:

Morning bus, heading to school:

Coming home after the last day!!!!!

Getting off the bus, Carter anxiously awaiting!

I am so proud of that kiddo and look forward to our summer of fun.  First grade will be here before we know it, but first we need to enjoy every minute of the summer months!!!!! :)

Swingset

I stained the swing set last weekend, wrapping up the list of the spring projects on the Mackey to-do list.  I am amazed that this swing set looks like it did when we got it - 8 years ago for Kyle.  A fresh coat of stain every year or two does wonders.  Believe me, it does get used...almost daily.  Our yard can become the 'hub' for the neighborhood kids - it is nothing to have 6-8 kids in our backyard on a regular basis.  They draw like magnets to the sandbox/swingset area.  Funny story about how we got it - Evan's co-worker moved into a new home and was going to use a chainsaw to get cut it up and burn, just to get rid of it - she had no use for it being single and not having any kids.  Evan offered to take it off her hands, so it was a free swingset.  We put on a new swing, tarp, and revamped the monkey bars, but everything else is original to the swingset!  Looking forward to spending a lot of time in the backyard this summer! :)

Kyle's Turkey Mount

Evan and Kyle finally finished the turkey mount.  Now....the dilemma...where to put it?  I am not a fan of hanging it here in the house, but being outnumber 4:1, I may be fighting a losing battle...

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

My Dad's birthday is on Monday, but since we have work/school, we celebrated with him today.  I was finally able to return the favor for the hot air balloon ride he gave to me when I was a little girl.  I bought him and Mom a ride on the Stillwater Balloon for his birthday.  I can't wait for them to use it.  It truly felt good to pay it forward and thank him for everything he has done for me and my family.  I hope you have a wonderful birthday, Dad!  We love you very much!  XOXO



Life on the Farm

We spent the day at my parents' today, my first trip up there in a long time.  It was a great day, but went by much too quickly.  Looking forward to our extended stays up there this summer!  The kids were in heaven on the trampoline, four wheelers, go kart, and in the fishing boat.  It was a packed day, that is for sure!!!

Carter on the trampoline, jumping...

jumping...

jumping (don't those legs ever get tired)?

Ryan took out the go kart.  It was hard to get a good shot of him today.  He is off like a lighning bolt and his only gear is high!!!!

Time to head to the woods for a little four wheeling action!

The pollen from the trees was crazy today!  It was literally drifted like snow in some areas!  No wonder my allergies are crazy right now!

Johnsville All Star

Ryan was selected to be a Johnsville All Star this week.  He came home from school so excited!!!!  I love that look he gets when he is so excited, he can hardly stand it!  He had his picture taken and it is up in the school.  The principal announced his name over the intercom, and he received a medal.  He wore it proudly (and would still be wearing it every day if he could!)  I am so proud of him!