We officially have a 1st grader

Last Friday Eli received a certificate congratulating him on finishing Kindergarten. We had an open house with his Co-op group where all of the kids' reports of different countries were displayed along with what they have been doing and learning at home. We invited family and special guests. It was a very fun night. Here we are standing in front of some things that Eli and I have been learning at home.



The kids also did something special on their own. At the beginning of our Co-op/school year Eli did not know how to read. We were going to spend this school year learning how to use letters and how to sound our words by using a curriculum that Gabe's mom bought for us a while ago. It turned out to be perfect for us. By march Eli was reading and sounding out words all on his own. So for his presentation he wanted to do something that showed off his brand new "ability" as he calls it. He read Genesis 1-24. He was a bit nervous so he held his paper right in front of his face and read every word perfectly, words like expanse, separated, yielding and vegetation. We were so proud of him and i think he was a bit proud of himself.
Here is Gabe giving Eli his certificate. I was on the other side with a huge goofy smile on my face - so its probably a good thing i didnt make it into this picture ;)
Here is Eli's Co-op class - minus to brothers who couldnt be there - They had to memorize Matt 28:19-20 and said it perfectly. Right after their bow Eli bumped heads with his friend Jon who is standing right behind him.We are so proud of Eli - for all he has accomplished and for who he is. We are also very blessed to be apart of such a great group of mom's and kids who have made this first year of home schooling so much fun for us...

We did miss you Papa H, UJ, Uncle Noah and Aunt Bren, Aunt Bethie, Uncle Kurt, Emma and Grandma P, wish you could have been there to celebrate with us..... Love You All!!!!