What we've been up to...

The Garate household has been abuzz the last couple of weeks.

Days seem to be flying by and the fact that the kids are sleeping later and later each morning proves testament to the fact that they're keeping busy.

Really busy. ;)

But I guess that's what a combined 6 hours a week of soccer practice (and that's only because 2 overlap for a bit), 3 games on Saturdays, homework, playdates, birthday parties and the school's Ice Cream Social can do to ya.

But that's just life. ;)

We've also had some of the great stuff happen.

Like, can you guess why Miss K is so happy?

Here, we'll give you a closer look. ;)

Yep, that tooth that's been missing since she was 15 months old, finally has a buddy.

And now looks like a legitimate missing tooth rather than a really big gap.

I'd say Kennedy is getting ready to look her 7th year straight in the eye. ;)

**When Ben looked at the pictures, he didn't mention anything about the missing tooth, but rather asked, 

"Is that how she went to school?" ;)

And guess who earned a Character Award at the school's "SING" assembly?

I'll give you a hint...

It's this cute kid. ♥

Yeah, we're still a little in shock as this was the same kid that made me sit through a call from his teacher last year about his use of the classroom playhouse's radio as a sword... 

and his persistence in telling the yard duties exactly why he didn't follow directions...

and... so forth. ;)

But, we couldn't be more proud of Ty's "model" behavior this year.

You've come a long way buddy!

We're so proud of you! ♥

 Yep, he really did get it. :)

And speaking of "SING", Gwen's had a big couple of weeks as well.

SING is a biweekly event, where the K-3 and 4-6 graders are gathered together, to sing/dance as a group and the teachers get to recognize 2 students for whatever they deem worthy.

Since singing and dancing is involved, students in 3-6th grade get to apply to be a SING leader who leads the students in song... 

on stage.

And our Gwen was one of the students chosen.

Now, as I went to work in Ty's class today, I got to catch the tail end of the assembly.

I missed Ty getting his award, but I did get to see just how cute those SING leaders are.

Think, as close to "Elementary School Musical" as Gweny's gonna get. ;)

But the good news doesn't stop there.

Gwen also was chosen to be part of Safety Patrol.

Safety Patrol is a group of students who are "trained" in the safety rules of our parking lot, then get to open the car doors for kids, who in Gwen's case, are getting out of their cars during morning drop off.

They wear these cute little safety vests and work rain or shine.

Literally.

Let's just say, I'll be posting pics later. ;)

But what does this really mean for the Garate family?

That we have to get to school 10 minutes earlier... 

starting next Monday.

Wait, is it too late to pull Gwen's app? ;)

One more fun thing Gwen got to do:

Work with her soccer defender buddy, Kylie, at Kylie's dad's store.

Gwen even got to make change for a customer.

Can life get any sweeter?!?

 Well, maybe just a tad.

Here's what I got from one of my friends today, because she's just "one of those" friends.

Go ahead, you can be jealous. ;)

Looking forward to what next week will bring! ♥