The Mann Family: We are so proud....

I know it's been a while since I've updated, but it always seems like we are so busy. I just can't seem to find the time. AJ and Ashleigh's last day of school was on Wednesday. I don't know who was more excited, AJ and Ashleigh or Rick and I. We all love the summer time. Here are a few pictures the morning of the last day of school. Can you tell they are excited?

During the last day of school, the school held an awards ceremony. AJ was so excited because he knew that he would be getting his "Monkey Award"! Let me explain...... A few months ago, when Rick and I had a parent/teacher conference with AJ's teacher, she mentioned that they would be working on their times tables and that she tries to make a contest out of it, so it will appear to be fun for the kids while they learn at the same time. Each children was created into a monkey and they would swing from the trees of the times tables they mastered. Each tree represented a number from 1 to 12. On the day of the times tables test, each child had 3 minutes to complete the times tables. They started with 1's and went all the way up to 12. For every times tables they completed, the children were able to move up a tree. AJ mentioned, at the very beginning, he wanted to win the contest so he could be the times tables master. So, Rick and I had him practice, practice, practice everyday. He would get so mad somedays, but the end result paid off. You are now looking at the 2010 3rd Grader Monkey Award Winner. AJ was so happy and we are so proud of him. Way to go, AJ!

Ashleigh has been busy too. We have been trying since last summer to get Ashleigh to ride her bike without training wheels. She would pitch a fit almost everytime and cry and whine because she was always so afraid she was going to fall. Finally, Rick and I gave up and decided she would learn when she was ready. A couple of weeks ago, she decided she liked riding bikes and would ask to ride her bike everyday. After a couple of days of riding, Rick bent her training wheels a little so she could learn to balance better. Together as a family, we would go on bike rides in the evening and Rick and I realized that for the most part, Ashleigh was not even using her training wheels. The training wheels were there, but because they were bent a little, Ashleigh was able to balance on her own. So, last Sunday, Rick and I asked Ashleigh if she wanted to try riding without the training wheels. At first, she said No! And then she changed her mind. I think it only took a couple of times before she got the concept and she hasn't stopped since. Here are some pictures. I think the smile on her face says it all!