Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Keeping Up With...Family (All About AJ)

Around this time of year every year things are all about AJ.  He finishes up school for the year and turns another year older.  This year was no exception.  We've spent the past few days celebrating AJ turning 7 and finishing first grade.

We started celebrating on Saturday with a family BBQ after the boys' tee ball game.  The local family came over and we had hot dogs, hamburgers, salads and cake!  AJ got The Lego Movie video game for both XBox and 3DS, new Pokemon cards, a new Lego set and a gift card.  He's been playing with everything (except the Lego set, that's a project for after vacation!).  He's saving the gift card and all his birthday money to go shopping after vacation too.
Presents!
Ice Cream Cake
Sunday afternoon we had a party with friends at Magic Mountain.  We had pizza, snacks and cake then headed outside for mini golf.  AJ loves golfing and was excited to do it with his friends.  After that we let everyone play video games in the arcade.  AJ played a Batman racing game and did really well.  Daniel and Zachary spent most of their time in the big climbing structure.  My phone died so I don't have many pictures from this party.
Monday was AJ's actual birthday.  He was SO excited that because of snow days, he still had school that day.  This is the first (and probably last) time AJ has had school on his birthday.  I got cupcakes for his class and me and the young boys planned to go in at the end of the day.  We were all surprised when Adrian was able to leave work a little early and join us for the party!
Super hero cupcakes for school
AJ with Mom & Dad in his class
AJ had a great birthday at school.  He was the star helper for the day, people kept wishing him Happy Birthday & giving him hugs and they did a science project where they made ice cream in the morning.  After school we gave him our presents, a Pokemon video game, The Lego Movie (pre-ordered) and more Pokemon cards.  Really a great birthday for a special 7 year old!

Then Tuesday was his last day of school.  AJ was excited for the water play the teacher had planned for the morning.  He told me all about it and had a great time "getting drenched!"  Then lunch was an extra surprise...it was "kid's choice" so AJ got to have pepperoni pizza.  It's the little things.

I'm SO proud of all AJ has learned this year.  He is reading at a 2nd grade level right now.  His standard test score went from a 40 in Sept (average) to a 75 in May (above average).  He especially excels in Math, although his favorite subject is Math.  Both his teacher and his speech therapist commented on how he is such a hard worker and a pleasure to teach.  He made a few really good friends and stepped out of his shell a little bit.

AJ filled out a book with his first grade memories.  The thing I was most surprised to learn is that they set goals for themselves at the beginning of the year.  One of AJ's goals was to not be below green on the behavior chart.  He accomplished this goal every day of the school year!  Most days he was above green.  I'm super proud of his good behavior at school!!
AJ & his teacher Mrs Stevens - she is amazing!!
All done with first grade!  Bring it on second grade!
Selfie on our walk home on the last day
 Congratulations AJ on all you have accomplished this past year as a 6 year old and a first grader!!  I can't wait to see what the next year brings in your amazing life!!

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