This is what six looks like

Okay, technically, Grace won't be six until next Thursday.  But since we are just days away from May 23rd and the weather was beautiful tonight, we went to a nearby park for a "photo shoot".  I am always happy to play with my camera and tonight I had a somewhat willing subject.

The park has a pretty big lake, docks, playgrounds, and walking trails.  We stayed mainly by the lake because I knew the type of photos I was hoping to capture.

There are many canoes and row boats stored here waiting for their owners to come for a ride.  Tonight they served as colorful props and a makeshift jungle gym for our photos.

The field was full of dandelions and Grace loved picking them and blowing.  Maybe she is getting ready for her birthday candles!

Even though she looks so big in some of these photos that I can see her high school "senior photo shoot" looking very similar, Grace is still just six and playing was more important for part of the time we were in the park.

And, I got a little bit of attitude, uh, personality.

And so did the geese!

Overall, my big kid was very cooperative and patient.  I am thrilled with how our photos turned out.

First lunch

At kindergarten today the children were invited to bring or buy their lunch and eat in the cafeteria for the first time.  This is part of their transition-to-first grade activities.  Grace was super excited and proud of her Spiderman lunchbox!

A magic pony and an award

Sitting in Rockwell Hall at Kent State University, I reflected on how far Grace has come in a year of music lessons.  Today was her 3rd piano recital and we were very proud of how well she played and spoke on the microphone.

Grace and Kyle made a commitment to music classes in February 2012.  They go every Saturday together and I just try to help out with the written homework and some practice during the week.  When you sit in the auditorium and listen to the other children, you can see how practice and commitment really pay off.  Grace did an amazing job today - I would say she "rocked" her Magic Pony solo - and we are looking forward to seeing her continue to improve each year. 

Ms. Nancy, Grace's teacher concentrates on all aspects of music education.  By the number of duets and ensemble performances today, it seems that precise timing has been a focus this year.  When the children play with the teacher or another classmate, they have to have know their piece very well and be sure that their timing is perfect because someone else is counting on them for the performance to be a success.  Grace played a duet with her teacher.  I love how she is concentrating on reading her music in the photo above and how tiny she is next to Ms. Nancy.

Grace's class also sang and conducted a song "Sweet Little Ladybug" and played "This Old Man" on the bells.  Ms. Nancy tries to get each student up on stage 2-3 times during the recital.  Learning to play one song is enough for the 5-6 year olds, so she supplements with singing, conducting, and bells.

Grace, Isabelle, Evan, and Laura from the Sunshine II class

A few weeks ago, I mentioned on the blog that Grace's song "After the Rain" won an award in the Music for Young Children composition contest.  It turns out she came in 4th place for the Sunshine II level in the United States!  That is huge!  Grace received a certificate, a ribbon, and a trophy today for this accomplishment.  I think she was really proud.

And, just because it was a beautiful day and I loved the new dress Grace wore....here are some other photos.  Luckily, the princess was in a good mood and I was allowed to take as many as I wanted!

Hmmmm...

I think there might have been some walking in that 1-mile "run".  Just got this photo from the Raccoon Run website.

This might have been before Grace's race.  Looking at the gravel on the ground it looks like it is a different part of the park as we were walking to the start of the Fun Run.

Raccoon run

The major fundraiser of Grace's school PTA is a 5K race and and 1-mile Fun Run.  We ventured out early this morning - just girls - to check it out and for Grace to participate in the Fun Run.

This was what Grace looked like before the race. For the Fun Run the kids were encouraged to choose their own bib number and to decorate it any way they wanted. Grace chose a rainbow and raccoon paw stamps.

Rocky the Raccoon was there to cheer everyone on!

Right before the start of the 1-mile Fun Run it started to rain and get a little chilly....but that didn't stop the kids.  On your mark, get set....GO!

At the half-way mark Grace was running strong!  She told me she ran the entire way.  (I wasn't allowed to run with her.  She wanted to run with her friends from school.)

Homework

This is how Grace likes to do her homework - ON the dining room table!

Whatever works!