Kindergarten - That's a Wrap!

Left - Melanie on her first day of Kindergarten
Right - Mel on her last day of Kindergarten, determined to wear the same outfit

All the crazy kids toward the end of the year. 

On the last day with her K teacher, Miss Compton.  Miss Compton did not always wear sashes and bling - we were having a bridal shower for her, as she got married 3 weeks after school let out - she's now Mrs. Sorgen!

 

Melanie had an awesome year in kindergarten.  She made a lot of friends, many of whom helped immensely throughout Joey's treatment schedule - getting her on/off the bus, keeping her occupied during Joey's inpatient stays, etc.  She advanced 12 reading levels throughout the year, loves to write, and maintains her dream of wanting to be a teacher when she grows up. 

 

Miss Compton had the parents write our child a letter to put in a time capsule that the kids will open when they graduate from HS.  Reflecting back on this year for Melanie made me uncharacteristically emotional for all of the 'growing up' she did this year.  Part of it was her natural age progression, but part of it was her bravery dealing with the changes in our lifestyle due to Joey's diagnosis. 

 

Melanie is very excited to announce to anyone who's interested that she's a FIRST GRADER now!!

May Days

The Worzala grandkids - ages 4,5,6,7 on Mother's Day

Melanie went with Grandma to see "Annie Jr" on stage at Marian University.  Our friend Hannah Doran played one of the orphans, and Mel spent the subsequent evening acting it out, and then watching the movie.

Joey got a bag of superhero costumes from our cousin Wyatt.  Mel strikes a pose.

In Mid-May, both kids graduated from the 12" bikes they'd been on; Melanie straight to a 20", with Joey on training wheels on a 16".  They were thrilled, and spent the weekend testing out their new wheels. 

Mel's new bike!

Joey's new bike!

Fun with Friends

Just some random pictures of the kids playing with neighborhood and classroom friends :)

Mel & Alexa on a warm sunny day at the park

Playing with Hadley

Joey & Jake giving some air

Joey with Emily

Mel & Alexa

Joey with Luke & Molly

Enjoying some ice cream with Alexa & Bethany

Riley Children's Hospital - PROM!

On Friday, May 2, we attended the Riley Hospital prom, which all Riley patients are invited to.  It was at Fairbanks Hall, and they did a great job transforming a building I attend meetings in, to a magical place for the kids.  The theme was "Passport to Adventure," and they had everything decorated to the travel theme.  They had a craft room, a sundae bar room, a candy table, a photo booth, dinner, and dancing.  Jeff and I basically spent the night chasing after the kids - but they had a great time, and lasted about 2 hours, which was a lot for Joey, who would declare "I'm ready to go home," and then gain steam again.  Several times.  We look forward to attending next year!

Mel with Daddy - when we weren't sure if we were actually going, since Joey wouldn't change out of his pajamas.

He finally changed.  I decided to not wage the footwear battle.

Joey got a boutonneire, and it lasted about as long as it took to take this picture

Melanie liked her corsage

Our bear friend in the craft room

Piratey Joey. Later he added a hook to his arm

Melanie the butterfly

The kids on the dance floor.  Part of the wardrobe solution was apparently this t-shirt under his dress shirt.  I didn't even know until he disrobed.

Happy Birthday Joey!

Joseph Pierce Worzala turned four on April 25!  Some days I can't believe it's been four years since he entered our world, some days it seems like much longer ;)  Joey is a sweet, funny little guy who loves nothing more than his big sister.  Sometimes to a fault.  He loves to ride bikes, go on golf cart rides, and watch Jake & the Neverland Pirates.  He is the bravest boy I know.

I will try to track down birthday PARTY pictures - the party was a week after the actual fourth birthday.

I spent the day of Joey's birthday with him; he ended up with a fish, a fresh batch of cookies, and a balloon bouquet by the end of the day.  Balloons courtesy of the Mullens!

Birthday silliness with Melanie

Happy Birthday Joey!

Happy Easter!

 I was brave and hosted Easter without my parents in town this year.  We had the Elams (2), Youngs (3), Grandma & Papa, and Aunt Julie.  It was a gorgeous day, and we didn't even have to order emergency pizza!

I had to memorialize my "bunny" appetizer tray.

Melanie was very welcoming....She also did place cards so everyone would know where to sit....

Mel and Grandma

The kids got their first kites, thanks to the Youngs!

On top of Youngs' golf cart

Bike ride to the park with Aunt Julie

First Soccer Game

Ready to play!

 

Joey cheering on the Leprechauns!

Joey's photography work

Mel kicking off

The fighting leprechauns!

Melanie's first soccer season got off to a great start - with nice weather FINALLY - the weekend of April 12.  She had games on Saturday and Sunday, and even scored a couple of goals on Saturday!  Some quotes - "I really like soccer."  "Who signed me up for soccer?  I really like it."  "Did it look like I was having fun out there?  I was!"  She also talks about the goals collectively.  Saturday, "she" scored 14 goals.  I can only figure that the two teams together scored 14.  Sunday, she said "she' scored one goal.  She clarified it was her teammate Emerson who scored it - but I like the teamwork.  Should be a fun season!