1st grade: complete

First grade is over!  I can't believe it.  This year F.L.E.W. by for me.  I mean, it's insane how quick it went by.  I blame it on having a baby... I was in a fog for the first half of the year, and then the second half, I was just plain busy taking care of all the rascals.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be near as involved this year as I was last year in Kindergarten, which meant I barely got to know Camden's teacher and didn't know a lot of the faces in his class.  (I volunteered about once a week in Kindergarten, and basically became friends with his teachers and got to know and work with all of Camden's classmates)

Because of that, the last day of school wasn't hard for me.  Last year?  I was an emotional wreck.  Thankfully, Camden hasn't been very sad, either.  As much as he adores school, I think he's starting to realize that summer = waking up and being lazy, going to the pool often, and staying up late.  I can't blame  him for being excited that school is over.  :)

Camden, the morning before heading to school for his last day.

We are so proud of how hard he worked this year, and how much he grew and developed - both physically and intellectually.  He's becoming such a BIG KID.  David and I go check all three kids together before we go to bed each night, and so often David and I whisper to each other something like, "he looks so big".  He is not a little boy anymore.  He's a handsome young man.  I am so proud to be his mama.

Camden has an incredibly sweet heart.  He was given this award on his last day of school:

"Helping Hand Award, for always being willing to lend a helping hand."  On his last report card, Mrs. Renigar stated that Camden always has a great attitude, and is very quick to help his friends with anything they might need.  I could not be more proud of this boy. What a servant heart he has.  I need to learn from him.

He also was given this award a few weeks ago... proud of my boy!

This year, Camden has learned addition, subtraction, and multiplication.  He's been doing 3-digit additon (example: 125+315) - big stuff for my little 1st grader!  He tested above grade level in math and reading.  He did NOT get the good math gene from me... he can thank his daddy and his aunt becca for that one. :)

Camden already knew how to read (since before Kindergarten, thanks to preschool!) but he's now able to read smoothly and much quicker and than ever before.  He enjoys reading small chapter books.  I plan to have him read several over the summer to keep his mind sharp.

Making books was one of Camden's favorite things to do.  I'd be willing to say he made at least 3 or 4 books a week!  Here is a glimpse into one he made yesterday at school:

The kids learned a lot about the history of the U.S. and a ton about NC specifically.  They went to the Museum of Natural Science twice, the Raleigh City Museum, the Art Museum, the Rock Quarry, and the Zoo! (Which David was able to chaperone!)

There is so much more I haven't recorded... but this is just a little taste of some of the things he did this year.  We are proud and thankful for a boy who is so eager to learn.  Now we're ready to enjoy our lazy summer and rest up before 2nd grade arrives in just about 11 weeks!