We headed to Brookfield on Friday to enjoy a wonderfully warm and sunny day with the animals. We started on our "normal route" with the camels, zebras, and giraffes, but then ventured to the new Bear Grotto, which is AWESOME!!! We loved it. It was super warm out, so we enjoyed a lot of pink lemonade, ice cream treats, and the mist sprays. Delaney had an "incident" at the penguin house--where a bird pooped on her head. She was a great sport about it, though. On our way out we decided to head to the Sting Ray exhibit--my fave spot in the summer. And we were lucky enough to catch a feeding time, so both Delaney and Kate were able to feed the rays with Poppy and Uncle Brian. Rowena just enjoyed splashing in the pool. It was getting late, we were all tired, and knowing there'd be a lot of traffic (Friday at 4:30 on Memorial Day weekend), we decided to leave. Delaney and Katie were a little upset about not stopping at two usual spots: the carousel and a park. We also didn't have time to do the petting zoo. All in all, it was a fun, but exhausting day.
Girls all enjoying the mist
Getting ready to go on stage for her performance
The end of her performance--Katie is on the far left.
The entire graduating class of 2010 at Kids' Connection
Getting her diploma and hug from Mrs. Lewis
Katie just opened her new Ken doll from Uncle Teddy Bear...which she named "Brian" and he is a dancer.
Katie and Claire...a friend from her class from the past two years.
One last "goodbye" with Mrs. Lewis.
This past year, Katie has really come into her own. Her first year in preschool, Katie was very shy and quiet; rarely playing with others, never speaking up, but always the first to a friend's aid when sad or hurt. She had difficulty asking for help, advocating for herself, and being assertive. This past year, Katie has become more social with her peers, but continues to be easy going and laid back. She doesn't engage in arguments or fights with others, but does attend to her peers' feelings. She is testing about 3 months beyond her age with some of the Intelligence tests that Kids' Connection does with their 2nd year students (4-5 year old classes). Although quiet and often shy, Katie is so smart, a clown--always making others laugh, kind and considerate. I think she's going to do so well in Kindergarten next year. 
We planted tomatoes, green onions, carrots, assorted hot peppers (great for some summer salsa), watermelon, cantelope, and pumpkins. We also still have our berry patch, consisting of raspberries, black berries, and bosenberries. Yum!
