Class of 2010

Yesterday Nic graduated from Kindergarten! He missed school last Thursday and Friday so I didn't get the reminder his teacher sent home about the graduation date/time. As I was dropping Ti Tonga off at work Monday morning I remembered that Nic would be graduating later that day. I'm so glad I remembered before I dropped him off! I kept thinking what would've happened if I sent him to school not dressed properly or if I wasn't in the crowd as he performed on stage :( But we made it! When it was time to go to school I told him that me and Siope would meet him at his ceremony. Before he went out the door he said, "Mom! Don't forget your camera okay?!" He's been so excited to wear his graduation cap ever since we turned in his cap money (over a month ago).



This year there were more classes graduating. I don't remember Mote's year being so full. I didn't get a good seat and I was so annoyed that parents kept standing up during the performances to get video footage and pictures of the kids. They completely blocked my view. I didn't get any pics of Nic on stage and couldn't get good footage of them singing. Poor Siope was upset that he couldn't see. I tried holding him up so that he could see Nic, but balancing him, my purse, and the camera all at once was more than I could handle. I got one blurry pic of Nic entering the cafeteria...
and a little clip of one of their class songs...

The students performed several songs and ended by marching out to Black Eyed Peas' - I Gotta Feeling. We met up in Nic's class afterward where his teacher Ms. Keidel presented each of her students their diplomas.Refreshments were served...and each of the students presented us with their Kindergarten books- a collection of some of their projects and artwork they created throughout the school year.
Here's Nic's very first homework assignment...
Nic has had a total of 3 teachers this school year (not by choice). There was a lot of moving around due to the number of kids that entered into Kindergarten. His 2nd teacher was Mrs. Higa who we ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!! She really cared about Nic and had a way with getting through to him. He learns a lot differently and she was so patient with him! The progress he showed while she was his teacher was amazing. We were so sad when we found out she was leaving his class to teach special ed. She showed up to watch each of the kids receive their diplomas. I was so happy to see her. She congratulated Nic and spoke words of encouragement to him.

Nic & Ms. Keidel (his current teacher)
Nic & Gabrielle- his pal, neighbor, & carpool buddy
First Grade Bound!
Siope, Nic, & Timote
Mr. Graduate!

Ti wasn't able to make it due to his work schedule. When we got in the car Mote said, "Mom guess what? I got an award." So I'm thinking-- cool... another math award? And Mote says, " I made it on the honor roll." I was soooooo proud of him!!! Bummed that I didn't know about the award assembly, but so proud of his achivement! We picked up Ti Tonga and then went out to celebrate. The kids chose.... Chili's of course. Ti's birthday was on Sunday so it was a celebration of his birthday, Nic's graduation, and Mote making it on the honor roll.

Today Mote came home with his graduation certificate from 1st grade...

Tomorrow will be the last day of school, then the boys will get a 3 week break before starting the new school year. This coming year we are actually switching to a traditional 9 month school schedule - Hallelujah! Not much of a break to allow for the adjustment, but I'm sure I won't be complaining once next summer hits. I'm already making plans to ship them off to Grandma's next June =)

Con-GRAD-ulations!

June 6, 2009: Today Mote graduated alongside his fellow Kindergartners. Bubba, Siope, and I sat in the school cafeteria as a trail of 6 year olds made their way on stage. Mote was so excited and seemed almost a little surprised to see us. He waved to me and Bubba, poked his tongue at Siope, and waved some more as he laughed and marched toward the front of the lunch room. Mote was in the back of the line and as they took their places on the steps of the stage I could see why. The taller students stood on the back top, and there was my little Mote with the rest of the shorter kids on the bottom front row. The camcorders rolled and cameras flashed as the students performed songs showcasing their spelling and counting skills as well as their excitement to excel on to 1st grade.

At the end of the program we made our way to Mote's homeroom where we were treated to one last song by Miss Ruffridge's class and watched our kids receive their diplomas. After enjoying refreshments (cake & Capri Suns) we left campus with our new graduate alongside. Bubba offered to treat us to a celebration meal and told Mote that he could pick wherever he wanted to go to eat. His choice?: Chili's. The following day we would leave to Salt Lake to spend Mote's summer break with his Dad. Kindergarten- completed!

More of Fatu's Grad

A couple more photos of Fatu's grad courtesy of Junior's camera. He was standing all the way up in the nosebleed section and managed to zoom up this close- yowzas!! I need to get me one of those cameras!

Fatulisi Moala : KHS Class of 2009

Fatu is my youngest brother and I still can't believe he has completed High School! He is such a special person in our family because we have all had the opportunity to work with him and help him with his goals. This boy has been able to handle whatever life has thrown at him. He has such an open mind and has been willing to try anything that he comes across. I have watched him excel in soccer, basketball, and football. He has been able to travel for numerous sport tournaments and has even had the opportunity to represent Utah in it's Jr. Olympic soccer team. I have also seen his talent in music and art. And, besides all this- he has been able to maintain a CPA of 3.2 throughout his high school year- not bad for a boy ;) I am just so proud of him! Fatu will be attending the University of Utah this summer and I am hopefull that he will continue to shine. Congrats Fatu on all your accomplishments!! We love you!