Here is a quick little glimpse into how our last year has been.
Gabi finished up Kindergarten at Nathan's school in May. She had a fabulous teacher that challenged her and was always finding ways to make her excited to learn. She finished Kindergarten testing at a 4.5 grade reading level, and finished the 2nd grade math book. We realized we needed something more consistently challenging for Gabi. Gabi is now in 1st grade. She is in a gifted Spanish immersion program. She will stay with the same students from 1st - 6th grade. It is not at our home school, but it is worth the drive. She has really enjoyed learning Spanish so far. It is a huge help that Nathan speaks Spanish and can help her with homework! Gabi is also still taking dance and is always moving and dancing around. Recently she has started to enjoy drawing and creating bracelets out of beads for all her friends at school.
Kai finished his first year of preschool in May. He enjoyed being with kids each day and learning songs and stories along with his alphabet. Kai continues to love superheroes and if you come into our home there is a good chance that you will run into either Batman or Spiderman while you are here! This fall Kai is back in preschool, this time with our favorite teacher, Mrs. Sweet! She is fabulous for Kai and she is getting him ready for Kindergarten. He still loves to learn and he is really good at rhyming words, his numbers, etc. Starting in June Kai started doing speech therapy at the hospital rehab center because he talked in only vowels. He has grown so much in just the last 6 months. We are very proud of him!!
Koa is turning out to be the little ring leader of the kids. :) At this time he only weighs about 3 pounds less than Kai and is a few inches shorter, and he can get his way if he wants to. He has an infectious smile and laugh. Koa, like the other kids at this age, has really started to like The Backyardigans and Dora. He is pretty good at all his colors and numbers, and now we just need to focus on the letters. The biggest accomplishment for Koa this year was that he was potty trained in the last 2 months!! We are SO excited to have no diapers in the house! Way to go Koa!!
Nathan is in his third year as an Assistant Principal at Hawthorn Academy, which is a K-9 charter school. Unfortunately after work he does not get to come home and relax. He also evaluates 2-3 hours each night for WGU. An exciting addition to our home this year was Nathan's new toy - a fully restored '67 Dodge Charger. When the weather is nice he enjoys driving it to school occasionally and then going for rides on the weekend. In what little extra time he has available he enjoys making wood carvings (usually Hawaiian turtles), playing video games, and watching movies.
From our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas season. We love you all!
The Riquino Family
