Remember September?? Yea, me neither. I mean it wasn't that long ago, but all three of these kids have grown up so much this year, it's like I have three new ones some days. On Monday, Anna "graduated" from preschool. This has caught me way off guard on how emotional I've been. I think it is because we started her there as a 20 month old and so she has gone every year. Her first teacher helped potty train her and here she is ready to leave this school. I was so hesitant just a few years ago about sending her to school, afraid of all the germs she would pick up. So, Monday was just a special day for me, watching her walk across the stage.
Singing all their songs, some fun, some sentimental. I just pretending not to be listening to the latter!
Here she is receiving a plaque with her name on it, another picture below... for attending the preschool from age 1-5. Ms Dayna, the director of the school is hugging her and then Ms. Rachel was her first teacher and just had Kyle in her class this past year. She is a true saint and loves the little babies so much!
As they called the graduates to come up and receive their diploma, they put the above pictures up on the screen. You know, just in case you weren't already crying, they wanted to make sure that you remembered your tiny babe and just how fast these days are flying by.
After the ceremony, we had a picnic outside. Anna was reluctant to take pictures at first with her cap on (she truly did not like wearing the cap or the cap and gown for picture day) but then she accepted it and was fine with it.
Anna and her sweet friend, Emelia. They were in the same class last year as well.
The five girls in the above picture will attend the same school next year, Buford Academy. I know I will go to sleep and wake up and they will be standing outside their high school in this same pose, only with green caps on, ready to really break their mothers' hearts and leave for college.
Here she is with her four year attendance plaque. I really can't say enough good things about this school. They truly care about each student there and not dropping her off there in the fall is not going to feel right.
This is Anna and Hannah, our next door neighbor. They are both the middle child. They have formed such a sweet bond this year and I am sad they won't be at the same school next year. I am looking forward to having Anna spend lots of time with Hannah this summer.
Today, Wednesday, was Anna's last day of school. I didn't take her this morning because Brice had a program at school so I took her picture before her ride came. She was excited to have field day but NOT excited about her shirt.
Silly faces with little brother. His last day was Tuesday and I have a picture below of him.
So, this morning was the awards/talent show for the 3rd grade. Brice didn't know we were coming and this isn't the best picture but I love it because he is a different kid at school than he is when he knows we are around. He was recognized four times today: -all A's, all year, -class award for young author's, -one million word club (yes, he read a million words this year!), and -one of three that reached a certain level of books and tested above an 85 on them. I am so proud of him!! What a kid!
So, in the below picture, he spotted us and knew we were watching. Notice the change in body language?? :)
And, I don't want to leave my little guy out. He came to the awards show with Justin and me and let's just say this kid rolls completely different than his siblings. He wanted to wear his sticker on his head. He will one day be recognized, but in his own way! ;)
Below is the picture of Kyle on his last day of school. At the beginning of May, he actually started ASKING to go to school, and now it's over. He had such separation anxiety and still does with those he doesn't know well. But, he has grown to trust his loving teachers and he enjoyed going to see them knowing that "You will come back and get me, Mommy?". I may have to hire Ms. Rachel and Ms. Eryn for babysitters this summer! He looks like Mr. Cool in this picture, doesn't he?
I am looking forward to summer and am so proud of this school year. All my children have grown and developed in some way for the better. My heart is hurting for the time marching by, but looking back will do me no good. Still, I am going to leave you with a good-bye poem that sums up how I feel and I am not sure who wrote it but it came home with Anna's "hand print book".
A Preschool Good-Bye
Sticky fingers, freckled noses,
Head, shoulders, knees and "toes-es".
Shapes, and colors, ABC's,
Taking turns and 1 2 3's.
Toothless smiles, hugs and giggles,
Circle time and lots of wiggles.
Wooden blocks and dress-up clothes,
Learning how a flower grows.
Milk and cookies, first-time friend,
Thinking days like these won't end.
Preschool done before you know it,
No one sadder than this poet.
Like a butterfly, time has flown,
You have learned and you have grown.
Tiny chairs give way to desks,
Book report and spelling tests.
So take off now, spread your wings,
Soar to new heights, learn new things.
Just remember, as you do,
Someone's very proud of you.
