Graduates!

We went to City Park...to celebrate the Kindergartners moving on to the primary years. This is always a hard one for me. A big milestone. Big. It seems like after Kindergarten, they change. Physically, their face looks older and a Momma is always the first one to notice (and tear up). They lose that baby face as they mature into mini people.

They learn all the fun stuff from their peers that you have to re-direct and let them know "it's not language we use in our family". The limits are constantly pushed...at 5 years old they still take your explanation for what it is. No question. Now...their finding themselves so their questions, decisions and actions have their personal stamp on it. It is the greatest feeling to see your children become their own person. Nothing can make you more proud to see them push their limits and achieve the highest of their limits through these primary years. BUT along with this comes extreme patience as we guide them. Occasionally, detour them as they make the wrong turn to bad decision lane. :)

The peace signs...another sign of primary years. I have a small index of pictures with unwanted peace signs from 1st-2nd grade. ::sigh:: I'm relieved though it's not in front of his face...the girls liked to put it right smack in front of their face covering their beautiful smiles!

Graduating Class of 2011.
**I could not get a good video but I think Grandpa Eddie did so when I get it I will update this post.**


Third Years Graduate!

Ohh, she's not graduating but she was the most patient 3 year old (definitely done by the end of the half day but a trooper!).

Being a 3rd year is a big deal at our school because it marks the end of a 3 year journey in your classroom with your teachers. I love Nana's class and hope that Dev Eddie ends up with these fabulous ladies.

The most creative graduation I've attended thus far.

O.T.P. = out of the program which is like a Victory Slip stating that they have achieved the highest level in the program. I tear up everytime I watch this.

I love, love, love that they put their "fortune" or "heart's desire" in a balloon. These 3rd years have grown in their primary years. They have discovered themselves and have pushed their academic strengths. This classroom creates an environment that continually pushes. Nancy called me before graduation saying that she was calling all 3rd year parents giving them tips over the summer that their 3rd year could work on to help them as they go into Intermediate. Love. Her.

Graduation refreshments had the major food groups: chips, cookies and juiceboxes. Nana's here with her buddies from class. She is particularly close to Brendon and Mia. Bella (at the end making the funny face) was her bunk mate at camp. She has always been my little free spirit. She is a confident little lady who didn't have one best friend in class. She floated around and made genuine relationships with her classmates but didn't have any ONE best friend.

Sometimes I would ask her who she'd play with and she would say "no one" I just felt like doing my own thing. My instinct would be to feel sad for her but then I realized the girl loves her "Nana Time". She has always been great at recognizing her limits and saying I need "Nana Time" and go to her room to do whatever then come out happy as can be. That's our Nana. I so admire her for that. I wish I knew my limits like she knows hers.

She has become a hard core reader. Her report card was glowing. She had an amazing couple of years in this classroom and is confident going into her Intermediate Class.

Kindergarten Graduation Part II

on the last day of school she had a mini celebration for them.

::tears:: Ms. R reading to her Kindergarten Class one last time.

Nana had her Ms. R's twin sister as her Kindergarten teacher so the R-Sisters have a special place in my heart.

Madi was snapping pictures during the slide show (which was a great distraction so I wouldn't blubber like a baby while watching the very touching slide show a Mom put together). C6's daughter, Haley came in to watch Pay graduate with her buddy, Amara. The pictures turned out kinda crazy (or Madi style) but I thought this was a cute one to share. Good job, Madi!

Dev: Momma! I don't wanna another picture.

Me: But, you look so handsome! Please!!!

Dev: Fine, Momma!

See? He's already making it his decisions very clear with his actions. ::sigh::