Ben had his “official” pre-school graduation today. The one last year doesn’t count because we postponed his Kindergarten debut. This one was the real deal, complete with a teary Momma. I can’t believe my baby is going to Kinder in the Fall! He is SOOO ready and I am SOOOO not!
Ben was asked to carry in the flag and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
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He did a great job! He looks so proud and responsible.
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He hugged Mrs. Valerie and Mrs. Monica after he received his diploma. We adored his teachers. They had the biggest hearts and loved on Ben even during the trying times at the end of the year when he grew a little too big for his britches. I am just as grateful for their lessons of patience and grace as I am for all of the academic things they shared with Benji.
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He’s moving on!
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One of Ben’s friends stopped us and asked to take a picture with him!
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I love seeing the difference between the 1st day of the school year and the last day.
Ben with Mrs. Monica & Mrs. Valerie
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The day of Ben’s ceremony was also the last day of school for Grace & Noah. I was almost as emotional over their last day as I was Ben’s, because they will also be going to a different school next year (closer to the new house).
Mrs. Kim & Mrs. Tammy were Ben’s teachers when he was in the 1 year old class. We were thrilled to have them again when Gracie joined that class a few years later. This past year, they were moved up to the 2 year old class, so Gracie had her same teachers two years in a row. As you can imagine, we all grew very close to these two sweet ladies! Mrs. Tammy was out of town on the last day of school – which made me even more sad! I’m sure we’ll have to make a plan to visit them sometime next year!
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Noah was in the baby room with Mrs. Queta & Mrs. Janie. These two angels took care of each of my babies in turn. They were like bonus grandmothers to my children, and we will sure miss seeing them, too!
Noah & Mrs. Queta
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Noah & Mrs. Janie
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I am excited about the kids being in new schools next year that are much closer to home, but I was surprised at how heartbroken I was about leaving Grace Point. Our family has been a part of their program for five years and there is so much to be said for being “known”. Can you hear the Cheers theme song in the background? “Where everybody knows your name… and they’re always glad you came.” :) I know that changing schools will bring about new and wonderful experiences, but it would be so much easier to just stop the clock and stay right here where we are all comfortable. That’s never God’s plan, though, is it… to just leave us right where we are? Sigh.
OK, as if I’m not already boo hoo-ing enough, I had to include the poem that Ben’s teachers read during the Graduation program:
You were six months old and full of fun
With a blink of my eye, you were suddenly one.
There were so many things we were going to do,
But I turned my head and you turned two.
At two you were very dependent on me
But independence took over when you turned three.
Your third birthday, another year I tried to ignore,
But when I lit the candles, there weren’t three, but four.
Four was the year that you really strived.
Why, look at you now, you’re already five.
Now you are ready for books and for rules.
This is the yeat that you go to school.
The big day will come, you’ll be anxious to go.
We’ll walk to the bus, going oh, so slow.
As you climb aboard and wave good-bye,
I’ll feel a lump in my throat and tears sting my eyes.
Time goes so fast, it’s hard to believe
That just yesterday you were home here with me.
And tomorrow, when the bus brings you home
And you jump to the ground,
You’ll be wearing your cap and graduation gown.
So I’m holding to these moments as hard as I can
Because the next time I look,
I’ll be seeing a man.
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