preschool advancement

Oliver's preschool had a graduation ceremony for all of the kids, whether they were finishing preschool or not (Oliver still has one more year). Oliver stood with all the kids to sing the songs, but refused to sing. He also refused to come to the front to receive his certificate when his name was called. Poor kid does not like big crowds and new situations. He did not want to have his picture taken either. He did like the cupcakes at the end though. It was exhausting to keep Simon happy (and in one spot) for the long ceremony. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I can get that kid back in his car seat where he can't escape. 

Oliver's teacher, Ms. Jennifer, was amazing. She was so kind and really helped Oliver improve his writing.

first day of preschool

I wasn't sure how Oliver would handle preschool, but I knew it would ultimately be good for him. He freaked out at the open house and wanted nothing to do with the teacher or other kids and wouldn't leave my side. But he was so excited on the first day and walked right into class and didn't look back. You just never know with that kid.

end of school.

Amelia's first grade picture, taken at the beginning of the year. Couldn't they have fixed her collar!?!?

Amelia finished school last Friday. She is incredibly excited about summer vacation. She loved her first grade class and received the school's "Really into Reading" Award and the Citizenship Award. She is mostly excited about having a lot of free time to read chapter books this summer.

Amelia with her teacher, Ms. Canty, on the last day of school:

 I loved walking Amelia home from school every day and hearing her report on the day. Elsa and Oliver were always so excited to see her. Amelia and Elsa had a very specific routine on the way home. There were certain barking dogs that they always ran past and they were always collecting treasures (garbage) from the ground. They also loved to collect flower petals and "thingy grapes" (a term they created for fallen crab apples). We had quite a large pile of them in our yard by the end of school. They also found a dead bird a few weeks ago and insisted on locating it every day, until it finally decayed beyond recognition.

A conversation from one of our walks home:

Amelia (nearly in tears): Everybody quit the butterfly club. Nobody could agree who was going to be president and vice president and everyone was fighting so then people started to quit.
Me: What's the butterfly club?
Amelia: Me and Ishrat started the butterfly club. We collect beautiful things to attract butterflies. Then we asked other people to help us. And then everyone wanted to be in charge. Ms. Canty said we can't have clubs anymore. Some kids want to start a new club. The ladybug club.

Next day...

Amelia: I have good news! The ladybug club is going great!

I loved having lunch with Amelia on occasion. It was fun to see her interact with her friends. All of the kids would always yell out "Hi Amelia's mom!" when I arrived. And they always freaked out about how much Elsa looks like Amelia.

 

Elsa also finished up preschool a few weeks ago. She loved her class and loved all of the social interaction with friends. She was sad to see it end and is already looking forward to her next preschool class.

Ms. Lori and Ms. Amy on the last day:

preschool + elsa

Elsa started preschool on Tuesday and was beyond excited. After watching Amelia head off to school every September, she was ready for her turn. She is going to the same preschool that Amelia attended but is in a different class...Lil' Buckaroos. Her teacher is from Texas and the room has a Texas/cowboy theme. She was really excited about carrying her backpack around. She had fun her first day but was upset that her teacher wouldn't let her jump off the slide in the soft play room. (She definitely doesn't have the same "must follow every rule" attitude that Amelia has.)

She also refuses to look at me when I'm taking pictures.

Oliver wondering why he was left out of the photo shoot.

Ben pulled Elsa aside during the open house and started explaining that we wouldn't be staying with her the next day. She said "dad, you have to let me go." Of course she just wanted him to let go of her arm so she could keep playing, but we were amused.

Discovering her classroom at the open house the day before school started: