Barrett's 4K Graduation

Alternate title:  Please someone hold me.

I've been fine with Barrett going to Kindergarten.  I've gushed about how excited we are to go to our local elementary school.  I've bragged about the fact that we bought this house 10 years ago with this day in mind.  It was one of the reasons we loved this house.  We've heard nothing but great things about our schools.  Barrett has matured and learned so much during his time at preschool.  We've loved his teachers there too.  But actually sending him to public school seemed like a far off dream.  That day would never come.  He'd have to walk and talk first.  Learn to use the potty.  All those big kids things.  Somehow I blinked and it's time.  I'm fine, totally fine, we're all fine.  

Barrett talked about Graduation for months before the big night.  He didn't give away any details but he was very excited.  The theme was Down on the Farm and his class were baby chicks.  He told everyone he had to dress like a chick for graduation.  I made his shirt and we counted the days.  He had his cap and gown pictures made.  Finally, it was graduation night.

He was so ready to perform all the songs he'd been working on.  When we looked at the program we realized he was going to get to count to 100 by 10's on the microphone.  We had no idea he was going to get to do this.  They did some of the sweetest little farm songs.

Cutest little chicks.

 They sang "Thrive" by Casting Crowns and "Good, Good Father" by Chris Tomlin, and that was when I could no longer hold back the ugly cry.  There is nothing like hearing these sweet babies sing about Jesus.  Barrett now requests these two songs every time we get in the car and I can finally listen to them without crying.  After they finished singing it was time to put on their caps and gowns.

I can't handle the cuteness!  He was so proud!

After they all got their diplomas we met them in the gym for a little reception.

Barrett was excited my parents got to come.

Not looking at the camera but oh well.

Sweet buddies.  I hope we have the same picture of them in 13 years.

Also, this picture, can you even handle the cuteness.  They will go to different schools next year.  I'm a little sad but I know we'll still get together and they'll get to play together.

We have loved Ms. Lori and Ms. Jana so much.  We're sad to leave them.  They have been so sweet to my boy and I'm forever grateful.

I love this picture of us moms with our boys.  It feels like a rite of passage that we've survived this far together.   I'm thankful for their support and encouragement. 

After graduation we left to pick up AveryAnn from Patrick's parents house.  They were so upset they couldn't come but thankful they got to watch AveryAnn for us and see Barrett is his cap and gown.

All four of us!  These are such sweet, sweet memories.  

I'm definitely not ready for Kindergarten.  Every time I talk about it I get a huge lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.  A month ago I was totally fine, I guess reality is setting in and it is definitely happening.  We had Kindergarten Camp last week and it made me love our school even more.  The first teacher got up and talked about the first day.  She said "make sure you get here early and have a full charge on your camera and phone.  You're going to want to take pictures.  This is a big day for you and your student."  I loved that.  It is a big day.  But we're not ready for it just yet.

We're going to soak up as much of summer as we can before August 9th.  We've made another Summer Bucket list and we're ready to tackle it! 

First day of 4K!

Today was Barrett's first day of 4K!  He was excited but also a little confused because he moved to his new class last week so it was really his 3rd day. 

We love his new teacher Ms. Amie!  He was a little upset none of his friends are in his class but he thrived this summer when he had to step out and make new friends so I think he'll be just fine. 

I made his sign last night and he insisted he needed to color it with chalk too.  I love this age so much.  I told him this weekend that I hope he stays 4 forever.  He's just so sweet but can do a lot of things for himself.  I've loved it so much.

These pictures crack me up.  The sun was in his eyes.   

He did great at drop off.  I was a little worried because toward the end of the summer he started crying some.  But he did great.  We got there at the same time as Jessica and Jackson and the boys were so excited to show each other their new shoes.  Then they had to give each other a hug before they went to their different classrooms.

 

Here's today and last year's first day.  His sweet baby face from last year is almost too much for me to handle.  It's like he was a baby for so long and then over night he's become a big boy and I don't think I was ready for it. 

He had a good day.  They accidentally sent him up for car line and then no one picked him up (because he's never been in car line before) and he missed lunch but they got him fed and he went right down for nap.  He was upset when he was telling me but they said he did fine.  I'm sad that he thought I forgot to pick him up in car line so he had to go take a nap.  I had to explain that I didn't forget it was just a mix-up.  It should be smooth sailing from here.