Peter's Preschool graduation

I'm only 3 weeks behind on posting these end of preschool entries...better late than never!

Peter entered 3-year old preschool September 2008 as my little baby with baby cheeks. This picture was taken on his very first day.

Less than two years later, we've come to his preschool graduation. Although May 14th was his official last day, they had their graduation program on May 12th. Seeing this sign just gave me chills...as I never gave much thought what year he'd graduate from high school! Just reminded me that time is short!

The preschoolers walked into the gym to the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance.

Hearing this traditionally emotional song and seeing our Peter walking in with a little cap and his hand up in victory just made me so proud and happy for him.

He's really a big boy now.

Before they would allow these preschoolers become graduates, their teachers had them perform for the gym full of parents, siblings, grandparents, and hundreds of cameras.
There was no stage fright for Peter. He clearly enjoyed singing and dancing to the songs and got into the finger plays. Every now and then, he would even give us a thumbs up as if to tell us he was hitting the notes!

Peter's graduating class from both Bear and Bunny rooms.

Peter with Ms. Sarah

Peter with Ms. Connie.

The boy sure knows how to receive his diploma with style in his steps!

Hugs from Ms. Julie

Here we are, the proud parents.
(photo credit to Natalie)

With this document, it's official...Peter is done with preschool.

Kindergarten, here we come!

Natalie's preschool transformation

It's been quite the school year for us. About 9 months ago, Natalie entered 3-year old preschool and Peter entered 4-year old preschool at Regina. Their approach to preschool were complete opposites. Peter embraced and loved it, whereas Natalie was little timid and unsure. We believed she enjoyed it as every now and then, we would catch a smile on her face. As soon as she realized she was smiling, she'd quickly put back on her discontent face.

Much like this one:

This beginning of preschool picture is much like all the pictures caught by Ms. Connie during the year...Natalie didn't give her smiles freely for pictures. On top of that, Natalie rarely spoke in school. For the longest time, my first question at pick-up would be "Did she talk?" and the frequent answer with a hopeful smile was "Not today." Even though she wasn't talking, she told me more about what happened at preschool in the first week than Peter had in a whole year! The girl is an observing learner!

Her character at school was far from what she was at home. She could easily be called our wacky child from all her mannerisms and humor (something she might have discovered during Uncle Jim's visit). When we asked her why she was being shy and not talking at school, her consistent answer would be "When I'm 4-years old, I will talk at school." Promise? "Yes."

Over 6 months later, she turned 4. She opened up a little more at school, but did not completely deliver on her promise. It was a work in progress, so I felt comfortable to not obsessing about it. My question at pick-up from then on was "Did she have a good day?"

This picture gives the answer to that one.