Pre-K Graduation

Grace and Mrs.W

Grace absolutely adored Mrs.W. She was sweet and fun, and super stylish! Grace came home and told me about Mrs.W's fabulous shoes more than once! I was always impressed by how organized and well thought out she was when I spent time in the classroom. She really has a gift for seeing "teachable moments." She helped my little girl learn, mature, and grow into a sweet, smart girl who is more than ready for Kindergarten.

Grace and Mrs.Q

Mrs. Q and Grace had a sweet and special relationship. Mrs.Q always stood at the door when I picked Grace up in the afternoon. Talking to her and hearing about Grace's day was always one of the best parts of my day. I would start out by asking, "Did she have a good day?" Mrs.Q's usual response was, "It's always a wonderful day for Grace!" Those words warmed my heart every time I heard them. She often would tell me about something that happened during the day that Grace found funny, and that they laughed and laughed together about it. She made me feel like she really enjoyed her time with Grace, which made me beyond happy.

Grace had wonderful teachers this year, and I'm afraid that it will be hard for her poor Kindergarten teachers to measure up!!

PreK Friends

Grace receiving the "Key to Kindergarten." This ritual had been talked up in the preceding weeks, and Grace could not wait!!

Grace and sweet Marion... who had me sweating by the end of the ceremony! With Jeremy at work, I was watching, applauding, video-ing, and hardest of all: trying to entertain a 2 year old. It was more than I could handle alone, and I hope Grace understands when she watches my attempt at the video one day.

Grace and Meredith with their keys!

Happy Birthday Grace!!!

Grace's favorite thing to do... ART! She had her birthday party at Bristles this year. It is an art studio just for kids!

Birthday Girl in her art smock

Nana and Marion, doing their own art!

Let the chaos, ahem, painting begin!!

Back at home after a long day, I made the girls pose for a few pictures!

How cute is this?! A canvas stamped and signed by all her party guests!

Pink Kitty Masterpiece!

The Pre Parties

The day my baby turned 5!

The first celebration was on Thursday, January 13th, Grace's birthday. She had her normal day at school, well, with a birthday crown on! After school, I picked up Grace and Meredith from school and surprised them by taking them to Gatti Town. For those of you who don't know what Gatti Town is, imagine lots of super cool arcade games, a carousel, even bumper cars; oh, and a pizza buffet!

On Friday, we celebrated her birthday at school, even though every kid in her class was invited to her big party the coming Sunday! You only turn five once!

I can't believe my sweet baby is already five. I notice little things often lately, little things that remind me that she's growing up...

For instance, sometimes when hearing good news, what used to be a squeal, is now a subtle "YES!" Oh, and the eye rolls!

Really though, I love this age as much as I've loved any other, probably even more. I love my little friend that I can talk to all time; and she surprises me with how much she knows every day. She loves to talk, loves to shop, and loves arts and crafts... she's a mini me :)

Bling Bling!

Take a look at these sweet and innocent little earlobes...

They are no more! Grace got her ears pierced today!! We had been talking about it for quite some time. It all started when she told me she did not want to wear the SH uniform next year because it was too plain. I assured her that we would do what it took to make her fancy... bows, earrings, wait... did I just agree to earrings?!

At first she was scared of the pain and just kept saying she would have it done before starting school next year. After months of questioning, "Mom, tell me, exactly WHAT does it feel like??," she decided on Tuesday that she was ready.

Last night I offered ice cream if she made it through without crying...

"Mom, when they pierce my ears, I might get water in my eyes, but it's just because I am SO HAPPY that I am getting my ears pierced. It is NOT crying."

Well, my girl did awesome today!! I even tried to talk her out of it a little bit this morning. She was ready though. There were no tears, just a bit of nervousness, but not even too much. She chose the crystal flowers and they are as cute as can be!!

So grown up!

the graduate

Grace graduated 2 year old preschool last week!

She wrote her name on her gifts to her friends!

On the last day of school the kids performed the "Super Duper, We're So Sad It's the End of the Year Program!" It was awesome. The kids sang and danced to 14 songs they had learned this year. Grace's favorites were "Five Little Monkeys Swinging From a Tree," "God Made All of Me" and "Days of the Week," sung to the tune of the Adam's Family theme song.

They performed on the big stage in the Children's Theater and there were about 50 kids on stage... but I could hear Grace loud and clear! She loves to sing and I had already heard most of the songs at home.

I am so proud of you Grace! You had a wonderful first year of school and learned so much. You are such a sweet and smart little girl. I admit I am worried about how I will keep you entertained this summer! I'm looking forward to more time to just hang out with you!