Last Day of Kindergarten!

It is an understatement to say that today was a tiring day. It was completely and utterly exhausting. Emotionally exhausting, that is. This morning, I walked the girls to their last day of kindergarten, trying hard to choke back the tears on the way. I dropped them off at 8:00am (thinking all along the way that this is the way it's going to be next year, having to go to school so early in the morning, only I'll have to get them there ten minutes earlier.) Like I said yesterday, traffic was dreadful. But, alas, I got them there on time and took a picture of them as they walked into class for the last time. I took a slow, quiet walk back home with Mia, thinking about this wonderful kindergarten year. More tears to choke back.

I came home and tidied up a bit, packed up the car, and left for the girls' kindergarten promotion ceremony. I got a great seat--front row center!--saved my seat, and went into the classroom to drop off the ice cream I brought for the party afterwards. As soon as I saw Mrs. Willey, I just lost it. Many more tears. I just couldn't hold it back anymore, and I became a blubbering idiot, feeling so emotional that kindergarten is already over. Sandy consoled me and gave me some tissues, which helped a bit.

The promotion ceremony began with the class coming into the room donned with their cute little graduation caps while the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" played. The moment I heard that song and saw all the kids, I lost my marbles again. More tears. It was a rollercoaster ride throughout that entire ceremony. Tears. OK. Hold it together. Oh, I can't. More tears.

The class sang some songs, which were super cute by the way, and then each student's name was called up for their certificate. They shook Mrs. Willey's hand as well as the hand of Mr. Slonkosky, the principal. After, a big surprise came when Sarah received a perfect attendance award. That's right...Sarah never missed one day of school, nor was she every tardy. I know I never did that in any grade ever, and I'm so proud of her and happy that she has such an awesome immune system.

After that, there was a really great slide show presentation that was shown to the audience, made by Mrs. Willey. I lost it again while watching that show, thinking again about how great this year has been and how sad I am that it's over.

After the promotion ceremony, all of the kids and parents went back into the classroom and had an ice cream party, and then the kids spent some time playing outside. The time finally came when we had to say good bye to Mrs. Willey. The tears flowed again as I thanked her and told her that this year was a dream come true for me.

I will never, ever forget this completely awesome kindergarten year.