Preschool Parties, Performances and Graduations

Another school year has come and gone and we had our very first preschool graduate. Bradock is so excited to start kindergarten and can't wait to go to his new school (Payson Elementary School aka PES) and meet his new teacher. It was decided that Bradock will continue speech therapy in kindergarten...darn those consonant blends (ex. "b" for "br" so instead of saying broom he says boom. The sad part is when we have him repeat it over and over he gets so frustrated because he really thinks he is saying it exactly like it is supposed to be). Thank goodness for patient, dedicated teachers and therapists. He has made so much improvement this last year and has really started to come out of his shell. He is definitely a lot more social than before, but still a very reserved, passive kid. His preschool teacher and aides just kept telling me how much they were going to miss him and that he was just the sweetest boy:) Mr. B had a super fun preschool party and then a very big-to-do graduation with a little reception after the ceremony. He was so happy Grandma Debby came to see him graduate. Of course, his whole last year has been even better because of his best friend, Manny. Those two sure are a crack up and are hoping to be in the same kindergarten class. Mr. B and Ray on their last day of school. I sure love these two silly kiddos. I am not a crafty person...AT ALL. However, I have decided that I am really good at following directions that are spelled out step-by-step, so I got couragous and made 10 homemade teacher gifts. I died laughing at how many I had made, but between Bradock and Raylee and all their teachers, teacher aides, and therapists it came out to quite a few:) The little card said "Thanks for helping me become a "sharpie" and "smartie" this year. Thank you pinterest for such cute ideas. Oh this little girl. I just heaved a big sigh as I'm typing this. She is one spitfire little girl. She still loves her naps, but loves pretty nails even more. For her big performance they put her right up front, center stage. And do you know what she did the whole time she was supposed to be singing and dancing? She stood there like a lump on a log and then proceeded to "fake" yawn and rub her eyes. This coming from the girl who belts her little bible tunes all day, but the moment she is put on the spot or asked to do it...no way jose! I am just so glad she stepped up to the plate for her speaking part "Do not KILL" (they were reciting the 10 commandments for the big show:) She is too smart for her own good. She has already been writing and spelling her name and loves to sound out the letters to words. I just hope she puts all that stubborness and smartness to good use.