Kindergarten Splash Bash

Last day of kindergarten

After George's big graduation celebration and reception, he went to school one last time for a special doughnut breakfast to celebrate a sweet friend's star student status. After that, they loaded into a bus and made their way to the splash pad for their end of year "splash bash" and summer birthday celebrations. Naturally, the new Brownie had to join in the fun. 

These guys had a wonderful last day of playing with each other and stopped briefly for some pizza, chips and cupcakes. They quickly returned for more splashing.  

These two guys stayed long after the party officially ended, and "closed down" the splash pad four hours after the party started.  We will definitely have to plan some playdates this summer.  

A last look at the kindergarten class of 2017.  

George says kindergarten was the best year of his life.  

But I have a good feeling about first grade. Bring on the next chapter!

Kindergarten Graduation

William George graduated from his amazing class on May 18th. This year has been AHHmazing and has transformed George from a K4 student who dreaded going to school (timed coloring) to a student who dives into learning each day with an enthusiasm not previously demonstrated. While George loves to read and learn, he has been ambivalent about the more "fun" parts of kindergarten -- until Mrs. Shelby made the "fun" infectious and irresistible.  When we had George's end of year review, Mrs. Shelby just raved about George, and when we told her that he had simply thrived in her classroom, tears sprang into her eyes. She is just the best ever.  

The graduation was circus themed and an event like no other. Mrs. Shelby pulled out all the stops on decorations and the program itself.  Our little clowns had so much fun celebrating the completion of such a great year.  

Pre-show

The fourth and fifth grade graduating classes performed several songs. 

George and some friends led the class in reciting a poem. 

Several more songs were performed

After a brief intermission, the classes returned for the graduation ceremony. 

The boys brought their teachers daisies, while the girls brought bracelets. 

George has loved every minute with his friends this year. 

The girls gave George his very own Brownie Bear for graduation, complete with cap and gown.  

Celebrating George's accomplishments.

George with Gran and Poppa

George with Grammie

The whole family

George with Lexie

After all that singing, George was parched. 

 Mrs. Shelby presented each student with their own copy of the devotional they have used in class, a personalized laminated book with their artwork, a diploma and a skills notebook for summer.

After the reception, the trio were hungry and wanted to celebrate, and it was George's pick... so we had some queso and chips and tacos.  

George, congratulations on completing kindergarten! We hope you take Mrs. Shelby's excitement and enthusiasm with you to first grade and beyond.  We are so proud of your hard work and accomplishments.  

The graduate: 

Kindergarten Graduation from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

Also, there were sooo many songs:
Kindergarten Graduation, II from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

Kindergarten Graduation, III from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

Kindergarten Graduation, IV from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

Kindergarten Graduation, V from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

Kindergarten Graduation, VI from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.


Kindergarten Graduation, IX from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

PS: Remember George's 4K graduation? And the girls' 4K graduation?  And the girls' kindergarten graduation?

Kindergarten Swim Party

George's kindergarten class had a swim party at a sweet classmate's house on the day of the girls' dance recital. Specifically, his party was scheduled for the space of time in between the rehearsal and recital, also known as the time when the girls would be getting ready.  We divided and conquered, and Skip managed the pool party, while I was in charge of all things dance.

George absolutely loved swimming with his friends, and the party was so much fun.

Star Student

A few weeks ago William George had his turn as "star student" in his kindergarten class. As part of this honor, he got to spend some time with Brownie (class bear), as well as have a bulletin board filled with photos documenting his life to date.  He also got to have a special snack(s) and just generally have a moment or two in the spotlight.  

Brownie attended practice with the A's and posed with teammates/classmates. 

 George had an opportunity to present his board, and we brought a couple of his favorites (chocolate chip cookies and juice).  His friends listened so nicely while he explained what was happening during every photo.  

His friends also each had a question for him about his likes/dislikes, favorite things, etc.  

A couple of days later, we went back for story time and to read a couple of books. We also brought doughnuts and YooHoo's to get everyone "sugared up" before asking them to sit on the carpet. We knew they were up for the challenge.  

George has the sweetest friends, and we are going to miss this bunch.  

George's Collars

My standard warm weather uniform for George is a basic polo and shorts. 

When he was a baby, we loved the polo shirt jon-jons, but alas, he quickly outgrew those. He has literally worn some type of polo style shirt since birth. 

Inexplicably, when he turned three, he began insisting on buttoning all of the buttons. All of the time. All through K3, all through K4 and all through K5. 

(He said he was cold. And he doesn't like being cold.)

We all tried to explain about the top button and tried to talk him out of it to no avail. If you have noticed his buttons in photos, I assure you they are all buttoned per his insistence.  

First Day of Kindergarten

George adores his beloved kindergarten teacher. She has a big family full of fun and exciting children, and throughout the course of the year she has shared about her family with her class. Well... her children are total rock stars in the eyes of her class (and us, too; they're great kids!). George is playing baseball with her youngest son and has now met one of her oldest sons who just turned 16. He sometimes helps with their practices and games, and they all just love him.  

So this past weekend when George got dressed I, once again, tried persuading him not to button the top button. Finally, I said, "You know, the big guys don't wear them like that. Hayes and his friends wouldn't have that top button buttoned...  

Boom.  

We should have introduced George to Hayes much sooner.