William is growing up.
On one hand, too fast for me. I can't believe he has graduated from Kindergarten.
It seems like only yesterday he was a little baby that cried all night long and didn't let me get one decent night of sleep for over three years.
On the other hand, I am so proud watching him grow into such an interesting young man that it can't happen fast enough. Every day he demonstrates a little more of who he will be as an adult. My anticipation is over-flowing.
Speaking of anticipation, we weren't sure William was going to finish his quilt in time for graduation. Sewing and other fine motor skills aren't his forte. But his perseverance paid off... along with a little help from his mom and Juanita, of course.
...drum roll, please...
Introducing the Hope Class of 2010 - minus one who happened to be in Hawaii.
William stood so proud and patiently through the whole ceremony. All the other kids were fidgeting.
I was beaming...
Until he noticed his tassel handle just to his left.
It started with a little swing of the head...
Then a flip or two with his hand... back to swing... and a flip...
We all smiled and possibly even giggled out loud. It was classic kid stuff.
The big moment came and went as fast as the last five years.
William had blossomed at Hope. He had matured, gain confidence, and become a leader among his peers.
He was respected by students and teachers alike. He was a friend to all.
William, a kindergarten graduate.
The moment was a touching as any could be.
William was so lucky to have his Grammi fly in for his big day.
Big days for the boys always seem more special when a grandparent is there.
Must be the history... mixed with the extra dose of love filling the air.
We took a moment to pose for a family photo.
I love this one... I look like a mom, William is beaming, Dave is so proud, and Jack... well, Jack is always Jack. Loved his look that evening. He picked out his favorite shirt and belt. You might recognize them from his play. ;-)
William gave special gifts to his teachers, Ms. Jan and Ms. Carol. Then they gave him a bag of goodies to remember the day by.
Ms. Jan and Ms. Carol had become family in a sense. William spent three years with them.
They helped nurture William into the wonder little boy he is today... and I'm certain their influence will carry on through his life.
Teacher conferences were always so wonderful. I was able to see William through their eyes. I could tell they really cared for him and truly understood him. Their stories were always fun and insightful.
Speaking of stories, Ms. Jan gave William an incredible gift... She wrote a childrens story for him about William, the talking fish. It was quite the story. I hope it gets published some day. Wouldn't that be something.
Every child should be so lucky to have such fabulous teachers.
After some pictures, we visited a little while longer. All the children were given cameras. William clicked away.
We drank juice and ate cake. We celebrated William.
Then, like most other special moments in life, it was over and we went home. It was the end of an era. Jack started at Hope Montessori in 2005. The school and their teachers had played such a large role in our lives for four years. It was hard walking out... knowing we'll never be back.
Good-bye Hope... Thank you for everything!
