Graduation Day

Thursday the 14th of June was Sarah's graduation day. She is officially a PHD graduate. After a grueling year of learning letters and numbers, going on field trips, making friends, eating snacks and having fun, she earned her Preschool Half Days diploma. After a near miss of the ceremony because mommy couldn't find the car keys, she arrived in time to get ready secretly with the rest of her class. To our delight they processed in to the graduation song in full graduation cap and gown (too cute at this age!). Unfortunately the story takes a bit of a turn here when Sarah, bringing up the end of the line, took one look at the crowd assembled and broke into tears. No convincing could get her to go back with her friends so after a quick disrobing of the gown she and I sat at the front of the room on the floor and watched as her friends sang a few songs. We then watched the year in review through an adorable montage of pictures put to music. Wow how they change in such a short time. In order to receive their diploma they had to answer a skill testing question- What would you like to be when you grow up? Among many ballet dancers and future firemen, Sarah proclaimed she is going to be a highland dancer. (Guess I better get her registered for those lessons!) After presenting Mrs. Dueck with a small gift of appreciation ( how do you truly honour all the time, love and energy she gave to our kids?) we moved on to enjoy cookies and juice with family and friends. While the day may not have turned out as planned, it was awesome all the same. Grandma Judy, Grandma Val and Papa, along with Daddy, Ethan and Megan all were on hand to join in the fun and mark this first milestone in her academic career! (Okay I'm making it sound a bit grand for a preschool graduation but although there will be many more achievements this one really felt like a step between being a preschooler and being a big school kid). Coincedentally after the graduation Sarah and our family attended a BBQ at her new elementary school with all the other school kids on the block and their families. A fantastic time was had by all until a huge storm blew in and we all had to run for cover. After a brief sing-song in the van we all made a wet run to the house where we stayed for the night!

Sarah after the ceremony - we had to redress her so we could take a picture!

The one and only Mrs. Dueck & Sarah

Sarah and her friend Grace

Ethan after a few too many cookies!

Megan after someone snuck her a cookie with icing. Can you tell she is a third child? I think Sarah likely had to wait to have a cookie with icing until she was 2.