Goodbye Kindergarten, Hello Summer

It’s hard to believe that school’s out for the summer and my boy has finished Kindergarten! What a fantastic year it’s been. Brandon learned so much, made great friends, and had an amazing teacher. We will definitely miss her. It’s flown by.

A few weeks ago the Kindergarteners had their end of year program, with all the songs they’ve learned throughout the year. It was entertaining, to the point where my mom and I were having small giggling fits at some parts. Yes, we are mature like that.

Annie said that her favorite song of the program was “I’m A Mean Old Witch” even though it scared her a little bit. My favorite one was “Skidamarink”. This was the “special song” that Brandon sang for me at home for Mother’s Day with his special handmade microphone. LOVED IT! My favorite part was when he gave me 2 thumbs up and a big smile at the end of that song. We got most of it on video but I haven’t uploaded it yet. I love his cute little class, they are all so darling.

Brandon loves his teacher, and you can tell she loves him too. I enjoyed volunteering in the class–she was truly amazing and patient with those kids.

Earlier this week was the last field trip and picnic at the park by the school. Here is the whole class. These kids are so great!! I was glad to get to know them.

On the last day of school, we had a big pancake breakfast, got ready, and took some pictures to commemorate the big day.

I’m glad this 6 year old boy still loves to snuggle with me and will hold my hand and says I smell good and wrote in his school journal “My mom does everything good.” I hope this lasts a little while longer.

I made his teacher a few small gifts. A personalized clipboard (we added thank you notes and a picture drawn by Brandon) which was very quick and easy–created the design in Photoshop, printed at Costco on luster finish photo paper, and used a corner rounder on the bottom corners, then Mod Podged it onto the clipboard. I used one of Shabby Princess’ free kits for it.

I had also made this little ditty a few weeks ago–I wrapped 3 bags of microwave popcorn with the printed design I made in Photoshop. The class had earned a movie and popcorn party, so it was perfect timing! I used GG Digital Designs for this one.

On the last day of school, the kids in our neighborhood who are all in the same class together met up and we had a picnic in our friends’ yard by the bus stop.

Such great kids! We have an awesome neighborhood.

Can you tell they are excited for summer???

Here’s Brandon and his best buddy Sam.

I think they’ve grown up a little bit over the last year. Here’s their picture from the first day of Kindergarten, with their little bus tags!!

And the silly shot. It’s no wonder why they get along so well!

Then we took a picture of all the kids, including the younger siblings.

Getting on the bus for the last time as a Kindergartener….last time seeing “Kent” the bus driver.

Of course I was feeling emotional about the whole thing. But I kept the little tears in check, at least for the moment. Because then we all headed back to the school for the Mustang Awards. This is where those little tears leaked out a little bit.

One last class bear hug with Mrs. Platt and the principal. Sadness!!!

If the kids pass off a certain number of concepts/tasks/etc they can earn a gold medal. Brandon was THRILLED to earn his gold!

Annie was proud of her big brother. Brandon insisted on wearing the nametag he wore the first week of school, just for old times’ sake. So, it was a great day. Mrs. Platt gave a darling gift and a sweet personal letter to Brandon. We got his report card and it was perfect! So proud of our boy.

Now, I can’t think too much about 1st grade and having Brandon gone all day in a few short months. It still makes me sad to think about it. I know, I’m probably weird. But it’s true!!

But in the meantime….

Looking forward to fun times ahead….