I Gotta Feeling

That Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night...

Nearly a week ago Camdyn graduated from pre-school.  The children wore the shirts that they tie dyed a few months ago, and they wore their smiles, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

The teachers lined them all up on the stage while cameras flashed and moms waved.

Then a little voice boomed "Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance."  My girl commanded every one's attention.  She projected her little voice and spoke with authority.  I was so proud of her.

Her teacher told me that this is the last year that they will be allowed to say The Pledge of Allegiance and being that this is the last time it will be spoken at a graduation, she wanted to make sure it was done right.  She is disheartened about that, I think, and I am too.  Our pre-school is at a church, you would think that The Pledge would at least have a place in church...

Then the big class performed their song and Camdyn sat and waited patiently until they finished.

Then, it was her class' turn.  All six children stood, the teacher turned on their music, and they began singing their song about the colors of the rainbow and they had sign language for the entire song.  Cam looked so cute as she concentrated on all of the signs.  She didn't miss a single one. 

Then the two classes sang a song together that they wrote themselves to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas...only it was called the Twelve Days of Summer.  It was really cute! 

Then it was time to receive their certificates or "cer-tif-li-cates" as Cam called it. 

And in less than 30 minutes, the sum of 5 years spent learning in pre-school, came to a close.  I got choked up a few times...and it was mostly just pride that was lodged at the back of my throat.  But, really, I was happy for her.  Happy that pre-school has been such a positive experience for her.  Happy at how much she has learned and grown, and how loved she has always felt at school over the past 5 years. 

We then went to the church courtyard and had cake, cookies, and juice.  Cam wore her corsage that I bought her to mark the occasion, but she by-passed on the cake.  She just wanted to run around with her friends.

Then, most of the parents packed up their kids and we headed down the road to a pizza joint that also has a mini arcade and an ice cream shop.  The kids played games, ran around, ate pizza and played, all while the adults lamented about the Pre-School years over a beer. 

As much as Cam will miss the teachers and her classmates as she heads to Kindergarten in the fall, I think I'll miss the friendships that we've built with the families in her class.  We'll still get together, though, I think I'll have to host a "reunion" party once a year. 

At about 8:45 I headed home with two very sweaty and sleepy little girls, who bypassed the tub, and went straight to bed and didn't bother to wake during the night. 

I couldn't imagine a better to close to this chapter.

I gotta a feelin' that tonight's gonna be a good night...



PS:  V - Thanks for running my video and helping me watch Chloe.  This night wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable without your help!