Presenting the Class of 2027!

Tonight was Eleanor's graduation from 4K!

OK.  So maybe 4K doesn't seem like a big deal, but when you put it all into perspective...it's pretty awesome.

 

First of all - next year, my baby will be going to Kindergarten!  She's so excited and SO ready!

Second - if I think how fast this time went by...in no time at all, Andy and I will be driving Eleanor to her high school graduation...and THAT'S pretty big!

Third - It's not so much the case with Eleanor, but some of the kids in this class have been together since their moms went back to work after a 6, 8 or 12 week maternity leave!  Some of them will go off to the same Elementary school.  Some will go to totally different districts.  They were first friends.  Friends when friendship was easy.  When everyone got invited to everyone's birthday party.  When the boys liked all the girls and the girls liked all the boys. 

 

 

We wanted to make a "big deal" about Eleanor's graduation, without making it a "big deal".  Her first flowers and a balloon.  She far liked the balloon the best and didn't understand why we couldn't bring it to graduation with us!  Something about seeing Eleanor with flowers.  Her flowers.  Flowers we got for her.  It seems so grown up!  I remember when my parents would buy me flowers for various events.  Dance Recitals.  Pom Pom competitions.  My first job.  My driver's license.  Graduation.

 

Eleanor's "Diploma".  I'm actually really happy with the way they handled the graduation.  The kids all got in front, sang a really sweet song and then went on stage to get their certificates.  No caps.  No gowns. No pomp and circumstance.  THANK GOSH - because that would have made me lose it.  This.  This I could handle!  My gosh does she look grown up in that picture!  My cute little baby is turning into a beautiful little girl.

 As we all know - Eleanor wears her emotions on her sleeve.  And neither of her teachers can question how she feels about them.  She just adores them - especially the one in white - Ms. Stacie.  She's a household name.  Eleanor loves her.  Teachers - you are special, special people and you leave such a lasting impression on these kiddos.  Thank you - Thank you for all you do!  I mean - these two ladies have taught my daughter the foundation of reading.  That's going to stay with her forever. 

 And these girls.  Where is Eleanor?  I don't know - where is Tess?  I don't know - Where is Jillian?  The three of them are always together!  First best friends.  Eleanor and Jillian will be heading off to the same Elementary school and Tess will be headed to a different school.  I doubt they will talk to each other again once 5K starts...but the bond these girls have started a foundation for future friendships and it's SO cute to see them play together and always look for the other!

 And here we are folks.  Our future.  This is what we are relying on!  Part of the class of 2027.  The sugar-high, over-heated, exhausted class of 2027!

And the proud parents!  I really only got teary-eyed once.  I looked at Andy and I thought - we get to go on this journey together.  Today we are sitting next to each other, watching our kid graduate from 4K and I'm scared to blink because I know in no time we are going to be sitting in bleachers, watching a young lady cross a stage in a black gown and a black cap.  And pomp and circumstance will be playing.  And I'll wonder - where did time go?  I'm just so proud to be the mom to this little girl.  And this other part of my heart hurt a little bit.  Because I'm starting to see milestones - milestones that Nic is missing.   And I know. I know, I know, I know, that Nic was watching his beautiful daughter graduate from 4K and will be on this journey.  Helping and guiding Andy and I.  And we will all raise Eleanor together.  And we all - no matter how "silly" 4K graduation is...realized it's just a catalyst for what is to come...and how quickly it will go by. 

And so little girl, "...will you Succeed? Yes, you will, indeed. (98 and 3/4 guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains." (Dr. Seuss)