Graduation '09

Mason's preschool end-of-year celebration was a few weeks ago, and we had a great time. We had a recognition program, where each of the classes sang a little song, and then everyone stayed and enjoyed a pizza lunch.

Unfortunately, Brandon couldn't leave work to attend, so it was just me and Danny cheering Mason on. Here's Danny, ready to see the show!


Mason's teachers, Mrs. Lamb and Mrs. DiStefano, organized his class at the front of the hall. Here's the Elephant class, getting ready for their big number!


His class sang the cutest song, complete with "choreography." Now, if any of you have seen Mason in action, you know that he is not one for joining in public musical performances. In fact, this past Mother's Day he wouldn't join the Primary kids up front in church to sing the traditional song for all the moms. I was crushed! Later I asked him why, and he told me it was because he didn't know all the words. If Mason's going to do something, he wants to do it right, or not at all. That's just the way he is.

So knowing this might be a problem, I talked about it with him in advance of the preschool program. He told me he didn't want to sing the song, that he didn't know the words, and I just told him to do his best. I told him I'd be so proud of him if he just went up there with his class and did the best he could, whether he sang or not. Whenever he'd express doubt about being able to do it, I'd just tell him to do his best and Heavenly Father would be pleased (and me too).

So he did! He went up there with his class and, although he didn't sing the words, he definitely knew the choreography! I was really proud of him, and he just beamed at me the whole time he was up there. He did his best and I could never ask for more.


After the musical numbers, each child was called up by his teacher to receive a certificate. The preschool actually splits this program into two days, so there aren't too many kids and parents each day. How smart is that??? As it was, Mason and Dan had a hard time sitting through the program.

We did have a lively moment when the fire alarm went off in the middle of the recognition period. I've got to hand it to the Director, she was cool as can be. She calmly directed us all to evacuate out the back doors, and we were out in record time! It was a false alarm and we were allowed back in the building quickly. The kids were pretty wound up at that point though, so it's a good thing we were almost through. They showed a really lovely slideshow with some picture highlights of the year, and then it was on to lunch.


We then proceeded to eat far too much junk food. The first half of the alphabet was supposed to bring a sweet treat to share, the second half something salty. Note to self: next year, no matter what they tell me, I'm bringing a veggie tray or grapes. There was absolutely nothing healthy in the entire room, unless you count the juice boxes.

So by the time we left, I had two very spazzy boys on my hands, hopped up on sugar and ready to roll. Ah, but it was a good day. My Mason finished his second year of preschool!

Next year, Danny will be attending the Tiny Turtle class two days a week and Mason will be attending a four year old class three days a week. It will be so strange to have my boys both at school at the same time! I'm sure I'll cry the first day I drop Danny off at the door. He's my baby! But for now, we have the summer ahead of us, and lots to do: writing practice for Mason, potty training for Danny. And lots of popsicles and sprinklers and trips to the park.

Hooray for summer! And goodbye to a fantastic year of preschool.