Pre K Graduation: Just try to hold back the tears!

Some schools make a big deal out of PreK graduation and some don't. I'm so glad that ours does.

Vaughn graduated from Pre K a few weeks ago. As much as I knew it was coming I did't want it to happen. She loved it there, loved her teacher, loved her friends.

(The school was covered with reminders.)

The ceremony itself was great. The kids had been practicing and were so excited to get up on the stage.

As we entered, programs were handed out along with purse-sized packs of tissues. We all chuckled about it commenting on how we'd probably need them.

Inside the programs were quotes from our kiddos when asked, "What have you learned this year?" and "What do you want to be when you grow up?" It was a cute addition.

Vaughn (clearly missing the intention of the question): "Well, my brother says mermaids are poisonous! I learned that one time at Christmas my cousin was sleeping with me and she saw Santa and his sleigh."

Vaughn: "A fashion show designer, so I can take fabric and design clothes."

On her way to get her diploma.

Each teacher spoke (and cried) about being so proud of the kids and having to say goodbye, the kids sang a couple of songs, danced to their favorite silly song, as well as Gangham Style, and Oh, The Places You'll Go! was recited.

Of course afterwards we celebrated with cake and other snacks. The teachers handed out gifts to the kids as well as their own copy of Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Such a great evening!

She had one more week of school after that night and it was tougher than tough saying goodbye to her teacher and to the school. Vaughn hugged her friends and they all told her goodbye. Vaughn and her teacher gave each other a giant bear hug and both waved and gave each other pouty faces until we rounded the corner and were out of sight. I won't lie - I was a weepy mess.

It wasn't just what her teacher taught, it was how she taught. As a parent, it means the world to see someone care for your child in the same manner as you would. I believe Vaughn had such a great year because of the loving, fun, creative, and challenging environment that her teacher created for her students. We'll definitely miss her but are looking onward and upward to Kindergarten!