Owen's Preschool Graduation

May 23, 2013 marked the end of a chapter for Owen - he graduated from preschool!  Mis Amigos (the Spanish immersion preschool that Owen attended for the last couple years) put together a wonderful ceremony honoring all the graduates.  Owen looked so grown up in his cap and gown.

Presenting the Mis Amigos graduating class of 2013 (including Owen's froggy - he can't go anywhere without it) ...

Shane and I were the beaming proud parents of a soon-to-be Kindergartener.

Owen made some wonderful friends throughout the school year and had become very attached to his teacher Mayra.  While it was great that he loved his teacher, he had a very hard time whenever there was a substitute teacher.  During the last few months of the school, Maestra Mayra took on some additional responsibilities so the school hired another teacher to take over the class in the afternoon.  All the kids except for Owen stayed at school all day and attended daycare there during the afternoon.  Unfortunately for us, the new teacher came at 11:00 and Owen's school day didn't end until 11:30.  Needless to say, the last part of the year was a real struggle getting Owen to school because he was terrified that Maestra Mayra wouldn't be there or would leave before he did.  He is such a sensitive little soul and sure does not like any disruption to his normal routine.

Maestra Mayra and Owen

So fast-forward to graduation day.  Owen was very anxious in the back as everyone was hustling and bustling around getting ready for graduation to begin.  Thankfully we found Maestra Mayra and he settled in with the rest of his class waiting for their grand entrance.  I left him there and found my seat.  Soon we saw Maestra Mayra enter the crowded room to give the introduction.  Right away I knew things were not going to go well.  After the introduction, the Pomp and Circumstance began to play and in marched the kids, some smiling, some looking confused, and one crying.  My poor Owen had become so upset when Maestra Mayra left that he was a wreck.  So heartbreaking!

Luckily I was sitting in the 2nd row aisle so he saw me and ran over.  After some hugs and encouragement, he proceeded up to the stage and took his seat with his classmates.  He seemed to pull things together as all the graduates began to sing some songs that they had prepared for the ceremony.
 

But soon after the music, my poor little boy fell apart and there was nothing else I could do than to walk up on stage and sit next to him.  After getting his diploma we sneaked down to my seat and watched the rest of the ceremony from there.

After the ceremony, Maestra Ale (his teacher from last year) came over, gave him a big hug and cheered him right up (of course the graduation presents from his Nanas and Popis helped too!)  With the stress of the big graduation ceremony over, Owen was back to his happy self.

Owen and Maestra Ale

Maestra Mayra, Owen and Maestra Ale

Owen with his proud parents

Owen and Cole with Nana Judy and Popi Dave

Great Nana, Owen, Cole and Great Popi Dineen

After all the photos, we headed out to the party in the playground.  Owen had a blast playing with his pals and enjoyed a tasty cookie and lemonade.

Owen with his "girlfriend" Cecilia

Owen running around with his friends

The last couple summers Owen attended camp at Mis Amigos.  During the summer, they also have camps for older kids.  Each summer a group of older girls loved playing with Owen.  He called them his "big girls" (I think they are the daughters of some of the teachers.)  His "big girls" were at the graduation party and Owen was so very excited to see them again!

Owen spying on his "big girls"

It's so hard to believe that Owen is done with preschool and will be starting Kindergarten this fall.  The time flew by so fast!  Luckily he seems very excited to be going to big kid school and eagerly tells anyone he meets that he's going to be a Kindergartener at Turtle Lake. 

We still have a lot of details to figure out before school starts.  In July we will find out if he will be attending school in the mornings or afternoons.  And then we'll need to decide whether or not he's riding the bus.  The thought of putting my little boy on a bus all by himself is rather terrifying to me!

While Owen is looking forward to big kid school, Mom is not.  When the first day of Kindergarten rolls around, he may not be the one with tears in his eyes.  It will most definitely be me!