Preschool Graduate

James graduated from preschool on Thursday, May 12. Graduation took place at Magnolia Grove Reception Center in South Jordan. Watching him perform was the highlight of my day/week/month. James gave his all to the performance. He couldn't stop smiling and kept looking at me for validation--a thumbs up or congratulations. A couple of times, James called out, "mom" in the middle. Once, he even ran over to me. In his defense, I think James thought graduation was over.

Initially, when it was time for the program to begin, James was nervous and didn't want to go up front with his classmates. He wouldn't let go of my hand either, but he finally did and from then on, his nerves transformed into the biggest grin you've ever seen. His cheeks must have hurt. It was the cutest preschool program. The kids knew the songs perfectly and had their parts memorized. I'll brag and point out that James said his part loudly and clearly. It was easy to understand him which wasn't the case for every line said.

Since the program, the song, "ABC Cha Cha Cha Cha" has been on repeat in my head. It's catchy and fun the first few times you hear it. At the end of the program, graduation procession music played and James got to walk down the staircase and have his name read. Each student told the audience what they want to be when they grow up. I was eager to hear what James would say. He announced, "I want to be a pilot when I grow up." I've never heard him say that before. Whatever James decides to do, he will succeed. He's a smartie.

At graduation, it was hard not to notice that James is the tallest in his class. He's definitely been going through a growth spurt. We just had to basically buy him a whole new wardrobe. I think James also might have a little crush on Paisley in his class. He came home one day and told me they got married. James has been asking me nonstop to get Paisley's phone number. I have it.  Maybe James and Paisley will be sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G someday. They've already held hands--she is in the blue dress below.

Since Andrew only recently started his new job, we didn't want him to have to miss work right off the bat, so I recorded the whole thing. Izzy was trying to sing along with the songs and acted like she knew them. She's too cute. My parents were able to attend which made it special. I got a little choked up while there realizing that my parents will miss out on lots of these events over the next few years. (Their mission farewell is in a week!) Afterward the program, I took the kids to celebrate at Crumbl cookies. (We had a coupon.)

This year, James has attended Sunshine Square Preschool in Riverton, UT. It's under 5 minutes from our house and I've been pleased with our experience there. His teacher is Miss Debbie and she has been outstanding. Preschool has been a positive activity for James. He especially enjoys it when it's his turn to be the "special leader" and bring the snack and lead the class. There have been some field trip opportunities and going to the fire station was definitely a highlight. James started a "Clean Team" at school. He bosses people around and gets the place looking spiffy. That's my boy.

James has been attending preschool 3 days a week and it's 2 and a half hours long. Next year, James will transition to attending half-day kindergarten which is 5 days a week and 2.5 hours long. I asked James if he is sad that preschool is ending. He said, "kind of, but I'm excited to get to be home with you more." James has severe FOMO  (fear of missing out) and likes to ask for the rundown of everything we did without him while he was at school.  "You went to the store without me again!?" Only 2 more preschool days left and then James will get to spend every second with me. James has another graduation coming up-- UPSTART graduation! We sure do love our graduate.