Cora's Graduation

And now, our Cora Rose is a graduate! How can that be??? 

I must admit, prior to Cora reaching this point, I thought the whole idea of celebrating "graduations" from preschool/ kindergarten/ elementary school/ junior high was a little silly. College and high school, sure, you've accomplished something there. But leaving any earlier schooling is really just moving on to the next stage. Big deal.

And then, um, gulp, sniff, then I had my own firstborn child finish up preschool. And I had absolutely no problem cheering on said child, huge smile on my face, as she "graduated" from pre-K Wednesday night.

I know I haven't been shy about my love for Cora's preschool. She has learned so much, in such a caring, nurturing environment. We are so thankful for Miss Lorrie and her calm guidance over these 4- and 5-year-olds. 

She organized a lovely ceremony Wednesday, with the children singing about graduating and going on to kindergarten, before getting their certificates.

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Then it was time for the all-important refreshments, gifts, and browsing through a book we parents received of the highlights of our children's artwork.


Also, we got these cute books the children made, describing what they will do when they grow up.
Cora's book said the following:
"When I grow up I want to be a pilot. I will learn by studying a flying airplane. I will get paid $100 a day.
"I will get married. My husband will be nice. Our wedding will be fun and I will wear a beautiful gown. We will have 2 or 3 or 4 kids.
"I will live in America and my house will be an apartment.
"I will drive a sports car and my husband will drive a bluish green car.
"We will go on vacation to the sea and to England. We will stay at Nan and Pop's house and we will play games.

"The End"

 Grandma was able to go into her evening job a couple of hours late, so she could come too, and keep Violet busy during the ceremony while Stace and I manned cameras. Grandpa brought his camera too, of course. Auntie Mel was busy with evening rehearsals for the musical Hair she'll be in, which opens this weekend.

Cora made a lot of friends this year, and several of them she sees regularly at church. When I've asked her if she's sad about preschool ending, she says she isn't, because she'll still see some of her friends and Miss Lorrie on Sundays.

On Wednesday, I came around to the idea of celebrating a preschool "graduation" - it's a great chance to say good-bye to people we've come to know and love over the year, who we won't see so much in the future.
And it is a milestone, especially with Cora being our oldest: the ending of life as we've known it and the start of Cora's world being opened up in new ways.

Cora, we're so proud of how you are learning and growing up each day!