Last day of Preschool for SK

I am behind on the blog...way behind...and part of the reason is because I have been putting off this post....like maybe if I don't post her last day of preschool that is didn't happen...and she won't leave me to go to kindergarten.....but it did happen so here goes.....

I pulled up in front of Watkins like I have done so many times before...opened my door...and then opened the door for SK...and there she was smiling ear to ear...ready for school. Ready to go in the door and be greeted by Mrs. Shaw and have a wonderful day!

But this time...the last time she would walk in...I had tears in my eyes....

We met back up later in the class room for her graduation. Lila was so happy to see her...I think Lila knew this day was different too.....

The class sang a song...So long preschool it's been fun.....Kindergarten here we come...here we come!

Then..one at a time...Mrs. Hellige called her class up for hugs...and diplomas...and she cried the whole time.....and I cried the whole time....and all the moms cried the whole time...the emotional release of giving in to the fact that these little ones are growing up overtook us...and it filled our hearts with pride...but a pride etched in pain...and a heart ache that throbs...

There they were all smiles...and my eyes were swollen shut from crying!

After the ceremony...this face was before me.....this beautiful face...and she hugged me...and I whispered between sobs how proud I was of her....

Then is was off to the picnic where we ate and played and visited one last time with friends we have been with for years and who knows when we will see again...

As they played...I was flooded with memories from this year..and how much SK has grown....not only bigger...but also as a learner...and as a friend.....

My heart went back to her very first day of preschool....she was such a baby....

When she made her first walk from my car to the front door with Rollins and Janie....

I went back to her second year at Watkins....

When she walked in by herself....and she did just fine.....

My heart took me back to the first day of school this year...

Sarah Kate took Lila in.....holding her hand and guiding her the whole way....

It was a lot to take in...and as we said our goodbyes and gathered her things I looked around at the smiling kids. I closed my eyes and took in the laughter...the delighted screams of children at play on the playground...and sealed this happy sound in my soul.

We walked to the front door...SK opened it up...and walked out into a whole new world....and saying good bye to her preschool days. She is so ready....I, on the other hand.....I am just not there yet.....but I am working on it....

Off to Target for a celebration prize....she knew right away what she wanted!

The Barbie and Ken wedding set, of course! She thought she was big time...getting a big prize...little did she know on this day I would have bought her the whole store! My heart...so full of love for this beautiful little girl...who is so full of kindness and curiosity....giggles and wonder. Oh I love her so.....how could you not?