Now that he's in school, Chase gets to participate in some celebrations for the end of the school year. The first was Family Day (on Brice's birthday) when both Little Star classes performed their favorite songs.
Despite lots of practicing both at school and at home, Chase barely sang at the performance. He wasn't the only one, but we were surprised!
After the show, there was a picnic for the kids and their families. We attempted a family picture...
I feel like it's an awkward family photo with our angry kids looking the other way. Here's some proof that our kids aren't always sourpusses.
The official end of school was graduation. It's hard to believe that the school year has already drawn to a close. Our Chase, unsure of the whole school thing on his first day of Little Stars (2-3 year old class), is now a confident little boy. He loved going to school everyday, and always had stories for his teachers. His favorite part of school was playing superheroes (or "bad guys" or "good guys") with his friends, Castor and Laurits.
The day of graduation was rather hectic. We insisted that Chase not wear a superhero shirt (although he wears them every.single.day) but wear a "handsome" shirt and a bow tie like Daddy. After some arguing, some tears, and a little bribery positive reinforcement, he complied.
But because of the tears, he was unsettled...and easily upset.
The Little Stars lined up outside the hall where graduation was....
...and when Chase spotted us (in the 2nd row, naturally), he just lost it!
(a little better before they walked it)
And more tears
Here is is getting his diploma. Tears.
The irony of this is, of course, that Chase only had one isolated incident of crying at school during the ENTIRE year. Other kids cried every morning for months. But Chase was perfectly happy to go into his classroom to his teachers every morning and to go home after school was over. His only instance of crying happened in October, when I came in for the Halloween Party and left before the end of the school day. Otherwise, he was always happy.Oh well, I cried at enough events growing up that I should be used to this!
Chase recovered pretty quickly after we gave him some hugs and kisses. Afterwards, they had cupcakes and ice cream for the Little Stars in their classroom. They had dixie cups with chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Chase was very careful to make sure he only got vanilla.
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| Chase and Laurits |
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| Chase and Miss Caitlyn |
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| Chase and Miss Fiona |
I cannot stress enough what a positive experience Little Stars was for Chase and us. His teachers, Miss Fiona and Miss Caitlyn were wonderful with the children. They helped Chase grow emotionally and physically, and supported his interest in everything. He was on the younger end of the age spectrum in the class and you would hardly know it. The class was so warm and inviting and we felt welcome every time we went in there. We will certainly miss them, but we are looking forward to Chase's adventures next year in the Sky Room of the Children's Peace Garden (CPG) for ages 3-5.
And last (and least), was Chase's show day at the little gym. It's hard to beleive he's been going since he was Brice's age. This was his last class with Mommy and Daddy participating-- from here on out he will be in the classroom with just teachers and friend. He has learned to do so much in this class and loves climbing on all of the equipment and hanging upside down.
Brice joined in the fun too!
Forward roll on the balance beam with Miss Lindsey!
