Pomp and Circumstance

Well the time has come. I can now officially say I'm the mother of a graduate. Montessori preschool graduate, but a graduate nevertheless.

Lily's preschool career ended one week ago. It was a bittersweet day. One that I had looked forward to for a long, long time...but one that I was oddly sad to see as well. When asked if she was excited, Lily responded that yes she was. But she was also sad. When the day finally rolled around, I totally understood her mixed emotions.

Lily with her oldest friend in the world -- she and Katy have been classmates since they were 4 months old.

Lily and her first new Montessori BFF, Carley.

The actual ceremony was adorable. Lily was lucky enough to have 3 grandparents there. She practically got a standing ovation from the audience -- lots of hoots and hollers. The children sang some delightful songs, recited a few memorized poems (Lily actually memorized them last year when she overheard the junior kindergartners rehearsing...she has a CRAZY good memory and a ridiculous ability to pick things up quickly when it comes to musical lyrics or poems), and gave out lots of hugs to their teachers.

The graduate! (If you can't view the video, please click HERE.)

Lily and Ms. Deborah, her assistant teacher.

Lily and Ms. Jane, her Montessori "directress"

And so we close out yet another chapter in the short, but full, story of Lily with Lily. She's now practically the mayor of her summer camp -- leave it to my brave and outgoing daughter -- and getting very excited about kindergarten!

(If you can't view the video, please click HERE.)