The Very, Very End

When we bought our house we didn't think a lot about the different schools and were just glad that R. would be close enough to walk (A. was just twinkle in his father's eye, which is what my mom would say - or maybe she said mother's eye?).  We just got lucky because being part of the Sycamore Elementary family for twelve years has been fabulous!  Saying good-bye yesterday made me wish I had more kids, but I know that no matter how many I had it would have come to an end at some point.

First up yesterday was the kids-versus-adults softball game.  There were about fifty people on a side.

The tradition at Sycamore is to have a sendoff for the sixth graders.  Each upper-grade teacher has a mix of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students so s/he may have been with the student for three years.  S/he chooses a method to share about each child's strengths (e.g, a poem or a story) in a way to produce the most tears for the parents (or so it seems).

Each child is holding a scroll with a copy of the poem the teacher read.

A.'s group had been together all three years, meaning no one in this class moved in after fourth grade.  They all get along and have made so many memories together.  I will miss all their parents!

After the ceremony we had a family lunch before A. met up with friends for frozen yogurt.  The sun broke out in time for a gathering at the pool.  We weren't sure how it work out, but seven of the classmates played together for over an hour.

Only three of the kids got together for pizza afterward, but that worked out fine, too.  They hung out a bit at our house before a final goodbye.

It was good to keep busy and not think too much about the changes ahead.  Of course I want my kids to grow up, but they do it so quickly!