Thursday, May 13, 2010

First & Last

Clayton went to Mother's Day out for the FIRST time in September of 2006. He was just 18 months old...




And, today was his LAST day EVER of preschool.

It's the end of an era, my friends. Clayton is no longer a preschooler!

Clayton and Wade have both picked up on the fact that I am a little apprehensive about him being a kindergartener. They have been teasing me and taunting me relentlessly for the last few days! Stinkers. Both of them.... stinkers.

Last night when we were doing bedtime hugs & kisses, Wade said, "Clayton, give Mama her last hug & kiss from you as a preschooler." What in the world?!?!? Isn't my spouse supposed to be helping me through this difficult (for me) transition. ;)

Clayton isn't much better. He says things like, "Mommy, I'm almost going to kinnnnderrrrgartennnn!" Drawing out the word in an effort to make it more dramatic.

Like father, like son, I guess. Stinkers.

I am very proud to say that I have made it through these last few weeks without shedding a single, solitary tear. I didn't cry at graduation or today or any time in between. I said goodbye to Clayton's preschool years with fond memories and a happy heart. I'm so thrilled with the little boy that Clayton has become, and I can't wait to see him grow and change as a kindergartner. It's going to be great - I just know it!

As a special treat, Clayton's sweet teachers gave him Leo the Lion (their class pet) to take home forever. He grew quite fond of Leo when he got to take care of him for a week in the fall. He was super sad when his turn was over. He cried many a tear over returning Leo, so that the next student could take him home. Ms. D said, "No one has ever loved Leo like Clayton loved Leo." Ha ha! So, she told me that she wanted to give him to Clayton at the end of the year. Isn't that sweet?

When we got in the car after school, I told Clayton that Ms. D & Ms. P had decided that he could take care of Leo forever. He was thrilled! What a fun souvenir from his year as a Lion. :)


I have loved everything about Clayton's preschool. They do an amazing job with the kids. One of my very favorite things that they do is their "Me Books." It is like a scrapbook with pictures, artwork, and such from throughout the year. I have looked at his Me Book from last year a hundred times and will treasure this year's book as well. I know how much hard work that the teachers put into these books, and I so appreciate their time and effort. They are priceless to us sappy, nostalgic Mamas. It's another sweet souvenir from his year as a Lion. :)












I'm not sure how I feel about him saying that I smell "applish." Ha! So funny...


FIRSTS and LASTS.... that's what life is all about, right?

Clayton, I can't wait to see what FIRSTS and LASTS are in your future, Sweet Boy.

6 comments:

Hannah said...

Why in the world am I getting teary over this? A glance into my future, perhaps! Clayton has grown up so fast.

Gran said...

What fantastic memories! Please send me their addresses. I think a Gran thank you is in order. Thank you, Clayton and Leo.

Leslie said...

I'm so proud of you for making it through with no tears! That day is coming for me, too, and I'm trying to hold it off as much as I can! Lots of hugs!!

Tara said...

The Me Book is the neatest thing ever!!! What a special little treasure to have. I can't believe Kindergarden is right around the corner.

halie said...

What a neat preschool! I absolutely love those little preschool pics of his first preschool days! He was so tiny! Clayton is going to do fabulous in Kindergarten!!

Leah said...

That is the cutest little preschool graduate, I ever did see. It has been so fun to hear your stories and rave reviews about his precious school days so far!

I cannot believe HOW much he and Drew look alike in those early 18 month pictures. They are twin-kies!

The journey ahead into kindergarten is gonna be spectacular. Oh, how I can't wait for those fun "school days"....BUT woohoo for summertime!

Pool---here we come!