Growing up...

You know how parents will always tell "new moms" how quickly it goes, and how fast the little one will grow up?  Well, it is true.  It is happening way too fast!! This week my baby girl proved that to me.  She had her preschool graduation on Wednesday.   I didn't think I would be as emotional as I was.  I mean, come on, it is PRESCHOOL!  But....it still made the tears flow.  Monday was her last day of school, and I was surprised when I was getting teary driving her there.  Seems like it was just yesterday that we took her to her FIRST day of preschool two years ago.  And now it has come to an end and she will be starting kindergarten in the fall.  KINDERGARTEN! When I taught first grade, those kindergarteners always seemed so little.  Now looking at Ella, she seems so big.

The school did a wonderful job with the ceremony! Eric took the morning off, and his dad was able to come too.  So it was very special for Ella to have family there.   The night before I ironed both her cap and gown, and yes, was reminded all too quickly that in 13 years I will be doing this again for high school graduation.  (Which my dad reminds me will be here before I know it!)  That morning she got all dressed up and was ready for the "big day".

When we got to the school, moms and dads were busy taking pictures of the "graduates" and the younger kids who were being promoted to the next class (preK).  I laughed that it was just like a high school graduation would be:  The graduates were all hanging with their friends before, commenting on what they will be doing over the summer and remembering the past school year; The moms were emotional; Parents were gathering their kids and friends together for group shots.  And yes, we were right in the middle of it doing all of those things.  Ha!

Pinning her cap in place.

Grandpa brought flowers.

The whole ceremony was VERY cute!! The graduation music was played as the classes walked down the main aisle onto the stage.  They all sang about 3 songs (which were ADORABLE!!), and then the younger students were called one at a time to walk the stage and receive their "promotion certificate" and afterwards the graduates received their "diploma".  So cute!!!  Some of the after school clubs preformed and then there was a great slide show at the very end.

Singing one of the songs.

Receiving her "diploma" from her teacher.

That evening we celebrated with Ella's favorite dinner, and the girls helped me make and decorate a cake as well.  We got Ella the book "I Knew You Could" as a gift, and it is AMAZING! (Based on the train from The Little Engine That Could.)  HIGHLY recommend it for any graduate (of ANY age) or for reaching a milestone.  

It was a wonderful celebration and I was surprised by how emotional it was.  (Can you imagine how I will be at her high school and college graduations?!  Yikes!!!)  

CONGRATULATIONS!!!  We are SOOOO proud of you!!!!

PS- The next day her new glasses came in.  She is SOOO excited!!  We had a sense she needed them (some squinting and occasionally saying things looked a little blurry), plus the fact that I was her age when I needed them, so we wanted her checked right before kindergarten.  Turned out that yes, she does need them and she is THRILLED!!  But goodness, she looks grown up!  =)

Isn't she cute in them?!  =)