Alaina's Preschool Graduation

May 24th our little Lainy graduated from the ECEAP preschool program at the University of Washington. Her teachers told her that she could tell everyone that she graduated from UW a week before her Daddy. She thought that was pretty cool!

We were sad to see this year of preschool come to and end. Lainy's teachers have been fabulous. Simply amazing, involved, compassionate teachers. And they have loved her. She has learned so much - not only reading and math skills, but important social skills too. We have felt incredibly blessed to be part of ECEAP.

Last day of school at the park

 

Graduation day dawned sunny and beautiful. While Lainy was practicing for the program, Leah and I went and got her balloons, flowers, and some cupcakes. We wanted her to feel extra special. Brad picked her up from school, then Leah and I met them with our surprises. I wish I had a picture of Leah running to Lainy with balloons and flowers flying in the wind. And Lainy's face when she saw them. So sweet. I think our plan worked - she felt pretty great.

The graduation program was cute. The graduates walked out in full graduation regalia: gowns and caps. It was awesome! The only glitch in the program was that someone forgot to turn the lights on in the auditorium until half way through the program. Hence our crappy pictures and videos. Grrr. Oh well. Here's our best shot:

To kick of the program, one of Lainy's teachers played the guitar and the kids sang "We are Gonna Be Friends" by the White Stripes (covered by Jack Johnson). I thought it was darling.

Fall is here, hear the yell
Back to school, ring the bell
Brand new shoes, walking blues
Climb the fence, books and pens
I can tell that we are gonna be friends.
I can tell that we are gonna be friends.

Don't you think that is the cutest song to sing at graduation? Here is Lainy singing her heart out on the last verse:

Love her.

Next they sang and danced to an alphabet song (where a staff member got WAY too into the dancing...) then it was time to present the graduates. Lainy told us her job was to walk up the steps, shake Principal Chris's hand, get her diploma, and wave to Mom and Dad. She did great!

(The video that was supposed to go here will not load, so imagine Lainy doing what was described above with a charming smile and darling wave.)

Wiggly little Leah paused on my lap long enough to shout "Good job Lainy!" and clap enthusiastically as Lainy took the stand. We are super proud parents.

With Teacher Fanny

With Teacher Gabby (her favorite)

With Teacher Jaclyn

Alaina and Anya - our friend and neighbor

We love you Lainy! Congratulations!