PRESCHOOL GRADUATION!!!

Well, the time has come that I no longer have a preschooler, but a big, grown up, grade school kid. Gavin graduated preschool this last June and is now just weeks away from KINDERGARTEN!!!

How did this happen?

When did he get so big. And so old. Old enough to be going to KINDERGARTEN!!!

But back to preschool.

Gavin had attended Pine St. Preschool this last year and we fell in love with it immediately. Not only was it affordable (truly a rare find in Santa Monica), but his teachers were superb, the playground was adorable, and all the parents there were so great. We made many friends, both mother and son alike, and we were so sad to see the school year come to an end.

Attending this little graduation ceremony was the sweetest event I think I've ever been to. What could be cuter than all these little munchkins singing and dancing and proudly showing their parents what they had learned?!

Gavin proudly receiving his 'diploma.'

Looks like it's official!

Gavin is now a preschool graduate!

Here are all of Gavin's wonderful teachers. Teacher Nehal, Teacher Leo, and Teacher Sofia.

We will always be so grateful to them for providing such a wonderful school experience for Gavin. They really did form an amazing foundation for learning for years to come.

Teach Sofia was Gavin's main teacher and just the loveliest woman you will ever meet. Sweet, kind, PATIENT, and very hard working.

We will miss you Teacher Sofia!

The graduation was bitter-sweet for me.

Bitter, for it marked the end of my 'baby' years with Gavin....those sweet care-free days with loose schedules and time together at home. It signified that he was in deed growing up and now entering those grade school years where only big kids are allowed. He was no longer a toddler watching Blues Clues on the couch with pretzels and a sippy cup, but a big boy ready for a back pack, skinny jeans, and recess. He was graduating from little boy to big boy.

This event also marked the end of our time there in Santa Monica, since we were moving (actually, we had already moved) to a new home an hour away. With the distance, we knew we would probably not see most of our friends again and used the graduation to say our final goodbyes to everyone and the neighborhood. We were not just leaving the preschool, but the regular play dates, familiar parks, and outings to the beach with friends. We were leaving a vibrant and fun city with familiar faces and a modern condo that had been called home.

BUT...

This day was also sweet, for it represented the beginning of a new chapter for our little family. A new school, a new home, a new neighborhood and friends and church. A new suburban life on a tree lined street that was quiet and safe. Where our family could actually go for walks and play in the grass without driving to a park. A better life was waiting for us in Orange County and we couldn't wait for it to begin.

So anyways, congratulations to the class of 2011.

So proud of you, Gavin!