Pre-School Graduation

It seems like I say it on a daily basis lately, but time is absolutely flying by and there isn't a single thing I can do about it except embrace it and enjoy every fleeting moment.  It really hit me hard a few weeks ago as we were approaching Kyndall's very last days of pre-school.  I was reminded that what we've known as "our normal" for the past 5.5 years is soon going to change very drastically as she begins kindergarten.  

When we moved to Jackson in January of 2013, Kyndall was only two and a half years old and had never been in any kind of structured pre-school environment before.  I knew that I wanted to enroll her somewhere part time so that she could get the social and educational skills that I couldn't offer her at home.  We had been attending Englewood Baptist Church for a few weeks when I decided to enroll her in their Parents Day Out program in February of  2013.  I remember how excited we all were to begin this new chapter and I was amazed at how quickly she blossomed from a shy toddler into a very social little girl.  Fast forward three years and we were now getting ready to say goodbye to this very special place that helped shape our daughter into the person she is today.  

First Day of Englewood PDO--February 2013

Last day of Englewood PDO--May 2016

So much has changed and so many things have happened since those first days.  Kyndall has been so well loved and taken care of at Englewood and we couldn't be more thankful for the teachers and staff who welcomed us with open arms three years ago.  Although we will still be there Sundays and Wednesdays for church, we will miss our Tuesday and Thursday routine.  

And here's a little comparison from the first day of the 2015/2016 school year to the last day.  Even in these last 9 months she has changed so quickly.

Kyndall had been looking forward to her pre-school graduation for a very long time and had been working hard on memorizing all of her songs and scripture so she was excited when the big day finally arrived.  My Mom was very sweet to make the trip up from Tallahassee to be here for the festivities.  My Dad had planned to be here as well but an unexpected work obligation changed his plans at the last minute.  

Eating her breakfast and "reading" her Bible on the morning of graduation

Looking way too grown up 

She was SO excited about this day!

There always has to be one of these....

My little beauty

Kyndall's fan club

Here come the graduates!

Saying the pledge to the flag

Kyndall was pretty animated during the songs and could hardly stand still because all she EVER wants to do is move and dance!  She is definitely in her element when she's on stage.  There is not a shy bone in this child's entire body.

Love this one!!

Another favorite--So serious!

Each child was presented a diploma and a medal and assigned a superlative.  Not surprisingly, Kyndall was chosen as "most enthusiastic" which as you can see fits her perfectly!

Our little graduate!

Kyndall and Lillian are the sweetest of friends.  They have not only been in pre-school together for several years, but they also take piano from the same teacher and enjoyed having their lessons on the same day.

Being the crafty girl that she is, Kyndall was very excited to show us all of her creations at the graduation reception

We were so blessed to have two wonderful teachers this year.  We love Mrs. Cindy!

And we love Mrs. Whitney!

I love this picture from the first day of school as compared to the last week of school

I will treasure this forever!  I'm having it professionally famed so that we can proudly display it for everyone to see.

If you know our Kyndall, you know she's quite the social butterfly.  It was no surprise that she wanted me to follow her around the room and take pictures with as many of her friends as we could.  I foresee a future homecoming queen!

Ok....maybe not!

This one makes me laugh!

We will miss walking through these doors every Tuesday and Thursday

Matthew had to get back to work but the girls headed next door to Dumplins for lunch at our favorite restaurant.

We can't get enough of their pink strawberry butter.  Kyndall didn't even want real lunch....just a basket full of biscuits, plenty of pink butter and an unending supply of fruit tea.  Can't really blame her!

A few more pictures in her cap when we got home

Later that evening we let he open some graduation gifts from various family members

Grammy and G-Daddy gave her a heft gift card to Hobby Lobby.  I am going to let Grammy have the "experience" of following her around the store as she meticulously spends every last penny.  

Aunt Kelly and Uncle Michael gave her this personalized wet bag--perfect for the pool and our cruise summer!

It's hard to believe that in just a few weeks our baby will be entering the world of kindergarten.  As sad as it is to see her grow up so quickly, I am also loving this age and looking forward to what this next chapter holds for her.  I have no doubt she will soar to new heights in school because everything this girl touches turns to gold.  She is one in a million and we could not be more proud of her!