Seriously.........graduation......I just dropped her off on her first day of kindergarten.....really it had to be just a couple of weeks ago. Has it really been a year? This picture below was taken right after she walked in her classroom and put her backpack and things away. Was she really smiling that big when she got to school for her first day? I don't know whether to be happy or sad! Well, of course I am thrilled that she loves school, but also a bit sad, too. This picture is one of my very favorite, because it captures the essence of Lauren. She did not know anyone in this class, but she was so happy to be at school. I love that child for the joyful spirit she is filled with. I pray that she is always this happy! I know that is not possible, but I do pray that she will always look for and find the joy in whatever comes her way.
Here is the first picture I took of Lauren with her teacher. There's another picture near the end of the post with Mrs. Israel. Lauren really loves her teacher and when she was asked what she would miss most about Kindergarten, her answer was, "Mrs. Israel."
Last night we attended Lauren's Kindergarten graduation. It was an informal affair that took place in her classroom. When we got to the classroom, Lauren had a portfolio filled with work she had completed through out the year. Mrs. Israel spent quite a bit of time laminating and organizing so many treasures that we will keep to remember this special time. One of my favorite things in the portfolio was a book of the song, What a Wonderful World. Each child had illustrated the pages of the song so beautifully. As I read through the words of the song, I got teary eyed. That was just the beginning of a very emotional evening. In the portfolio was also a hard bound book the class had published. Each classmate wrote and illustrated a page in the book telling about what they liked about Kindergarten and what they did not like about Kindergarten. Mrs. Israel also typed a full page letter to each child and gave it to them with their little diploma. She was very specific with the letter detailing Lauren's personality so eloquently. That will be another treasure Lauren will enjoy for years to come.
 |
| Lauren holding her portfolio |
 |
| Lauren wearing her graduation cap that she made in class |
 |
| Lauren, Maggie (the dog) and Allison. Maggie came to Lauren's class every Tuesday. The kids got to read to her. |
 |
| This is classic Lauren, looking and listening so seriously. Mrs. Israel was reading the book, I Knew You Could by Dorfman Craig. |
 |
| Another picture in her graduation cap. |
 |
| Lauren and Mrs. Israel |
 |
| Lauren and her best friend Lilly |
We were truly blessed with a wonderful first year of school. One down, twelve more to go. We could not have had a better start. Thank you, Mrs. Israel for taking such good care of my little girl. She has grown so much and learned so much this year. I am so proud of you, Lauren. I love you, sweetie!
