Our First Graduate

Afton's year in preschool was a great one and it flew by so quickly. She learned a lot. She knew a lot going in, but she left being able to read many sight words and excited to begin reading more independently. She loved her time there with caring teachers and good friends. She didn't want the year to end. Can you tell from this picture?

In January, Afton came home so excited to share with us the song they were practicing in class for the "grapuashun" ceremony. She had me look up the song on my phone so she could teach us the moves. "You Gotta Be" by Des'Ree was all she would sing around the house.

"Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry

You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know
Love will save the day"

She taught Jack the moves, but he would quickly leave after she fixed his position after every single movement. Needless to say she was excited to perform this for the graduation. We were all excited to watch.

However, tragedy struck. There would be NO moves. NO singing. NO speaking, even for the part she had memorized in the mirror for the last month. And absolutely NO smiles. It was quite a memorable Preschool Graduation. She took the lyric, "Don't be ashamed to cry," quite seriously.

Right before the kids were to walk in, they were lined up in the hall. Afton was behind her friend Emily, who was a bit shorter than her. As she was walking, Emily made an abrupt stop and Afton was not paying attention. She walked straight into Emily's cap and poked herself in the eye. Tears were flowing out of control and they did not stop for the ENTIRE graduation ceremony. (This very reason is why they would not allow us at my high school graduation to throw our caps up in the air. We had to throw carnations instead. LAME!)

She walked out with her head down, sobbing, and holding her eye.

We sat in the front row and could not console her. We gave her hugs, blew kisses, smiles, thumbs up and even threats. Sadly, nothing could get her to calm down. I think she was more embarrassed by the whole situation. Poor thing.

Months of the year song she knew when she was 3 years old, but today she sang ZERO words.

She walked up with the body language compared to that of someone who just saw their family hamster take it's last breath on his favorite spinning wheel. So emotional and downtrodden.

Jocelyn didn't know what was going on, but she was happy to support her big, crying sister.

After the ceremony was done, even the bouquets of beautiful flowers could not get a genuine smile from this girl.

Leimamo gave Afton a lei to congratulate her. Very cute.

About this time is when she began to be our sweet happy Afton girl again. The pain had worn off. She was no longer in front of a big crowd. She could enjoy the event with her family and friends. We were just glad to see her smile again.

Ms. Shannon

Kerrigan and Peyton

Maybe it was the cake that made her smile again.

Jack sure did like it.

Loving her daddy

Her best friend in class - Peyton

Mrs. Bahati told Afton, "I know I am not supposed to have favorites, but you were mine. Good luck in Kindergarten." It melted my heart.

So proud of our first graduate. Look out kindergarten. Here she comes.

Afton has such a bright future ahead of her. We know that she will continue to be an excellent studesnt, good listener, and caring friend as she progresses with her education. As of now she still wants to be a Princess Dentist Golfer, and we fully support all three! We are sad that she is growing up so quickly, but we are truly proud of her. She is our best big girl.

This graduate of ours WILL DO GREAT THINGS! 

1st Day

Last Day

You Gotta Be!