Pomp and Circumstance

I honestly don't know where the past year has gone. It feels like just yesterday that we were at Max's pre-K graduation and now anther graduation day is upon us. I am afraid that I will blink and we will be sitting in the stands of his high school graduation.

All of the students in Max's class did wonderful during ceremony and it was obvious the amount of time the teachers spent practicing with them. They sang three songs, including one that involved sunglasses and singing the ABC's backwards! After their wonderful performance, it was time for diplomas. I will admit that a few tears were shed at this point - much to Max's (and Chris') embarrassment!



The post-ceremony time allowed for pictures with some very important people in Max's lives this past year - Mrs. Mest and Mrs. Simone. We have been so fortunate to have amazing teachers over the past five years taking care of Max - and this year was certainly no exception. Beyond reading and writing, these two women taught their students how to have self-confidence, respect differences among all of us and love all living things - namely a bunny named Bubbles!




Tears were not only shed because our first-born was graduating, but he is also apart to part ways with his best buddy, G. These two friends have been together in class since they were barely crawling. Not only have they gone to school together, they have played sports every season by each other's side and have regular playdates. Most mornings have started with a shared hug...the same way most days have ended. It just won't be the same next year we don't see G every day!



Luckily, Max hasn't quite reached the stage where he is too cool to show some love to his biggest fans.




As we were preparing to leave school today, Max's teachers handed us a portfolio of his work the past year along with his final report card. We definitely do not worry about Max's academic development - he usually meets or exceeds expectations each marking period and apparently is two full grade levels ahead in math and reading according to recent test scores. However, the area on the report card that made my heart smile was an "exceeds expections" on the area of showing respect to others. At the end of the day, that is really all the matters...the rest is just a bonus.

We love you, Max and could not be prouder of the young man you are becoming. We cannot wait to see what the next adventure in school holds for you.