Kindergarten: Done!

One week ago, Benjamin finished up his final day of kindergarten. With all the rush, frenzy, and excitement that goes with finishing another school year (and beginning a summer vacation), I didn't really appreciate that kindergarten was ending until Monday. Then, of course, I felt sad to see this special time come to a close. But, apparently, all good things must end and this year has truly been such a good thing! Benjamin had one fun day after another, learning so much along the way. Tim and I could not be more pleased with how the school year went, and I don't think Benjamin would ask for more either.
In the spirit of such a great time, I want to take a look back. The year began with Benjamin feeling very eager about going to Lakewood. I had no idea how he would respond to the real deal though - being dropped off in a classroom full of strangers, so I was feeling anxious, as usual. On the way into the building that first morning, he told anyone, and I mean anyone, who would listen, "Today is my first day of school!" It was so adorable. The grown-ups grinned and the older students weren't sure what to think, but Tim and I loved it! Later when it was time for parents to leave the classroom, Benjamin's only concern was that I "not forget to teach Elvis" since Elvis the bear was hanging out with me in the library for the day. No tears, no long goodbyes - just instructions! This was a sign of how this year would go. Benjamin met every new experience with excitement and optimism. And it was such a pleasure to watch him do his thing.

First day...

Benjamin's year included all the usual highlights: holiday celebrations, line leader, field trips, snow days, family projects, blue days and yellow days, field day, awards and even making morning announcements. I tried to drop by (and take pictures) whenever I could. It was so, so special to be in the same building with my sweet boy, and I will be forever grateful for this time.

Line leader...

Yellow days...

Thanksgiving feast...

Christmas card list...

Ice day (without electricity!)...

Family project...

Super Stallion...

Arboretum field trip...

Field day...

Helping with morning announcements...

Graduation celebration...

Ms. Johnson's end of year card...

Last day...

And finally in his own words...before and after.

Night before kinder from Robin Pattillo on Vimeo.

Night after last day of kindergarten from Robin Pattillo on Vimeo.

We've come a long way, Benjamin Felix, and I'm so happy to see where we will go next! Congratulations to our sweet boy!

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Counting Down

Since the beginning of kindergarten, Benjamin has been adding day by day his time spent in school. Slowly, those days have added up to this - the last week of school. And now we are counting down the days; only five more school days until Benjamin will be headed to first grade. As thrilled as I will be to begin our summer vacation, I'm not quite ready to let go of Benjamin's first year of school. It has been such a good one! The Pattillo family has begun another adding up/counting down. We are looking forward to next fall - mid October - to be exact as we will welcome a new member to our family.

Opening Day

March 31 has been marked on Benjamin's calendar for a while. It's opening day. He woke up this morning pretty much talking in his sleep about the Rangers game. We had to set the DVR; he reminded Tim while he ate his cereal - again half asleep. When I picked him up from his class today after school his teacher assured me that he had let her know all about the upcoming game. He is most definitely into it. Once again.

I wonder if someday a baseball season will begin without Benjamin's enthusiastic greeting. How long will he love it? After all, he's only five years old. Surely his interests will change. It's hard to imagine now, but it could happen. (I have no idea what I loved when I was five.)

But I'm so glad it hasn't happened yet. What a great feeling to see him get his glove out a few weeks back and use it everyday since then. He knows a lot more about the game than he used to, but his excitement hasn't wavered. I'm so grateful to watch him learn and grow and be inspired in this way. I'm also grateful to see him in the backyard running invisible bases and giving imaginary high fives after hitting a pretend home run (or maybe grand slam!). This is a special time. I, for one, hope that it lasts forever. Play ball, Banjo boy! We love you.

 

 

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Home Sweet Home

It has been a very relaxing weekend at home for us. And the Pattillo family always appreciates such weekends! We made it to basketball Saturday and church today; otherwise there was fireside Olympic-watching and napping, and we had the perfect weather for it. It gave me time to think about what a great weekend we had in New Orleans. I love it there and I'm already thinking about a return trip.

Here are some photos from the rest of our trip.

 

We definitely had to make a stop here!

 

 

Waiting....patiently...

 

 

And finally the treats arrive!

 

 

When we left Cafe du Monde, we walked right by this band. So cool - I felt like I was in a movie.

 

 

Benjamin at lunch on Magazine Street

 

 

We really liked walking around the neighborhood our house was in. I loved all the pretty old houses and all the people who were out and about.

 

 

Benjamin had to read all the sidewalk chalk messages.

 

 

Finally on Sunday it was marathon time - the real reason we came.

 

 

Tim was pleased with his time. Yea!

 

 

This was after our lunch on Monday. It was a great meal to end our trip.

 

 

When we got home on Monday night, we worked on Benjamin's family project for school. We had fun "collaborating." Benjamin was so proud of the final results.

 

As if our trip wasn't enough excitement, we got snow on Thursday! Finally! Tiny flakes drifted through the sky for most of the day. It was really pretty. The only downside was no snow day on Friday despite all our wishing and hoping.

 

 

Benjamin did not appreciate the wet gloves.

 

 

I was feeling pretty happy!

 

 

So it was a pretty exciting week. Maybe that's why we required so much rest this weekend?? Whether we actually needed all that down time or not, it felt pretty good just to be home.

 

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