Pre-School Graduation

Rylan and Jacob are graduates!!! The ceremony was Wednesday, May 16 and was just perfect!  Before leaving for school in their fancy graduation clothes, we had to snap a few photos!

 Mr. Cory was the first to snatch Rylan up for a hug! The kids signed autographs in the classroom while the parents waited in the auditorium.

We love you Mr. Cory!  He was the boys favorite teacher this year.  He was an O-lineman on the Wildcat football team and was sweet to always give the boys high fives after the games.  He signed numerous autographs - all still hanging on the boys bedroom door. He was in the first class of teachers and usually helped get the boys out of our car.  On the mornings when separation anxiety was high, Mr. Cory would gently peel said child off of my body and carry them into class.  He is a fine young man and we adore him!!! He asked the boys to come to his college signing day and we look forward to following his progress at Southern AR State.  We will miss Mr. Cory so much!

Dad was subbing today, but was able to sneak away for the hour long graduation!

 Jacob... the graduate!  He also got "Most Academic" for the second year. We are so proud!

 Rylan... the graduate!  He got "Best Storyteller" for the second year!  We are so proud of him!  He said, "I don't ever tell stories.  I just tell people what we did!"

 At the beginning of the ceremony, Jacob got to hold the flag.  This is a REALLY big deal and he was SO honored.  Ryaln was a wee bit jealous, but handled it well.  Jacob did a great job holding the flag and leading the Pledge with Kylee.

 Here they are coming in!

 After the ceremony, we stopped in the COurtyard to snap a few photos in their hats.  I sat at this National Merit Scholar monument for most days of High School lunch.  Maybe someday the boys names will be on it! :)

 Here we are with Mrs. Christine... such a bittersweet day!  She has been fabulous for the boys.  She was very aware to help them develop into their own personality and to highlight their individual strengths while in the same classroom.  She is so nurturing and leads a wonderful program.  We will miss her dearly!

 Treat time!  Jacob requested "fudgy toffee bars."  They are on Pinterest and are heavenly!!

 Jason was able to squeeze in with Rylan at the table.  Of course, he got a green cupcake!

 Then Rylan came over the the carpet to sit with Granna, Jacob and I after he was done eating.

 Mr. Tim... how much do we love you?!?!?  He has been their teacher for two years.  He was one of my first graders.  I am so proud of Tim!!! He has grown into such a fine young man - so responsible and kind.  He is going into education and wants to be an elementary principal.  What a great aspiration for a great kid!

 Mr. Can... another two year teacher.  We love Mr. Can! He plays HARD on the playground with the boys.  Jacob and Rylan were always telling stories of battles and battle plans for recess with Mr. Can.  He is so fun and great for the boys.

 The sports teachers!  This year their were many athlete teachers.  We saw them at football and basketball games.  It was SO good for Rylan and Jacob to see these young men - to see their tenderness and toughness all at once.  We loved them all!

 Mr. Tyler - he is going to be a great dad someday.  He was a football player and was extra attentive to the boys.  On the barn field trip he was with one of them and was wonderful - asking questions, telling info.  He rocks!

 After several last good-byes, we were off!  Our family by the school...

 One more teacher... Miss Emily - another two year teacher.  She was so kind and loving.  We absolutely adored Miss Emily.  She helped put the boys in the car on most days and was always so cheerful.  We love you!

 Our precious boys have an expensive palate!  We let them choose where to eat a celebration lunch and they picked Pappa's Seafood House.  We go there for Birthdays and they LOVE the shrimp!  Here they are with GPOp!

 Jacob was SOOOOO excited to get tilapia and shrimp!

 Rylan got the combination plate - shrimp and catfish.

 Then we came home for some presents...

 Tag Readers from Granna and GPop!

 Jason Kidd jersey card from Daddy and Mommy

 Dirk jersey card from Daddy and Mommy

 And we had to get them a toy too... SPy Gear!

 Rylan has been eyeing this Spy Safe for months.  He was super excited to finally get it!

They could not stay in the church clothes any longer!  Then we were off to Popa's for another gift!

 Tag letter game!  It is super fun!!

All in all, it was a wonderful day.  Jason and I were both teary at points.  The hardest was saying good-bye to Mr. Cory and Mrs. Christine.  We hugged Cory about 4 times before we really left.  Trooper School was a great experience for Rylan and Jacob.  They learned how to work with others and are ready for Kindergarten.  I'm not ready for Kindergarten... but they are!  We are SO proud of all they learned and how much they have grown and blossomed!  Thank you Trooper School for two great years!