Ryder's last day as a preschooler

This post should be called "Why is Ryder's mommy so emotional?"  Well, it happened.  This was Ryder's last week of preschool and this last wednesday, Ryder had his little preschool graduation.  He is officially a kindergartener. 
This was his first day of school picture:
(This feels like yesterday!)

And here was his last day:

We feel like our hearts could burst for how much we love this kid and how proud we are of the little man that he is growing to be!

 

We had an end of the year party for all the kids in his class, thrown by all the parents. It was a picnic theme and the kiddos had such fun running around and having fun together!

This kid and getting him to take normal photo/look in the right direction takes a village...

The picnic theme was perfect for our kiddos...

There was a big bin of toys for the little graduates that one of the parents had brought and Ryder picked the military men.

(I bet you're shocked...)

Little sister and big helper!

We love our Mrs. Stewart!

Then we headed home and got ready for the actual little ceremony.
We decided to celebrate with a special lunch instead of trying to cram a dinner in before we had to get to the school.
We chose Ruby's.

 

God bless the woman that sat behind Eden. 

My little girl was in rare form wanting to talk with them...

 The BLT just made my heart very happy!

Then there was the little ceremony.
Here were little snap shots of the evening:

 They did a little musical performance before they got their diplomas with their classes.
Ryder, as always, was TOTALLY into singing and doing the motions.
(I wonder where he gets his comfort of being in front of people...?)

 

 We could not love Mrs. Stewart more...
Eden will have her in a couple years, so I was CRAZY relieved that I didn't have to say goodbye to this incredible human being...

He came out of this first school experience with a love of learning and a growth in his relational spirit and ability to make friends and adapt to new situations.  He learned how to sharpen his ability for self control and what it feels like to make good decisions and be a good helper.  He is such a incredible human being and we are so thankful and blessed that he was able to have this be his first structured learning environment.  He had one of the best teachers ever.  Mrs Stewart really sees each of her kids and desires to meet them where they are, mentally and emotionally.  She couldn't have been a better fit for our son!  We love you Noni!