Ben’s Preschool Graduation

On the last day of school, we attended Ben’s preschool graduation. Both sets of grandparents were there to celebrate with Ben. Before heading to the school, we took a few end of the year photos.

When we arrived at school, I dropped Ben off at his classroom while Jonathan and girls went to the chapel to meet up with our parents. I got a bit teary eyed as he walked in the last time. We’ve been dropping off a child at Stepping Stones for the last five years and while I’m looking forward to next year, it felt like the end of a chapter for our family.

For the ceremony, the kids walked in holding hands. He was with his friend, Lucy.

Mrs. Hofstetter welcomed us all

Ben sang all his songs

The kids spelled “C-H-A-R-A-C-T-E-R” as part of one of their songs. He was ready to go with his R.

Ben confidently went up to receive his diploma. We weren’t sure he would actually go up and get it, but we practiced at home. And during the course of practicing, I learned that Ben knows the last name of everyone of his classmates.

Singing God Bless America

After that, we shared a picnic potluck lunch.

Ben & Mrs. Hofstetter – Ben just loved his teacher

We headed to his classroom for one last look. He wanted a few pics with his favorite places.

And we ended up bringing home the boomslang that his class made. It’s now hanging in his room.

The graduate with Grandpa and Grandma Peine

And with Grandpa and Grandma Workmaster

Congratulations, Benjamin! We are so proud of you!

Preschool Olympics

Towards the end of the school year, Ben participated in the Olympics with his classmates. We made sure to finish up our school work so that the girls and I could come and watch.

Ben was the first one to go for his team.

This pic is awful, but he was one good sack jumper.

Waiting in line for his medal

Receiving his gold medal from Ms. Jan.

Ben’s Mother’s Day Program

The Friday before Mother’s Day, Ben’s preschool class hosted a Mother’s Day program. Jonathan took Charlotte and Rosemary to a chicken farm for the last field trip with our co-op so I was able to head over on my own.

He sang to nicely with his class.

Singing, “Bu-bu-butterfly, fly away” A song or two later I found myself having to wipe tears from my eyes. It was such a sweet program and Ben is just such a sweet boy.

Ben’s Preschool Christmas Program

Ben’s preschool Christmas program was last week. My mom and dad came up for the show and spent the next day helping me out so that I could take care of a few things on my own.

Grandma and Grandpa W and Ben

All the kids with Grandma and Grandpa W

Walking up to his spot

Ben was the letter Y, and this was one of the last times we were actually able to see him.

Ben’s friends Eric and Jake. And I love the little boy in the back’s face.

Ben was kind of covered up.

When they got to the letter Y, Ben held up his letter. My picture of this is awful. I had to lean around the guy with the constantly raised phone and zoom way in. Ah, well. You can kind of tell that’s him in the upper right corner.

Towards the end of the program, Charlotte had a mini-fit on the ground. There was a low rumble throughout the room anyway so I don’t think anyone else heard or noticed her. She soon collected herself and was quite merry.

We got a quick picture before he headed off the stage and over to the cookies.

Sweet boy.

Ben and his buddy, Eric. Ben managed to eat 5 cookies while we were there. He had a blast!

Preschool Thanksgiving Program

Before Thanksgiving, the girls and I attended Ben’s Thanksgiving program with his class.

All lined up and ready to sing.

Ben was thankful for “no dinosaurs.” Me, too, Ben. Me, too.

Singing, “I am an Indian chief!” He looks so serious.

He really participated and sang. I was so proud of him and he was so cute!

After the program he happily served us pumpkin pie and water.

Ben and his teacher, Mrs. Hoffstedter.

Ben’s Preschool Parade

We don’t really take part in Halloween activities, but the past few years we have let the kids dress up for the preschool parade. It’s really all that they do for the holiday (yet they still acquire ridiculous amounts of candy) and both Ben and Rosemary look forward to it every year.

Early on, Ben had said he wanted to be Woody again this year. I’d given him the option of being Mater, Lightning McQueen’s driver, or Woody (all costumes we already had on hand) and he’d finally chosen Woody. But a few days before the parade, Rosemary and Ben were playing Magic Tree House and he changed his mind and wanted to be Jack. Since Jack’s costume is quite possibly the easiest boys costume to do ever, we went ahead and let him switch.

Ben as Jack from the Magic Tree House books

Jack wears glasses, has dark hair (Ben’s was sprayed black)…

Always has his backpack with him…

And he carries his journal, reference book, pencil, and Magic Librarian card. All of which were tucked safely inside Ben’s bag.

Rosemary dressed as Queen Lucy from the Chronicles of Narnia.

Attached to her belt she carried her dagger and cordial vial.

She wanted to wear a crown. I offered to let her wear my tiara from our wedding and she jumped at the chance. I think the necklace she’s wearing was from my senior prom.

Striking a regal pose

All three little ones. Since it was so cold, we just kept Charlotte in her regular clothes and didn’t dress up.

Ready to load up and head to the parade.

Once we dropped Ben off, we made our way over to get our spots along the parade route.

He had the most adorable little face as he walked. He kept his nose scrunched up, I think in an effort to keep his glasses on, but it was too cute.

His dark hair kept throwing me off!

One of the best parts of Ben’s costume was that he was nice and warm. It was 50 degrees when we left the house that morning so it was chilly for a parade.

Hi, Jack!

A picture of Ben’s class

From there, we headed home to do some school.

Rosemary did her work in her costume.

And a perfect score on her fact sheet for the day! It was a super big deal and she was VERY excited!

So that was it as far as dressing up for Halloween for our kids. And it cost a whopping $7.50 (for the hairspray and glasses). Everything else we already had. They still thought it was great.