Ashley's Preschool Graduation

Before I go into too many details with our Disney World trip (I know..I should probably be chronological),  I can't help but write about Ashley's preschool graduation last week. Ashley graduated on Wednesday August 15th. The little ceremony was held in her school's multi-purpose room at 9:30am. Since it was kind of an odd time, I thought it would be easier to have Ashley come with me to work (instead of dropping her off at Judi's) in the morning before leaving to go to the ceremony.  It was so nice having her with me during that time before her big day.

Our office was having one of our many potlucks, so there was plenty of yummy food for breakfast!  She grabbed a chocolate frosted donut and some fruit and then carried her plate very carefully back to my desk. My coworker, Laura, gave Ashley some crayons to draw with which I thought was so kind since we only brought books.  She colored two pictures for her teachers that we attached to two yellow rose bouquets and I had planned to give them. I also wrote them each a note.  While I was touching up my hair and makeup at my desk, she asked if she could have a little makeup too. So of course, I dotted her cheeks with some blush and added a smear of lipstick and she was set! All the kids were told to bring a plant/flower to plant before the ceremony as a symbol of their growth at the UTSA Child Developement Center (CDC). So before heading out, we set up a quick photo op of her holding her violet plant.

We drove to campus, picked up Paul and then headed to the graduation. As soon as I entered the school I had a lump in my throat.  It was all I could do not to burst into tears, and by the look on Paul's face he was feeling the same way.  We saw her teachers immediately and they just hugged and squeezed all three of us.  Ashley hadn't been back since before our Disney trip (and has been at Judi's in the meantime), so it had been several weeks since they've seen her.  We just love her teachers so much - Ms. Imrana and Ms. Nina.  Before we left for Disney World, Ms. Imrana (head teacher) sent us the most beautiful email about how much they loved Ashley and how much they were going to miss her.  They always say how bright and special she is...all things that a parent longs to hear...especially from a teacher. 

Portraits of each graduate with the their tassels and a little note about them.

The diplomas and medals waiting to be distributed.

Table of programs

Ashley and some of the graduates.

Chatting it up with her friend Jada

The ceremony was short and sweet but very special.  The kids sang two songs (ABC's Forward and Backward, and a song called This is the Story about Sammy). Ashley's voice was right on key and she knew all the words.  She made us proud! :) 


After the songs, each of the head teachers from both Preschool classrooms came up and said something and then it was time for the "diploma".  Ashley's name came first - a little unexpected, but we captured it on video. The photos I got were a little blurry because I was caught off guard. Each kid recieved their paper diploma, the cap tassel and a medal.
Side Note: Since the graduation, Ashley has been wearing her medal each morning on the way to Judi's house. She is SOOO proud of her medal and shows it to as many people as she can. 

Receiving her Diploma...

...And Medal

Turning around to see us after she sat back down.
Does this not make you melt? I teared up big time.

Ashley with her teachers

Us with our baby girl!

She looks so grown up!

The kids got their portaits in their caps and gowns, but the teachers thought it would be uncomfortable for them to wear during the ceremony, so they had the caps and gowns accessible for photo ops at the end, which I thought was great! All the girls in her class - Sloan, Jada, Fi, Faith and Ashley all lined up for pics. It was adorable. We also got some great pictures with her teachers. Afterward, they had light refreshments and socializing, which gave the parents an opportunity to get contact info so that the kids could keep in touch.

All and all, it was a wonderful morning. We are so proud of our sweet Ashley Paige. She has learned a lot while at the CDC over the last 2 years. She began there with tears in her eyes and fear, to leaving with confidence and excitement for kindergarten. She is now able to read with barely any help, write most words by sounding them out, can tie her own shoes, solve addition and subtraction problems, and even grew and maintained her very own green pepper! (the pepper is a funny story and I will try and share it on the blog one day)

Congratulations Ashley!

Her first day of kindergarten is a week from tomorrow (August 27th). Fingers crossed we all can get through it.  Ashley - Mommy and Daddy love you sooooo much and are soooo proud of you. You are an intelligent, sweet, caring and thoughtful child that just lights up a room. Oak Meadow Elementary has no idea lucky they really are to get such a great kid to go to their school.