First vs Last

Mrs. Seifker and Lucas on the first day of school-August 2011

Mrs. Canterbury and Matthew on the first day of school-August 2011

Matthew and Mrs. Canterbury-last day of third grade

I always love seeing the differences in the boys from the first day of school to the last day of school.  The first day of school pictures are filled with smiles, but hidden behind those smiles are fears and anticipation of the new year.

Matthew and Lucas-August 2011

The last day of school pictures show two boys, one school year older, and excited for summer break.  Having conquered another year of school is quite an accomplishment.  They should be proud of themselves.

Matthew and Lucas-June 2012

This year, I boogied out of work right as the bell was ringing so I could make it to Northwood for the boys' last day of school at the end of the day.  This year, Matthew's teacher had organized a "Disney cruise" for her, and the other third grade classes, to end the year.  The boys were excited to wear their mouse ears and new Mickey t shirts {we had gotten for our upcoming trip} to school.  In fact, as I looked around, they were the only third graders with real mouse ears.  Super cool.

Lucas and Mr. Woerlein-his long term sub, on the last day of school

Mrs. Seifker and Lucas-last day of third grade

Anyway, as part of the end of the year traditions, the whole school lines up in the hall to "clap out" the fourth graders.  I stood there, with Lucas's class, clapping out the fourth graders.  Then, it hit me.  That will be me, next year, "clapping out" my two fourth graders as they move out of elementary and into Intermediate school.  You know me, I started crying like a baby.   You would've thought I was one of the fourth grade moms, who was sad her kid was moving out of elementary school.  No, just a mom who is thinking of the future and her kids actually having the audacity to grow up and move on to another school.  Like to fifth grade.  Booo, hoo.  My tears were a flowin'!

We've said time and again this year how blessed we were with the teachers we had.  The boys were placed perfectly with someone who cared for them how they needed to be cared for, and they learned so very much this year!