Graduation.

"Start spreadin' the news, we're leaving today.......we want you to open the doors to the....first, grade, first grade......"

That's the sweet song my daughter and her kindergarten classmates sang at their kindergarten graduation today. It was so sweet. Really, since I was on the organizing team for the event, I was too busy running around busy attending to this and that....that I didn't really react emotionally as much as I thought. Until now. Wow. My little girl is finished with kindergarten. Graduated. And I can't tell you how many people said to me, "Just wait, you'll blink that they'll be graduating from high school." OK, I really did need to hear THAT today.
I am so very proud of my little girl. Proud of how straight and tall she walked to get her diploma. Proud of the fact that she was awarded the "Great Writer Award." So proud that she knew all of the words to the graduation songs. She has grown so much over the past year....not just gained 2 inches and 5 pounds physically, but how she has matured and deepened in her concern for people. How she looks for opportunities to learn and explore and grow. How she has bloomed in her reading and writing and overall literacy. And today was a day for celebrating all she is and all she is learned and that this is just the beginning.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day:





And my all-time favorite that just warms my heart:

And now, I can truly say that this is one exhausted and emotionally drained Mommy who is VERY ready for a good night's sleep and a relaxed Saturday tomorrow. I am planning on getting some scrapping time in tomorrow, which is very much needed. So Good Friday Night to you. Hug your kids tonight, let them know how much you love them and how proud you are of them. I know I will.