Koen's Preschool Graduation

Yesterday was a big day for Koen.  He had his last official day of preschool, including the closing program and his class' graduation.  I think Doug and I would both say that watching preschoolers preform and accept diplomas for a half hour is one of the most hilarious and enjoyable forms of entertainment.  You have the kids that are chattering to one another, the ones that are totally in their own zone and not participating in hand motions, etc., then there are the ones that are totally on board and so into it.  Koen was somewhere in between all of that.  He was attentive to what he was supposed to be doing, but also very interested in what everyone else was doing.  I took a lot of pictures and videos, so you'll get the idea...

On the way in to school Koen saw another preschooler getting their photo taken at the door and he said he wanted to do that too, so here's my big boy as he entered his last day of preschool (ever!)...

Here's the class entering the hall for the little performance and graduation ceremony and finding their seats...

It was really cute because it took Koen quite awhile to find where we were sitting, but once he did he was all about waving to us and mouthing, "Hi Mommy!"  Precious.  I hope at Kindergarten graduation he's still not too grown up to yell out such a loving hello.

Here are the videos of the song performances.  Truly entertaining...

After the musical portion of the performance, the two classes did a dramatization of Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."  The children all got to help make their own props.  Koen was very excited to be a strawberry.  Here are some pictures of the presentation.  They all got to pass the caterpillar through their prop as the story was read.  Koen was all business when it was his turn.  So cute!

And here is 2/3 of Koen's fan club.  Tavin loved the music and the story and was a trooper as always being the onlooker instead of involved up on stage.

At this point, the performance aspect came to a close and it was time for the diplomas.  The kids were supposed to walk under the arbor, bow or curtsie depending on gender, and then continue on around the arbor.  Here's the setup...

It was so hilarious watching each child try to remember how it was all supposed to go.  Some went all the way through and around.  Otherwise went halfway, accepted their diploma, then went in reverse back to their seats.  The variety of bows and curtsies was probably the best part.  One girl totally lifted her dress up to her head which then showed her legs and undergarments completely.  Priceless.  When Koen's class was up for diplomas, Koen's name was unexpectedly called first, so on the video you don't hear it unfortunately, but thankfully, I caught the cute part.

Congratulations, Koen.  We are very proud of all that you have accomplished in your time at preschool and we look forward to a fun summer and then the new experience of kindergarten in the Fall.  Love you, Koen Douglas!


PS - After graduation we took Koen and Tavin to Mellon Park to play and then we celebrated with a special family lunch out at Mad Mex.  Here are pictures of the boys enjoying being outside with Mommy and Daddy celebrating Koen's accomplishment.