Natalie finished school a few weeks ago now and the end of kindergarten was very much a mix of emotions. Such exciting stuff to do but so sad to leave her teacher (and her school, actually, as we're zoned for another elementary school now). Her teacher this year was AMAZING and has forever left a mark on our girl. One day during an art project when her teacher realized there wasn't going to be a parent helper she asked our Natalie to be an art teacher for the hour. She quickly explained the art project to Natalie (who, naturally, caught on in seconds) and Natalie proceeded to direct a table of kindergartners through this little project. That's our girl! Her teacher said she handled her authority with grace. She complimented her friends on their work, encouraged them and constantly nodded in approval as she walked around the little table. One little boy said, "Miss Natalie? You're a really good teacher!" So stinking cute!!!
Her end of the year party was a teddy bear picnic. This might be one of the cutest parties I've ever seen. Each child brought a bear to school and they played games, did crafts and sang songs all centered around their little furry friends. The picnic was on red and white checked tablecloths on the school's front lawn and they ate teddy bear shaped honey sandwiches, watermelon and snow cones for dessert. Such fun.
In kindergarten, there were "early friends" and "late friends" and the two groups of
15 only overlapped for 2 hours of the 4 hours of school.
When they are all together, and carrying stuffed bears, it's a full house!
The snow cone station. Beyond cute.
This expression cracks me up.
Natalie and her bestie, Alexis.
The last day of school was a sweet one, too. Natalie made an amazing picture for her teacher and couldn't get enough good-bye hugs. Her teacher had the cutest response when Natalie handed her a little gift. Natalie proudly said, "I have a present for you!" and her teacher's response was "Oh, good, I just love presents!" I loved that response because that's how a 6 year old thinks! Natalie just beamed, thinking, "me, too! me, too!"
I don't know who will miss kindergarten more, Natalie or Audrey. Audrey was kind of like the class mascot. She ran around there every day during drop off and pick up, knew all the kids and their siblings by name and loved to wash her hands in Natalie's classroom.
This was on the last day of school. I asked Natalie to smile and she said,
"But I'm not happy. I'm sad because I don't want it to be the last day."
Me either, kiddo!
This is after I said, "I know you're not happy but will you please smile?"
And this is her finally smiling!
Her completely lovely, adorable teacher.
Natalie and her buddies
(and, of course, Audrey)
Natalie and her friend, Deniz.
Deniz, Natalie and Carly.
Can't believe we're on to first grade! Look out world, here she comes! Love you, missy britches!
