Preschool Graduate in the house!

Our big Ben graduated preschool on May 24, 2012.

And I survived.

Considering the cuteness I was dealing with, I'd say it's an accomplishment.

First up on Graduation Day, was the preschool's end-of-year program. Katie Beth and the rest of the two-year old class sang a few classics like Itsy-Bitsy Spider and Wheels on the Bus. 

Our nobody-tells-me-what-to-do girl, in the dress I bribed her to wear by painting her nails for the first time, wasn't too sure she wanted to perform on command to the crowd. But then she spotted us waving like maniacs, and squealed, "hi Mom!" and did great! (couldn't bring myself to crop that little guy out...second best part of the picture)

The preK classes performed the Three Little Pigs Opera, after months of practicing. It was adorable, and the songs will forever be stuck in my head!

Ben had two lines, which he remembered completely and spoke very clearly - bravo on his theatrical debut! 

Backstage with his buddy, Connor

I only cried a little when the graduation march began to play and all these tiny people in black caps meandered marched down the aisle and onto the platform. And a little more just thinking about it again now...

And then their sweet director read off their names, and Ben tried so hard not to giggle when he received his diploma. Not sure if he was super proud or embarrassed...there was lots of cheering and clapping going on! 

Here we are - all smiles, no tears!
I think I'll try to replicate this picture for his high school graduation like I've seen on Pinterest. ;) 

I'm sure 14-year old Will won't mind climbing onto my lap with a paci in his mouth, and I know 16-year old Katie Beth will have something crazy to wear on her head and be checking someone out off camera! I can hear it now, "Mo-om! You are so lame." Can't wait :)

Schoolmates for the last time until 2015!

Definitely gonna replicate this one for dental school grad. Or after performing arts school, Ben - whatever makes you happy, buddy! ;)

Ben and his sweet teacher, Ms. Michele. Ben learned so much in her classroom and constant spout off random fun facts, saying, "Ms. Michele telled me that"!

The proud graduate

Bye bye, preschool...Kindergarten here I come!

(sniff, sniff)