Our day started out almost like a typical school day. Dustin had taken off of work that day, so I was able to run Southern to school by myself for a change. The kids were asked to dress in their Sunday Best for the occasion, and Southern and I had fun picking out his clothes the day before. He wanted to wear a tie, so we built his outfit around that. His tie was red with blue and white stripes, so we paired that with a white shirt, navy pants, and black dress shoes.
When we got to school, I parked to walk Southern up to the gate (we normally do carline so that I don't have to get the other two boys in and out of carseats). I had taken my camera along and asked him if he wanted me to take his picture in front of the gate. He said no. Aww. So we just walked. And as we got close to the gate, Southern let go of my hand and strode ahead. I yelled, "bye, Southern", and he turned around and yelled "bye" while waving back at me. He was so proud of himself, and all of the teachers were complimenting him on his clothes.
The kids all put on their caps and gowns in the classroom before making their way to the church. They were lined up in the back of the church when we arrived. I had a friend with her two daughters come to help with Baylor who will not sit quietly through Mass for anything. So I went in the side entrance to meet her in the nursery with Baylor. He was just getting out some toys as I left. I then went to the reception room to deliver the two dozen cookies I had signed up to make and bring (I made orange creamsicle and oatmeal chocolate chip). I dropped them off there, and then I made my way to the church. When I first saw all those little guys in their caps and gowns lined up, a huge smile came onto my face. I went straight to Southern, who had his back to me, and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around with a big grin and gave me a hug. He was so excited. A few of his friends were calling my name and waving to me as well. I told him that I loved him, wished him luck, and went to sit down next to Dustin, Remington, my dad, and Joyce.
I got my video camera ready, and when the kids made their way down the aisle during the beginning of Mass, I started filming. It was such a nice and peaceful Mass. Remington was quiet 90% of the time, and he was mostly held by my dad. And Baylor was in the nursery with my friend Jordan, so I was free to participate. It was great! After the Mass, the 1st-7th graders were told that they could go back to class. This is when I got up to get Baylor. I brought him back into the church and invited my friend and her daughters to watch the graduation with us. Her oldest daughter Natalie was so excited to watch Southern graduate! The graduates took the front and sang a song. Then the teachers started calling names. I had the video camera going, and Dustin was taking pictures with his camera, and of course Southern was at the very end. (Wyatt in Kinder B) But it went by in a blur for me, and I was fighting tears.
After the certificates were passed out and we all gave Southern our congratulations, we made our way to St Mary's Hall for the reception. There were chicken nuggets (donated by Chick-fil-a), cheese and crackers, sausage rolls, pretzels, cupcakes (donated by the Gruene Flour Cupcakery), snow cones (donated by The Grourmet Ice Co), cookies, and more. We all snacked and talked while enjoying a slideshow of pictures of the class. And after we were finished there, we all drove over to Southern's favorite lunch spot.
We ate at Jason's Deli (and ran into Dustin's cousin Jordan with her family, and Max, one of the kinder graduates, with his family). Then we came back to the house to open gifts. Southern received cards with money from Great Granny Ehlers, Grandma and Grandpa, and my mom and Josh. He got Spiderman pajamas from my dad and Joyce. He got a slip n slide from Dustin's dad. And he got a small Lego set, a Robin hot wheels truck (Batman), and a picture frame with room for his portrait, class picture, certificate, and tassel from us. (He also got a Subway gift card in the mail from Uncle Terry) How awesome!
And then it was time for the class pool party!! Two of the moms from Kinder A hosted a pool party for both kindergarten classes at Newk's Country Club. It was naptime for Baylor, so I took Remington and Southern to the party while Dustin stayed home. The boys had a blast and didn't want to leave when it was over.
It was a jam-packed day! I am so proud of Southern for a job well done. His first year of school is under his belt!!
