Our last baby was graduating preschool, wow that came fast! Bethany was so excited, mom was all tears {as usual}. That morning we stopped in at Food Lion for some last minute cupcakes and so Bethany could ride in her favorite "driver cart." We found the perfect Princess cupcakes and one had a Snow White ring on it just for her! 
We got to school around 8:30 and Bethany was a pretty as a picture.
All the children were given a lady bug ribbon to wear on their gown to remember their classmate, Kelsey, who would be watching from heaven that day.
Bethany and N'Asia were given the honor of giving out programs.
Some of us moms got the gowns all ready for the kids to slip on.
This was the third time in three years getting gowns and caps ready but it didn't make it any easier, still was overwhelming to think how fast our babies had got to this point.
With the gowns ready and the kids as ready as they could be they all marched in
Bethany showed her nervousness with her fingers in her mouth
The kids were so proud marching in
Mrs. Hughes welcomed us and the kids performed a few songs
It was so bitter sweet, the kids made us smile but to see on the side one of their classmates that didn't make it to this day was so sad.
"Ms. Grandma" (their classroom volunteer) & their assistant Ms. Regina (who was also Ayden's assistant preschool teacher) stood at the back cheering the kids on and helping them remember their moves.
Mrs. Hughes stayed up front to direct
While dozens of parents and cameras were recording memories
After their performance the kids marched out and got their gowns on while the parents saw a slideshow of the year.
I had so much joy being able to help my little girl put on her gown.
Mrs. Sasser who was Brock's assistant and Bethany's for half the year came out too!
It's diploma time!
On the front row sat Kelsey's family. They were unable to see their daughter, grand daughter, sister and loved one walk up and receive her certificate but somehow seeing all the little ones that were in her class was a way helping their hearts heal just a little.
Ms. Regina read a poem in honor of Kelsey
and the children marched in
Mrs. Hughes and Ms. Regina were amazing teachers, you could tell they really loved the children
Bethany gets quiet and focused when she is nervous so there were no silly smiles before she walked up
with her last name starting with "L" she was called up about halfway through. She's lucky, when I was little my last name started with an "A" so I always had to do everything first.
She said "Kelsey was my friend"
Carlton reminded me so much of Ayden and Brock when they were in preschool. He was a handful but something about him just captured your heart. You knew he was going to be something amazing when he grows up.
When all the kids reieved their diploma Mrs. Hughes gave Kelsey's mom her diploma..... there wasn't a dry eye in the place!
They did it! They graduated preschool!
Now it was time to clean up and get ready for a party!
Before we ate we all walked straight to the play area
All the friends and family members crowded around the fence and loved on Kelsey's family
While the wind chime Bethany donated on her birthday in honor Kelsey sang Amazing Grace.
as we waited along the fence....
pops of pink balloons started coming out the door with grinning little ones holding them
Earlier that morning a parent had brought in the balloons and the Friday before {during Bethany's party} the kids colored angels to attach to the balloons
Mrs. Hughes shared more memories of Kelsey as the kids waited patiently to release their balloons.
"Ok, boys and girls.... are you ready"
"We love you Kelsey!"
and just like that they were off!
It was truly powerful watching those balloons go up
again there was not a dry eye in the crowd but it was just one more step that the teachers so lovingly allowed the kids to remember their friend on this special day and allow Kelsey's family know that she was not forgotten.
I love the expression on Bethany's face as she watches the balloons go up.
When the kids went back inside all their family and friends were waiting with gifts of sugar!!!!!
"Itshugrandma" made sure to get her some "sugar" first!
Bethany darted straight for the cupcakes!
Remember that Snow White ring we picked out earlier..... well it got gone and poor Bethany was devastated.....
but never fear! Momma is a superhero in disguise and she located it, made the switch before the first tear dropped!
and the preschool graduation meltdown was spared!
The teachers & parents did an amazing job of making sure Kelsey and her grandfather Mr. Lee were remembered throughout the day. While drinking our punch we could remember the day Mr. Lee took the preschool class on a mule ride.
Bethany finally started to get her silly self back and not be so nervous
Carlton's grandpa was the class "PaPa"
Ricky's grandma was so special too, she made every child in the class a pillow earlier that year
and then made each one a crouched candy holder for graduation.
"Itshugrandma" came bearing gifts too!
a few pictures before we left
another milestone day in the Lancaster home.... our last of three babies graduated preschool and will be entering kindergarten
Lord Jesus I praise you and thank you for blessing our babies over the past three years with wonderful people that poured knowledge and love into our children's lives and prepared them as they enter school. We have been so blessed!
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