Luke's Last Day of Preschool

This week Luke wrapped up his preschool year with four days of preschool fun.  Each day this week had a theme: Wacky Dress-Up Day, Pirate Day, and Beach Day.  Today was Party Day!  Parents were invited and the teachers put together a sweet little slideshow, had a fun paper-plate awards ceremony, and then hosted a little party goodie feast.  It was fun to watch the slideshow and see how the kids have grown and changed over the year.  Of course, there were tears from this sappy mama.  They are all such great friends with one another!  I know Luke is going to miss his pals; they will all be heading to different schools in the fall.

Luke has thrived this year in his preschool program.  He started the year as a frightened little boy, unwilling to communicate with unknown adults and children, afraid to try new things, and over the year has grown into a confident, well-liked child, willing to give you the lucky chance to get to know him and willing to give unfamiliar situations a try. 

I would still describe Luke as "shy" when he meets new people or is put into a new situation.  He will probably always be a little slow to warm up to new things and people.  And behaviors at home can still be tranquil one minute and then plummeting the next.  However, he had no real difficulties at school this year and is no longer allowing fear or shyness to keep him from having fun or experiencing and learning new things.  And once he does warm up, it's hard to get him to stop talking!  He loves hugs and playing with his friends.  He loves laughing and making others laugh.  He loves to explain things to you and tell stories.  His paper plate award today was "Mr. Funny."  Do you know how much that warms the cockles of my heart?!  My once-upon-a-time shy, quiet boy is now Mr. Funny!  It is so fitting.  He has a goofy side that is charming and entertaining and oh, so endearing.  He has come out of his shell so much, and I know he is going to be successful in kindergarten next year.  Yes, believe it or  not {I am kind of on the side of *not*}, Luke is off to kindergarten in the fall!  He is so excited.  And now I am confident that he is very ready. 

Get ready world!  Luke is on his way!

Dress-Up Wacky Day, which we forgot until we were driving to school, so the t-shirt is inside out and we found the hat and glasses crammed in the corners of the car seats!

Clearly this photo was taken on Pirate Day!  Luke made that little perler bead pirate at home before school, complete with eye-patch!

Beach Day!  The kids were able to play in a small wading pool and with several water toys and a water table in the afternoon.

At preschool graduation, two weeks and two days from his 5th birthday, looking cool, calm and confident!

And silly.

Luke won the "Mr. Funny" paper plate award because of his cheerful, silly personality.  Please note that in the picture on the plate he is making the scarecrow wave to the camera.  Love it.

Luke's teachers.  Miss Katie is in the blue, she's the head teacher.  His two classroom aides are Miss Laura, in black, and Miss Pam, who is in white.  We love them all!