Lasts

As parents we look forward to many "firsts" when it comes to the things our kids do, but we often underestimate the significance of the "lasts" until they've already happened.  Sometimes though, we are fortunate enough to recognize it while it's happening, not so that we can feel sad about it, but so that we can savor every little thing about it one last time, knowing that it won't ever happen again. 

I don't normally have to wake Elliott up in the morning, but thanks to the evening swim lessons he's been taking, I got to wake up first and spend a few moments staring at his precious face. That's when it hit me that this would be the last day that he would wake up and go to preschool.  

His last day as a preschooler.

Even though I know that he is technically not aging any faster than he was before, I remember from our experience with Oliver that the jump from preschool to kindergarten seems to launch them into the next level of big-kid-ness faster and further than I was ready for. 

Not in a bad way by any means, but the changes happened fast. 

So here it is.  Here is a little boy who is about to wake up and go to his beloved school one last time, have his last dig in that sandbox, his last climb up that structure, and his last chase along the garden path with those friends. And then he will have to say goodbye to his teachers who have given their whole heart to guide his. 

That is what this is a picture of.

And I am super glad that I got to soak it all up before the craziness of the day took over!!

Last Day of School Pics

Last Goodbye Circle

Hopefully NOT the last hugs from these special ladies :)

Now to celebrate!

Returning Alumni

And after so many Lasts and Goodbyes and Tears, 

I find great comfort in knowing that even though 2 of my kids are officially done with preschool, 

our time at UCNS is not really over!
(Look out Puppy Class of '17)