The Graduate

Nate's Pre-K graduation was a few weeks ago...and him in a cap and gown was pretty darn adorable.

After much debate and consulting with his teacher and other parents for perspective, we made the decision to keep him at his current school for a 5 yr old Kindergarten class next year (and then probably repeat Kindergarten in Elementary School the following year).  So, since he will be back in the fall, it didn't feel like a true ending.  Which is good...I wasn't ready. :)

But it was sad to say goodbye to both of the boys' teachers.  Fortunately, many of Nate's buddies from his class will be in the 5 yr old class with him next year...which has really helped to put me at ease with the decision.

Nate has come so far this year - his writing (and motor skills in general) has improved, he can count to 100, he can add and subtract really well, and most impressively he is reading really well.  He knows sight words and can sound out most words...it is so exciting to watch him "get it"...and he loves to spell, so our days of spelling things we don't want the kids to pick up on have ended!  I love to brag on my smart cookie - so I am obviously not keeping him back due to lack of smarts!

At the graduation ceremony, they asked each of the kids what they wanted to be when they grew up and Nate excitedly said "An Astronaut"...there were lots of policemen, firemen, and doctors but only one little Astronaut!