Our Big Graduate

Madison's first year of school is officially in the books! She absolutely loved everything about kindergarten, although, even she was ready for a break by the time the school year ended. She keeps saying she doesn't want to go to first grade because she's going to miss her teacher too much, which is totally Madison! I'm so grateful for Mrs. Barnes and everything she did for Madison this year. And I'm grateful to Jordan's aunt for recommending the school and teacher!! We loved it!! Madison was already reading before she started school, but she progressed even more in that regard and is now reading at a third grade level. Her writing and spelling also improved a lot as well as her math skills. However, while academics are important, we've always known she's a very smart girl so our hopes and goals for her this year were more social. Before entering kindergarten, she was often shy around other people and kids and has always been very sensitive. I was so worried about whether she'd be able to make friends and be comfortable at school. Of course, she did great there too and had lots of good friends from the start! She never really had a best friend but had lots of girls that she would play with at different times, which I think is even better (and is how Jordan and I both were in school!), including Ansley, Ellianna, Emme, Bentley and Drew. Jordan and I could both see a big difference as the school year progressed in her confidence level!

Her school did a fun kindergarten graduation program, which Jordan's aunt actually put together! Each class was featured in a song and a couple kids from each class were chosen to recite a poem (of course Madison was chosen). Then they were each recognized and got to shake hands with the principal, Mr. Hallock. I honestly don't really get the idea of kindergarten graduation since she's staying at the same school next year, but it was fun to see her recognized!

She had her outfit and hair planned several days in advance! She was so excited to get to wear her favorite church dress and shoes to school!

Entering the cafeteria

A little wave

 So most of my pictures turned out blurry :( But she's still cute!

Another wave for Reagan

 Singing a song

Reciting her line of the poem

Her class ready to graduate! (she's 7th from the left)

Congratulations cute girl!

Love her!

The one in the middle is Jordan's Aunt, who was recognized for putting together the graduation program. She is a retired teacher who worked with Mr. Hallock for many years and recommended the school and Mrs. Barnes to us. I'm so glad she did!!

The kids all danced to "Happy" by Pharrell as they left the cafeteria, which was so cute!!

 Talking to Mrs. Barnes. McKinley already can't wait to have Mrs. Barnes too!

My girl and I

My three cute girls!!

Madison and her cousin Guess, who was also in her class!

Dad couldn't be at graduation because of work so we went and picked him up for a special lunch after the ceremony!