Owen's last day of 1st grade

I can't believe how fast this school year has flown by and how much Owen has grown and changed. He is such a smart and kind kid and we are so proud of him! 

Owen doesn't really like for me to include notes in his lunch...I guess it's not cool in 1st grade (that doesn't mean he won't get one from time to time.)

He was so sweet this morning and super excited about this being the last day of school. He's ready for 2nd grade even if I'm not ready to see him grow up so fast! 

Danny and Owen are are the "morning crew". They both get up early and out the door before the rest of us are even out of bed. I think they enjoy this time together. 

I love seeing how much the kids change throughout the school year. Owen grew taller, smarter, wiser and even lost a hand full of teeth. His look has really started to change...thankfully his kind spirit and loving heart has not. I have to wrangle him from time to time as he tests his boundaries, but overall he makes good choices and we could not be anymore pleased with the young man he is becoming.  

Owen's 1st day of first grade HERE

Ben's Preschool Graduation

Every year Ginger reads aloud and gives the graduating children a sweet book. This years selection was You Be You by Linda Kranz .

The kids made a sweet garden banner and presented it to Ginger as a gift for the school.

It was beautiful! Each child painted a square.

Afterwards, the graduates were presented with kind words, words of wisdom, and a sweet gift. Each teacher took turns and recognized one student at a time.

Ben was nervous to go up in front of everyone....

I was glad to see Holly pick up his picture. He loves her so much and I can't imagine this moment any different for him.

He rubbed her hair the entire time she talked.

He's going to miss her!

One of our amazing parents wrote the most beautiful story/song to share with the school. It was beautiful and very touching.

for everyone!

Ben's last day of preschool

This guy was eager to get to school this morning to see his friends and teachers and to finish a few last projects before their big Creativity Celebration/graduation this evening. 

He gets a little sad when we talks about the school year coming to an end. He keeps saying he's going to miss his school, his friends and his teachers. I love how important this part of his life is to him and how much he has learned and grown over the past two years. Roots + Wings is a special place and I'm so glad our children were and are able to be part of such a wonderful community of educators, mentors, friends and families. 

Ben and Tonya

 Ben and Emma

 the last time he will wave goodbye and blow me kisses from this window. Tear.

 his sweet friend Medi

 Ben and Ginger

and his buddy Eli...these two have been buddies for awhile (since both their older brothers went here before them.)

As sad as I am for this chapter to close,  I am equally excited and ready for Ben to enter kindergarten. I hope his sweet spirit and kind heart remains pure and his love of life and all those around him is greeted with open arms. He has so much to give!

and next year...I'll be dropping this cutie off.

and she's ready!