I have a number of big, important posts to write—about a conference at which we’ll be speaking in Salt Lake City next week, about the latest Idiots’Book, going out today, and about the brand-new Bobbledy album which landed in mailboxes all over the country last weekend. But I am pressed for time this morning and so will leave you with various photos of children instead.
Which is the real reason most of you come here in the first place.
To start, a moment of great happiness and also some bittersweet tears. Each morning at Friendship Montessori School, the kindergartners sit at a little desk and write a sentence (written on a piece of paper taped to the wall) in their journals. Here is the one from last Friday, which was Alden’s very last day of FMS.
Alden, who is young and excited about everything, had no idea that an era was ending, that she may never again be in a classroom with teachers so completely focused on her personal development and learning, so completely full of love.
We spent Saturday afternoon at the community pool, where August did his best impression of a linebacker. The water was not warm, but plenty warm enough for a few hours of splashing. If you live in the area and have never been to our community pool, you’re missing out. We’re so lucky to have such a nice facility.
After drying off, we drove over the bridge to spend some time with my college roommate Christian and his family.
Christian, who clearly loves his daughter Iris more than I love mine, was good enough to secure an Elsa dress (from the movie Frozen, for those of you without small people).
So you know, Alden doesn’t ALWAYS smile like the world is about to end: just when wearing Elsa dresses or while not realizing that she is about to leave a nearly perfect pedagogical environment for the great unknown of first grade elsewhere.
We served pizza to our far-too-many children.
Iris, being slightly larger than Alden, had just outgrown her bike. The outgrown model was the perfect size for Alden, who promptly rode it up the sidewalk…
…and back down again.
Alden, who has been wearing second-hand clothes her entire life, took zero objection to her hand-me-down bicycle.
Kato took a spin on the Razor scooter.
It suited his attitude and overgrown haircut perfectly, I think.
When the kids tired of rolling about, we blew bubbles.
Before attempting to answer the question of how many children you can fit inside a small plastic car.
Apparently, the answer is at least as high as six.
Before we headed home, August and Milo did a light show for us.
We posed a group shot on the steps, but August was distressed. At first we couldn’t figure out what was bothering him.
But then we realized: we were missing a kid!
Kato was located and added to the top of the pyramid.
Christian and I have been busy since college, apparently.
Last night was the end of year party for our beloved Friendship Montessori School. Families gathered for pot-luck and recognition of the kids and teachers.
The primary (older kids) class sang us a song.
And each of our small people got a certificate and a few kind words.
August got props for “always responding with NO even when shaking his head YES.”
That’s my boy.
Kato was praised for “making a special trip to the bathroom if the need to say potty words becomes too overwhelming.”
Ah, a father’s heart swells with pride.
I was too busy taking a video of Alden getting her certificate to remember to take a photo, but, according to her teachers, “she is enthusiastic about life, she admires the efforts and achievements of others, and she never loses patience or her sense of humor.”
Brings a smile to this face, it does.
My little girl, done with kindergarten, eager as can be for elementary school.
We have this whole summer thing to get through first. More on that to come.
