Pomp and Circumstance

A rite of passage.

Last Friday, Camille graduated from preschool after spending two beloved years in Mrs. Miller's class at Reeder Elementary.

The graduation ceremony was completely wonderful. The kids were in their glory as they proudly belted out four numbers, including "4 Hugs a Day," "Down on Grandpa's Farm," and "Bop Until You Drop." It was pure joy to see how far Camille has come in the last two years and equally as fun to see how her friends have grown. She was so proud to be up singing with her classmates and particularly loved her graduation star and the cookies served afterwards.

Though the ceremonies took place last week, the kids' actual day was today. Double sigh with tears on top. No more drop offs and pick-ups at Preschool. No more talk about playing blocks with Joshua. And worst of all, though I am certain and hopeful that we will remain close to her preschool teaching team, she will no longer be in their classroom everyday.

And though this is inevitable and I know she will be in amazing hands next year, my heart is sad because they have brought her so far. As I have blogged before, they are the 'A' Team and they have wooed our hearts and and won us all over. Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Headly, Jessy, Pam, Carrie, Maria, and all of Camille's team.....we love you! The stars were aligned when we landed you as a team.

For a complete peek at this past year, visit www.picasaweb.google.com/jenbilloneill and watch the slideshow "Ode to Preschool" set to the tune of "For Good" from the Broadway production "Wicked." (As you know, I'm a Wicked junkie.) Can't think of a better song to say how we feel about our teachers.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

I do believe I have been changed for the better.

Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.

I will caution that the quality of the slideshow once placed on the Picasa site declined dramatically, but it's still worth a peek. And I will caution you never to ask me, "How did making that slideshow go?" because though I managed to get it put together without too much incidence, after adding the final touches after graduation last week, do you think I could get it burned to a DVD format to give to the teachers? Let's just say I had to call in professional help. Humiliating though it was, it was worth it for the cause.